A short post from Rome as the Eternal City prepares to welcome its newest Beatus!

The streets of Rome are alive with faith this evening, as young people from all over the world, but especially from Poland, Italy and Spain, gather to celebrate the heroic witness of Pope John Paul II. As I walked to the hotel this tonight, which happens to be just round the corner from the Vatican, nearly all the streets surrounding St Peter's were full of teenagers and youth groups - most of whom seemed happy to be camping outside in the open! Tomorrow, Pope Benedict XVI will beatify his predecessor, confirming John Paul as a beatus, worthy of veneration by the faithful.

It was nice to share the flight with many other Catholics this morning, including Archbishop Vincent Nichols and Dom Cuthbert Brogan OSB - both of whom I managed to speak with as we left the aeroplane about the exciting weekend ahead. I was also able to speak with Archbishop Nichols, for the first time, about my desire to create a Guild of Catholic Bloggers. He seemed genuinely interested in the idea - and even asked me to keep him informed about what might come of the proposed Guild.

I prayed to Pope John Paul II before setting off on my journey this morning, asking that he might intercede for me so that I wouldn't suffer from the horrendous ear-ache that I usually have whilst flying. It worked! I had no problems at all during the flight to Rome - and my ear only popped once on the way down. The last few times that I've travelled by aeroplane my ears have caused me immense problems, and I am usually left deaf for at least a week!

So, in thanksgiving for JP II's intercession, and wanting to pray for all the readers of my blog, I decided to head straight to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore after arriving in Rome's Termini Station. It was a wonderful experience, and I speant a good hour in there. It was packed and there was quite a tussle to get to pray before the relic of the manger underneath the high altar! But, the milling pilgrims brought with them a deep sense of faith and the oldest Church dedicated to Our Lady was full of searching hearts!

Afterwards, I went to the Cathedral of St John Lateran, the world's mother church. It was amazing, and I took many photos - sadly, I seem to have lost most of them, as my phone (and its camera) packed up on me a few hours ago! It was really good to see Pope Leo XIII's tomb, though. He is buried there, and happens to be one of my favourite popes. It was also nice to see the Papal Throne - on which the Archbishop of Westminster's throne is based.

I also managed to visit many other places of interest, including the Colosseum, the Piazza Navona, and the Castel Sant' Angelo. But, of course, the highlight for me was visiting St Peter's Square! Unfortunately, as it was being prepared for tomorrow's beatification, it wasn't possible to enter the Basilica itself, but the Piazza was packed and full of expectant Poles and Romans and buzzing with life and joy! I took some wonderful photos around the Square - so am quite depressed to have lost them!

I also visited the Vatican's Exhibition on the life and work of Pope John Paul II, which is being housed in at the Braccio di Carlo Magno, just to the left of St Peter's Basilica, and which has been commissioned especially by Pope Benedict XVI. The queue was so long for this reflection on John Paul's life that I missed a meeting that I had arranged with a friend, who was expecting me in the Square at 5pm. I joined the queue for the exhibition at about 4pm, and didn't get in till well after 5:30pm! Not only that, it was impossible to turn round, even if I'd wanted to - such was the crush behind me!

The exhibition itself was very moving. In fact, yet again, I managed to take some photos from inside, and was looking forward to sharing them with you... But, it seems that this is not to be. Amongst the many exhibits were John Paul's vestments and cassocks - including his birettas. His episcopal ring was also on display, as were many intimate letters, school reports and original photographs. There were also many video displays at the exhibition, including footage of the assassination attempt that was made against his life in 1981. One of the most powerful images on display was the video of Pope John Paul's last week. After having witnessed his love of acting and his abilities as an orator, it was extremely painful to watch the images of him struggling to speak during his last Easter. Many people were in tears watching this video, which was being played just behind the special devices that had helped Pope John Paul II move during his final years. I left the exhibition fully aware of the seeming fact that God often strips us bear, especially if we truly wish to follow Christ. Our last cross often includes losing our most beloved gifts and abilities.

Afterwards, I went over to the Roman Oratory, to pray at the tomb of St Philip Neri... Which was a pure joy for me!

I now have about 2 minutes left on the hotel's WiFi, so better log-off... But, I will be keeping you all in my prayers tomorrow, as I venerate the earthly remains of Blessed John Paul II.