Photos of Sunday's tour for pilgrims in Rome.

Submitted on June 28, 2009

Rome — St. Louisans in Rome for the pallium ceremony for Archbishop Robert J. Carlson toured significant holy sites June 28.

The group started at Scala Santa—or Holy Staircase—where some climbed the 28 steps on their knees. It is believed that these are the same steps that led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilot and that Jesus climbed during His Passion.

The group then went to St. Peter in Chains church, where they saw the chains that bound St. Peter when he was imprissioned in Jerusalem.

The third stop of the day was at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome.

Photos by Teak Phillips

Click on a picture to enlarge.

The choir of Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis leaves Basilica St. Mary Major in Rome after singing during Sunday Mass. The Mass was celebrated in a chapel by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson.

Basilica St. Mary Major was built in the 5th century under Pope Sixtus III.It is one of four basilicas in Rome.

The building of Scala Santa, or Holy Staircase, in Rome dates back the 4th century, although the current facade was one in 1585.

Pilgrims begin their climb up the 28-wood covered steps of Scala Santa. The are believed to be the same stairs Jesus climbed during His Passion. They were moved to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th centur

Sarah Schaefer prays at the top of the Holy Staircase. The climb to the top must be done only on the knees while saying prayers during the ascent.

Bob Butler (left) Fr. Kevin Schroeder and Msgr. Vernon Gardin examine St. Peter in Chains church in Rome,

St. Peter in Chains is named for the chains that bound St. Peter while he was in prison in Jerusalsm. The chains are preserved in a reliquary under the main altar.

These are the chains that bound St. Peter.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome, meaning it is the home church of the Bishop of Rome - The Pope.

The interior of the Basilica of St. John Lateran is home to large statues of the twelve apostles.

Msgr. Vernin Gardin and Msgr. John Hickel tour the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Behind them is the statue of St. Thaddeus by Lorenzo Ottoni.

A priest waits to hear confessions at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

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