attending Mass in Italy
 

Still working on the plans for my November trip to Venice, Florence and Rome.

The Florence portion will stretch over a weekend. On Sunday, we will want to attend Mass. I have noticed that the tour guides often mention that a cathedral may not be open when services are being held? How does one get in for the purpose of attending Mass? Is this a problem?

Where have you been to Mass in Florence?

Also, even though it will not be a Sunday, I would like to attend Mass at St Peter's in Rome. Does anyone know how to get Mass schedules for weekday services?

Thanks to all of you...this trip is taking shape!

I re-posted this under "Italy." Sorry for the misstep.

Hi Olive_Oil,

I've been to Mass at the Duomo in Florence. To get in for the service, there's a separate line at the side of the building; as you stand facing the Duomo, it's around to the right, as I remember. We had no problems getting in.

For Mass times at St. Peter's, here's a helpful link: http://www.santasusanna.org/popeVati...ilicas.htmlbut

Also, your hotel may be able to help you out. Good luck!

From your other post...

Author: rex ([email protected])
Date: 05/20/2006, 01:14 pm

See http://www.santasusanna.org/popeVatican/basilicas.html for schedule of celebration of Mass in St Peter's and other Rome Basilicas.

I have never been to Mass in Florence, but I have been to San Marco in Venice, and to smaller community churches in Italy. For a big well known church like Il Duomo or Santa Croce, you may need to inquire ahead of time about a side entrance open to parishioners or other celebrants of Mass.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hello olive_oil. I have attended mass in Florence but it was not the Duomo. And I don't remember which one we attended. There are so many churches that you will not have a problem attending a mass..I assume you will be staying at a hotel in Florence. If so ask your hotel for their suggestion as to which church would be the closest for you to attend and make it clear to them you want to attend mass not just wander in as a tourist. Best wishes.

Olive_oil, several times I visited a church and it just seemed more pleasant and mannerly to stay for the service rather than try wandering around. I've visited all of the following and stayed for the service: Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, and Santissimi Apostoli. At the last one, the elderly priest sang part of the service in a beautiful voice.

Will you be in Rome on a Wednesday? You could probably see the pope if so. Get more information here, and about masses:
http://www.santasusanna.org/popeVati...peVatican.html

Oh good, it sounds like it will not be a problem. I think it will be marvelous to attend Mass at the Duomo, to visit that building to do what people have done for 500 years. What a way to experience it!

Thank you all so much.

Also, in case anyone besides me is still interested in this subject, I read in the Rick Steves guidebook for Venice that there is a Gregorian Mass daily at San Giorgio Maggiore, the island across the lagoon with the Paladian architecture.

As I am old enough to remember being taught to sing Gregorian chant I think this would be a great experience.

The bad news is that the Mass is at eight o'clock.

Thank you again for your responses above, I am confident now that I will be able to figure this out.

We have attended a Sunday mass at the Duomo and we entered through the side dooe. There's an usher that guided us to the available seats.

There are also Masses at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice.

The schedule is here:

http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/eng/c...5&subcat=1

>>>>>Also, in case anyone besides me is still interested in this subject, I read in the Rick Steves guidebook for Venice that there is a Gregorian Mass daily at San Giorgio Maggiore, the island across the lagoon with the Paladian architecture.<<<<<

That sounds so beautiful. I have been fortunate to attend masses here in the US, singing Gregorian chant. It is a dream of mine to attend mass in Italy.

Do post and let us know if you went.

You might want to walk up to San Minaito al Monte above Florence to hear the monks chant at sunset.It's lovely.If you use the search feature here,you'll find more information about that and directions to get there.It's one of my favorite churches-I love the astrological mosaic on the floor and the little shop adjacent run by the monks.They sell herbs,honey,etc.

My spelling was incorrect-it's San Miniato al Monte

To Olive_oil, I attended the Gregorian chant at San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice couple years ago, it was beautiful, and the view of Venice from the belltower is truly impressive. However, it is held at every Sunday 11AM, not every day. For more info, please check:www.turismovenezia.it.

Thanks, JudyC, that's too bad but it is not the end of the world. Great link, by the way. Lots of intriguing info.

oo

Hi O,

I believe that the Gregorian Mass IS held every week day at 8:00AM. I attended a mid week Mass at San Giorgio Maggiore last September as I was the only tourist along with around 15 singing monks. It was truly a great experience as each monk personally welcomed me before/after the Mass.

The Mass was held in one of the side altars. Also, the monks chanted morning prayers behind the main altar around 7:30 AM.

Well that settles it. I'll just have to go, check it out, and report back about this "secret" Gregorian Mass. :)
I like having a mission. Thanks, Mikeyb.

OO