Operation Visit Coolplaces

Who are these men?

And where did they go?
















All photos in this post by Brian Soliven, genius and photoguy.

The four men of Sacramento made it back to my August stomping grounds last weekend (November 16-18); August in both senses of the word.

It was a bit cooler than it had been before; our presence making it cooler--in both senses of the word.














Ponte Vecchio: Florence's Medieval Bridge



Our diocese has four men studying over in Rome right now: Father Chris and myself are already ordained, and Aaron and Brian are preparing for priesthood.

We had a weekend where all four of us were free, so we hopped on the train heading North. We took the less expensive train on the way up--discovering that the rest of Rome seemingly had decided to pile on as well. Progressive stops opened up seats--and reaffirmed why this was the cheaper train, as the trip doubled in length over the Express.

But we made it.


















Florence's Duomo.




The Duomo is one of my favorite cathedrals--and well-beloved after having celebrated so many Masses in it during my month of Italian study in Florence.

It was great to be able to show the guys the town.

















"If we turn around guys, we'll see the cathedral!"





In Florence they cover doors with gold.


















Gold-covered doors--Cathedral Baptistry.




We made it to a few of the museums, including Fra Angelico's famous monastery which now holds his remarkable frescoes.

The Museum of the Duomo has Donatello's Mary Magdalene.


















Saturday we celebrated Mass at our hotel with some friends of mine in Florence.

Sunday we celebrated the High Mass at the Duomo.














And then hiked up a hill.



We took the express train back.