Renovations reveal ancient discoveries at a new pilgrim centre for Australians in Rome
Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
28 Jan 2010
The remains of a 1st century building have been uncovered during renovation and restoration work of a building in Rome which the Australian Catholic Church is converting to a pilgrim centre for visiting Australians.
Called Domus Australia, and the initiative of Cardinal George Pell, the project has the support of Dioceses across Australia.
Some of the renovations uncovered so far include a 1st century herringbone stone pathway, the wall of a house and a section of column.
The ancient finds have already been protected and upon completion of the project will be on display for the pilgrims.
Prior to being purchased by the Australian Catholic Church, the 19th century building was the student house of the Marist Fathers.
It is located a short distance from Stazione Termini or Rome's Central Station.
In the 1st century this was between the two walls which surrounded the Roman city.
Following another inspection of the project this week, Cardinal Pell said, "Domus Australia will welcome Australian travellers of all faiths however we hope it will be of particular interest to Catholics travelling to Rome.
"It has been a long term ambition to establish a centre for Australian pilgrims in Rome – we would like tourists to have a genuine pilgrimage.
"It will also provide visitors to Rome the chance to learn more about the history of the Church and strengthen our link between Rome and the Church in Australia."
About 60,000 Australians travel to Rome each year.
Domus Australia will accommodate around 80 people in comfortable rooms of varying sizes with en suites. Also included a large dining room, bar services, conference area, common room, business centre and rooftop barbeque area.
There will also be daily Mass in English in the large chapel which is also under restoration.
The centre will be a "home away from home" – but not a hotel. Prices will be comparable with those of other church hostels in Rome.
Cardinal Pell laid the foundation stone prior to work beginning in July last year.
This week he walked over the site again with the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Tim Fischer.
They saw the ancient finds and spoke with the architect and workmen.
Domus Australia is expected to be open early next year and Mr Fischer would like to have an inaugural ANZAC Day Mass in Rome in the Domus Australia Chapel next April.
The chapel, which will accommodate around 200 people, will also feature a number of paintings by renown Sydney artist Paul Newton. These will include some of the outstanding pioneers of the Catholic Church in Australia like the soon to be Saint - Mary MacKillop.
Other 19th and 20th century artworks to be featured at the centre are also being faithfully restored. Already some of these paintings which have been cleaned of the many layers of dirt and dust have revealed vibrant colours underneath.
Builders are not ruling out finding more 1st century tiles or foundations - but they do guarantee 20th century comfort when Domus Australia opens early next year.
