Wisdom from the Vatican: 'You Only Live Once'

Early morning at St. Peter's Basilica is the best time to see it without the crowds

It was an early morning in Rome, the summer of 2018. We awoke early and visited the Piazza Office to meet our guide, a Vatican priest. We anxiously waited at the Swiss Guard Station, waiting for Father to greet us. At about 7:50, he arrived in a gray Fiat, introduced us to the guards, and briskly walked us onto Vatican grounds.

No security check, no metal detector—just right in.

Soon, we found ourselves in the sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica. The priest handed my husband the missal, and my love began to sweat profusely. He said, "I think this is a private Mass, and I don't know what to do."

At this point, I gave him a quick nine-second tutorial on the Catholic faith. In our nearly (then) 23 years of marriage, I don't think he’s ever listened to me so intently!

Once our guide was ready, he led us to a small chapel on the lower level of St. Peter's. Sure enough, it was a private Mass! My husband did the First Reading eloquently and articulated well, despite beads of sweat dripping down as he navigated unfamiliar Biblical names. Our older daughter stepped up for the Responsorial Psalm and Alleluia, delivering it like a pro. Meanwhile, Father didn’t hesitate to step in with corrections when necessary, turning the experience into part sacred liturgy, part impromptu seminar.

After the Gospel, he delivered a homily tailored to our family, weaving in the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas and the importance of looking up. He spoke about how easy it is to focus on the minutiae of life but reminded us that even with faith as small as a mustard seed, looking up and keeping faith alive will strengthen and propel us for all eternity.

Needless to say, I cried through the entire homily.

During the consecration, he invited us to encircle the altar—a moment so profound it defies words. But let’s just say the tears continued.

After the Mass, we returned to the sacristy with full hearts. Our guide said he needed to go but escorted us to Pope John Paul II's tomb, a restricted area. After praying, we walked through St. Peter's Basilica, taking photos and admiring Michelangelo's Pieta before heading out for breakfast.

At 3:15, we returned to the Swiss Guard entrance, where Father greeted us again. This time, we all piled into his Fiat, which he jokingly called the "Rolls Royce of Fiats" because it had four doors!

He drove us across the Vatican, passing Pope Francis' residence. A Swiss Guard and Gendarme stood posted, signaling that the Pope was home. At various checkpoints, we’d hear him switch seamlessly between fluent Italian and humorous remarks like "Viva Las Vegas," which never failed to amuse the guards and grant us instant access.

He took us to a room of ancient tombs adorned with hieroglyphics, some predating Christ. In this stifling space, the story of Christianity unfolded before us. From there, we saw a model of the ancient St. Peter's Basilica, a column from the original structure, and visited the Pope’s tomb area, where we even saw the prepared marble coffin for either Pope Benedict or Pope Francis. (Since our visit, Pope Benedict has passed.)

Our guide, a Vatican clergyman, informed us that photography was strictly forbidden. He also said, "You only live once!" and captured the moment for us.

Later, seated in a restricted area, we saw tourists walking by with envious expressions. I’m sure they were thinking, "We didn’t see this on the tour website!" I wish I could have told them that neither did we! Then, Father asked if we wanted to see St. Peter's tomb. Of course, we eagerly said YES!

Staying close as instructed, we walked in tight formation beneath the altar of St. Peter's Basilica to the tomb of St. Peter himself—THE Rock, the foundation of the Catholic Church!

We admired the solid gold artwork, sculptures, and even the circular opening that connected us to the altar above. It was utterly surreal being beneath the altar.

Afterward, he took us to another restricted area where we could see into St. Peter’s tomb. No photos were allowed, so the scene remains etched in my memory.

Finally, we climbed back into the Fiat and drove through Vatican City, passing the post office, gardens, and papal residences. When I asked about Pope Francis’ choice to forgo the traditional papal palace, our guide paused and said, “Well… that’s not exactly how it happened. But he’s my boss, so I probably shouldn’t share!”

A Vatican priest told us, "You Only Live Once!"