A beautiful blue sky and warm sunshine welcomed the Peace Torch in the inspiring Christmas atmosphere in the "Eternal City".
Federica and Luciana lightned the torch on the iconic stairs of the Piazza di Spagna under the Trinità dei Monti.
Trinità dei Monti is one of the best spot for photo shooting especially for instagrammers.
On the way to our destination, we met a huge group of modern Santa Claus. Instead of riding on a sledge pulled by reindeers, they use bicycles. Santa Claus is the greatest Peace testimonial during Christmas time.
Also reindeers love riding bicycles! And the love Peace too!
Celebrating the arrival at the San Lorenzo in Lucina, the basilica is located in Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina in the Rione Colonna, about two blocks behind the Palazzo Montecitorio, the Italian Parliament.
The representatives of the South American community were waiting for us. esentatives of the South American community were waiting for us.
The basilica is dedicated to St. Lawrence of Rome, deacon and martyr. The name "Lucina" derives from that of the Roman matron of the AD 4th century who permitted Christians to erect a church on the site. Pope Marcellus I supposedly hid on the site during the persecutions of Roman Emperor Maxentius, and Pope Damasus I was elected there in AD 366. Pope Sixtus III consecrated a church on the site in 440 AD. The church was denominated the Titulus Lucinae, and is so mentioned in the acts of the synod of AD 499 of Pope Symmachus. The church was first reconstructed by Pope Paschal II in the early 12th century.
The church was consecrated by Pope Celestine III on 26 May 1196.
Behind the group the peace drawings of the exhibition "Colors of Peace" organized by Association "I Colori per la Pace - Sant'Anna di Stazzema". in collaboration with Peace Run. Drawings created by children from 134 countries were displayed outside the church under the colonnade of the Basilica. Many many thanks to our great friend Mario Gallo, Secretary of the Presidency of our partner "I Colori per la Pace - Sant'Anna di Stazzema" for organizing this beautiful event.
Young dancers are performing traditional ballets wearing colourful traditional costumes as well.
No Christmas could be really magic if a magician is missed...
The event was blessed by the presence of the Ateneo del Gelato Italiano, a school where students learn the art of gelato. Free "Peace ice cream" for all the participants! Some of the students of the Ateneo and the founder Cristina Ciferri (second from the right) presidente dell’Accademia Nazionale Professioni Alberghiere (ANPA).
Peace ice and peace flame, what a taostic combination!
Mother, son and daughter celebrating Peace together.
