Keeping up with Parco!
2nd June- 15th June
Hello everyone!
The last week I went to Rome for doing my On-Arrival training, where I met other long terms volunteers who are doing their project in different parts of Italy. It was a fun moment to get to know each other, different places of Italy and other ESC projects. We did different activities to increase our personal skills, get to know each other and manage better the troubles that we may face during our volunteering, It was really interesting.
My On-Arrival training was in Frascati (Rome), It’s a village close to Rome around 30 minutes, It was a beautiful place to spend your holidays and very quiet.
During this week I had the chance to visit Rome all the day, so I wanted to share with you all my favorite places that I saw an some curiosities I discovered. I started in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most important basilicas in Europe.
Basilicia di Santa Maria Maggiore
Although the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is primarily dedicated to the Virgin Mary (it is the most important Marian basilica in Rome), this specific altar was commissioned and dedicated by Pope Benedict XIII to Saint John the Baptist in the 18th century. This underlines the diversity of devotions and artistic patronage within the great Roman basilicas.
Did you know that…?
Santa Maria Maggiore is the oldest basilica in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary and its history dates back to the 5th century. This 18th century altar is therefore a relatively “modern” addition to a building with a history of over 1500 years, showing how Roman basilicas have been continuous layers of art and devotion over the centuries.
Tomb of Giovanni Battista Santoni
The most extraordinary thing about this work is that it was made by a young Gian Lorenzo Bernini around 1610, when he was only about 12 years old, demonstrating his precocious genius.
Did you know that…?
This tomb is one of the earliest known works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the sculptor, architect and urban planner who would define the face of the Roman Baroque. Viewing this piece allows us to appreciate how his talent was already evident in his teens, with a mastery of marble and an ability to breathe life into his figures.
Later a long morning I went to… !
Sepulcro del Papa Julio II
The central figure, imposing and powerful, is none other than the prophet Moses, depicted with his traditional ‘horns’ (the result of a biblical mistranslation of the Hebrew meaning ‘rays of light’ or ‘radiance’). Next to him, in niches, we see two female figures: on the left, Leah (representing the Active Life or Labouring Virtue) and on the right, Rachel (symbolising the Contemplative Life or Meditation). On the upper levels there are other figures, although not all of them were executed by Michelangelo's hand. The whole is made of white marble, with an unequalled sculptural mastery.
The training included different workshops focused on strengthening our personal and professional skills. We explored topics such as cultural adaption, volunteer rights and responsibilities, and strategies for handling challenges during our projects. One of the most meaningful session for me was about active listening and communication, which helped us better understand each other and ourselves.
We also shared our motivations and expectations for the coming months, and had group reflections where we could express our doubts, hopes, and goals. These moments helped create a strong sense of connection and trust within the group-something I really appreciated.
The trainers also guided us through interactive games, team activities, and creative exercises, all aimed at encouraging collaboration and awareness of the values behind the ESC.
My favourite moment (and also hurt) was when I had to say goodbye to the people, I made a lot of beautitull connections but you have to take advantage for all the situations and enjoy the present.
-Pablo
