A month-long pilot project to make priests available within the Vatican Museums to offer spiritual counselling to visitors is being hailed a success, reports the Catholic News Agency.
“There are so many themes that are spoken of. We might speak of art and faith or of economics and faith. Some people come to share their experiences or difficulties in their personal, professional or family lives,” said Fr Isaac Vondoame, one of two priests who were available in the museums throughout August.
“The most special experience I’ve had is that a woman came to up to me to confess after many, many years. After her confession, she began crying. She found Jesus Christ in one way or another, also here, in this place,” Fr Vondoame told CNA.
Together with Father Chidi Onwuka, the two Rome-based priests have been positioned at strategic positions within the Vatican Museums.
Fr Vondoame, who is originally from Togo, is a missionary with The Sons of Divine Providence, while Fr Onwuka is a native of Nigeria and is a Missionary of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
They estimated that “dozens” of people per day have stopped to chat with them.
FULL STORY Vatican museums visitors happy priests are present (CNA)