Some links for Joannie's new adventure:

https://joanmwatson.substack.com

www.patreon.com/joanmwatson

On May 6, 1527, 147 Swiss Guard lost their lives defending the Pope during the Sack of Rome. To commemorate that day, the new Swiss Guard are sworn in on May 6th each year. Today we talk about the Swiss Guard.

Today we discuss some of the history behind relics, what they are, and why they are important. We talk about some of our favorites and realize we both prefer second class.

Today we drink our way through an evening in Rome while mentioning a pope and a few cardinals along the way.

With some talk of tourism returning soon(ish), Joannie and Mountain talk about what that might look like. And as we approached the anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's election, we have a few stories.

Back on our weekly schedule, we decide to take a break from Roman churches and take you somewhere completely different. Today we go to what many who travel with us call "a best day ever." Today we go deep into the Jordanian Desert to visit Petra, see some camels, and sleep in a tent.

Today we talk about Little Easter in Italy, Joannie's Lenten Station Church Bracket – which you compete in on her socials: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/joan.m.watson/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/Joannie_Watson), and we talk about some things we learned on this virtual Lenten pilgrimage.

Today we explain why this church is called Holy Cross IN Jerusalem. We also discuss the relics of the Passion, how they survived 2000 years, and how they ended up here in Rome.

Today's church has a relic from the Last Supper. We also talk about the Altars of Repose.

Today we go inside the church and talk about golden ceilings, popes, saints, relics, artists, and icons.