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What do you really know about Vatican City?

The Vatican, comprising the Apostolic Palace, St. Peter's Basilica, and various other buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Catholic Church. It has done so for nearly two millennium ever since the first Pope, St. Peter, made it his home.

Thousands of Catholics flock to the Vatican and its iconic basilica each year. But what do you really know about this great basilica and the city that houses it?

Here, Father Jeffrey Kirby takes you on a whirlwind tour of this little country (yes, Vatican City is its own country, Fact # 2) and uncovers the secrets and surprising facts about the city, and its famous church.

Discover what language degree you need to work a Vatican ATM, what archi tectural feature of St. Peter's is a map of the universe, and even what the pope's license plate number is. Along the way, you'll find the deep theological meaning woven into the design and architectural features of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican.

Whether you've already been to Rome or are still planning your first trip, 101 Surprising Facts About the Vatican will transport you to Basilica and City at the heart of the Catholic Church and enable you to appreciate them like never before.

We are meant for beauty, and beauty is meant for us

Mother Mary Francis tells the story of how a cloistered Poor Clare Community, wholly content to stay where it was, has been called forth by God to go abroad and found or restore five more contemplative communities. In her own charming way, she relates the story - not only of the spiritual adventure of one contemplative nun, but also of the spread of contemplative life from New Mexico to Holland. Throughout the book the author explores spiritual themes about the call each person receives from God to venture forth into the spiritual unknown beyond the confines of our own "life plans" into the greater fulfillment of God's loving Providence. God gives His summons; the answer must be ours.