Engineering among the Roman ruins and renaissance masters’ works has been a phenomenal opportunity to understand the foundation of our field. Yet, mass today at St. Peter’s Basilica held an unanticipated gift. We may not have understood everything that was said in Italian, but the significance of the worldwide church held a new, nuanced meaning as we participated in the mass with people from around the world. Yes, the soaring space creates the effect that the designers intended, but a stronger much more essential sense of what it means to be present in one’s faith exists in this space, regardless of the structure. Our families are celebrating the Epiphany today; it may be viewed as a celebration of the fulfillment of hope. Experiencing the hope of the Epiphany in this sacred space is an extraordinary opportunity and gift. (Friends back home, the Epiphany was officially celebrated on Friday in Italy.) As we left the Basilica we joined the crowd, mass if you will, in St. Peter’s square. The Pope appeared at noon and addressed the packed the crowd who waited to see and hear from him. This has been a phenomenal day.