At the Vatican, there are four main locations where people are buried. The most famous one is the Necropolis deep underneath St. Peter’s Basilica where the tomb of St. Peter is believed to be located. The second famous location are the Grottoes of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the tombs of many popes and some important historical people are found. Third is the basilica itself, where tombs are found at many side altars, including Pope St. John Paul II and Pope St. John XXIII.
The fourth location is a small cemetery, immediately adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica. It is located at the site of Nero’s Circus. This is the only place within the Vatican walls where one can be buried these days (aside from the pope and some other notable exceptions). This cemetery is known as the Teutonic Cemetery.
The land where the Teutonic Cemetery is located was gifted to Charlemagne by Pope Leo IV in 799, for the purpose of establishing a school or hospice. It became a cemetery for the burial of pilgrims from the Holy Roman Empire (particularly Germany) who died after travelling to Rome to visit the tomb of St. Peter. It is a unique cemetery with a remarkably rich history.
It is also the site of a more recent event that exemplifies the message in today’s readings.
Willy Herteleer was a Belgian homeless man who lived on the streets of Rome. He was often seen walking the streets around the Vatican, pushing a shopping cart containing his meager belongings. He was a familiar face to many who lived and worked at the Vatican, especially those who attended Mass at Sant’Anna dei Palafrenieri (the Church of St. Anne). For 25 years, Willy attended the 7am daily Mass at this parish church of the Vatican.
In December 2014, Willy caught a bad cold, and one evening, he was found collapsed on the ground in the vicinity of St. Peter’s. Some kind people took him to the local hospital where he died on Dec 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He died as a ‘John Doe’ – an unidentified person – and he remained in the morgue of the hospital for three weeks, until he was found by concerned locals who had noticed his absence. Willy was about 80 years old when he died.
On February 27, 2015, a Funeral Mass was celebrated by priests of St. Peter’s Basilica for Willy Herteleer at the chapel of the Teutonic Cemetery. The Mass was well attended by many people who knew Willy as a gentle beggar who lived his faith in the streets of Rome. He was known to challenge people in their faith, often asking if they were going to confession regularly. Whether they went to Mass. And whether they received holy communion. He was truly concerned for their immortal souls.
Willy was laid to rest in a tomb at the Teutonic Cemetery, among famous historical figures, nobility, clergy, and benefactors.
Willy was a humble, faithful man, who lived his faith and showed his love and care for the people around him each and every day. He never asked for anything beyond the essentials of life. And through the gratitude of the community, he received his reward.
Deacon Kris Van Hees