St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is a must-experience for any Rome visitor.

On Friday, June 7, the Orange County Youth Chorale, directed by Keith Hancock, is the guest choir for Holy Mass. The current and former students from Tesoro High School in Southern California will sing at the main altar at San Pietro in Vaticano at 5 p.m.

OCYC, the renowned international touring choir formed by current and former students of Mr. Keith Hancock at Tesoro High School in Southern California, is the featured guest for the 5 pm Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Their harmonious voices will fill the grand space, adding a spiritual dimension to this already awe-inspiring event.

A Closer Look at St. Peter’s Basilica

In this city of outstanding churches, none can hold a candle to St Peter’s (Basilica di San Pietro), Italy’s most significant, prosperous, and spectacular basilica. Built atop an earlier 4th-century church, it was consecrated in 1626 after 120 years of construction. Its lavish interior contains many stunning works of art, including three of Italy’s most celebrated masterpieces: Michelangelo’s Pietà, his soaring dome, and Bernini’s 95-foot-high baldachin over the papal altar. St Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest temples for Christendom and one of the largest churches in the world.

Besides, it is where the Pope presides many liturgies all year round.

What to Know About Accessing the Vatican

It is important to note that the choir sings as part of the liturgy, and visitors are asked to be respectful. Saint Peter’s Basilica is an actual parish church, with Mass celebrated daily for the local community and the thousands of visitors who happen to drop by throughout the day.

Access to St. Peter’s Basilica is free and requires no tickets, but everyone must pass through the security checkpoints. It is highly recommended that you arrive well before the worship service. We recommend getting in the often very long lines by 3:30 pm.

A church-appropriate dress code is required: No shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts are allowed when entering St. Peter’s Basilica or attending a Papal event on St. Peter’s Square.

The official website of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican (Holy See) and Pope Francis can be found here.