Arrivederci, Assisi
Well, the days in Assisi are over. Our 'official' visit to the Basilica of Francis was wonderful. We had Mass at the tomb of Francis, which was a very powerful experience, and then had an amazing historical tour by one of the pilgrimage leaders. It's hard to believe how much you can miss when you're just looking around by yourself.
And it's hard to believe how much can change in the course of a few weeks. All of those stories on paper have come to life and so many of the people and places have taken on a new dimension. Seeing the area in front of the Bishop's house where Francis renounced his father, taking a 'night-time' walk through the gate that Clare used when she left her family, or seeing the spots where Francis spent days and weeks secluded in prayer...reading these accounts will never be the same. And hearing the contemporary stories of Franciscans in Italy, Tanzania, and Pakistan continue to put flesh and bone on the vision that Francis and Clare have passed down to us.
Of course, walking through the streets of Assisi at 4:00 am and going to meet our bus just added an extra touch of poignancy to the farewell.
And on to Rome for a few days of exploration! I arrived here on Friday safe and sound. I had a choice between taking a cab from the Airport to my hotel (that would have cost $60) or the train (which was about $8)...you guess which one I chose. Anyway...picture this...I have my luggage (suitcase, backpack, and another small bag)...I take a train from the airport...then I had to transfer to another train...which of course wasn't on the same track...so I walk DOWNSTAIRS (think of something that looks like a subway station)...then across...then UPSTAIRS to the other track. I take the second train and get to a spot that is reasonably close to my hotel. So I get off that train, walk DOWNSTAIRS...and then back UPSTAIRS to street level. Now this is the same pensione that I stayed at when I first got here...did I mention that it's at the top of a BIG hill...with several stairs and steep roads. This whole excursion took almost 2 hours. Now I have to decide what I'm going to do next week when I have to get back to the airport.
I got to the pensione and fortunately my room was ready. I collapsed on my bed and cooled off a bit. Had originally thought that I would lay low after the morning excursion, but my curiosity got the best of me. I headed for the Vatican Museum (it's just about a 15 minute walk). Since I got there around lunch time there was hardly any waiting line. It's a BEAUTIFUL place...and of course, the last stop on the visit is the Sistine Chapel. (Silenzio...no photo...silenzio...--- I think the guards took lessons from the friars at the Basilica in Assisi.)
I was dragging a bit, but as I left the museum I found myself at the entrance of St. Peter's. Since I had already gone through security to enter the museum, it seemed a shame not to go in. As I wondered around I discovered that one of their regular weekday Masses was going to start in about 45 minutes. Well, if you know me you'll know that this was an opportunity not to be missed.
I was told that this Mass was at the main altar (not to be confused with the high altar - the main one is behind it). First I had to assure the gentleman guarding the rope 'blockade' that I REALLY was going to Mass and not just trying to get in to take pictures. At the beginning of Mass, the Cardinal who was presiding welcomed a group of young pilgrims who were there with some Franciscan Friars from Assisi (what a coincidence! I'd come full circle!). He gave a passionate homily about how St. Francis embodied the Gospel message of serving others and not trying to be first. (He really did do a nice job...and I understood about 90% of it!).
I had a double bonus...left the church just in time to see the changing of the Swiss guard at 6:00 pm...didn't realize they did it so formally, but then I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Have since done a bit more sightseeing, but will leave those tales for another day.
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Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:14:58 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  |
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