It has been one of our great dreams (Paul/Keely) to visit Assisi, the home of St. Francis and Clare.
This medieval Italian (Umbrian) town is everything it's cracked up to be. To begin with, it's only a short train ride (2 hrs) from Rome. We left about 8:00AM--this time getting on the right train--and arrived about 10AM. The train actually stops at a town called Santa Maria degli Angeli, which is about 5km from Assisi itself. A short bus ride, though, brings you up the mountainside and into the heart of the town.
A network of narrow, cobbled streets run throughout the town, connecting the major churches: the Basilica of St. Francis (containing Francis' tomb, and the stunning frescoes of the saint's life by Giotto); the church of St. Clare (including her tomb and many relics of her life); Saint Peter; St. Rufinus. A steep walk just outside one of the city gates takes you to the sanctuary of San Damiano, where St. Francis received his famous vision of--and commission from--Jesus, calling him to "rebuild" the church.
It was an immense privilege just walking around this beautiful town, home to one of the most beloved and influential saints in all of western Christianity.
Wow. What an incredible opportunity. So glad you had the chance to fulfill that dream.
ReplyDeleteSo who are the people in the picture with you and Keely? They kind of look like your kids but they're all too old. They can't have grown that much since I saw them last!
Thanks so much for posting. I love reading *how* you write as well as *what* you write!