Wednesday and Thursday... 20th and 21st of July...
If you have never been to Italy what I am about to say will make you green with envy. If you have been to Italy, you will be able to understand and appreciate the magnificence and beauty that is embedded not only in the culture and people but in every religious monument.
Yesterday we had a walking tour of some areas of Assisi, including the most humbling experience of visiting the Basilica of St Francis. Our day started with a Mass in the Lower Basilica, where the remains of Saint Francis are held. It was here over 800 years ago this remarkable and inspiring Saint began the Order of the Minor Friars.
The upper Basilica is filled with art works by Giotto painted in the 1300's. Awe inspiring frescoes and iconic images....they are there right in front of you, no glass, no ropes to stop people reaching out. Just a sense of true religious respect and reverence. It is hard to imagine a place so steeped in History when you live in Australia which is such a young country.
Assisi, enclosed by 'ramparts' (being defensive walls of a castle or walled city, which have a broad top with a walkway and typically a stone parapet) has virtually been unchanged since the Middle Ages sprawling across the slopes of Monte Subasi, is a Historic time capsule.
On our walking tour we saw many churches, one church dated back to 1000 AD, remarkable! We ended the day at St Clare's Basilica, the Saint who began the Order of Poor Clare's in about 1200 AD. After a prayerful day filled with many, many intentions (see the tab for all the details) we watched the sunset over Tuscany. Pinch me, how blessed am I?
After Mass today (this morning) we headed to the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli which is down in the foothills of Assisi, such a beautiful Church with a golden angel on top (see pics in the gallery). On the apse area of the Basilica is the Chapel of Transit or the "Cappella del Transito" where, it is said, Saint Francis, singing, welcomed death on October 3, 1226 AD. I was able to offer intentions here also, especially on behalf of Stephen Moran, Teresa Puggioni, Elsa & George and for Anonymous others also.
It gives me goose bumps to recall, so imagine - if you can - standing on the Holy ground where Saint Francis had greeted God as he passed from this world to Heaven, defies words.
The few hours left in the day took us to Roma by bus. Tomorrow we go to the Vatican:)
Ciao Tutti, fina alla prossima volta, Kristina 🙏
If you have never been to Italy what I am about to say will make you green with envy. If you have been to Italy, you will be able to understand and appreciate the magnificence and beauty that is embedded not only in the culture and people but in every religious monument.
Yesterday we had a walking tour of some areas of Assisi, including the most humbling experience of visiting the Basilica of St Francis. Our day started with a Mass in the Lower Basilica, where the remains of Saint Francis are held. It was here over 800 years ago this remarkable and inspiring Saint began the Order of the Minor Friars.
The upper Basilica is filled with art works by Giotto painted in the 1300's. Awe inspiring frescoes and iconic images....they are there right in front of you, no glass, no ropes to stop people reaching out. Just a sense of true religious respect and reverence. It is hard to imagine a place so steeped in History when you live in Australia which is such a young country.
Assisi, enclosed by 'ramparts' (being defensive walls of a castle or walled city, which have a broad top with a walkway and typically a stone parapet) has virtually been unchanged since the Middle Ages sprawling across the slopes of Monte Subasi, is a Historic time capsule.
On our walking tour we saw many churches, one church dated back to 1000 AD, remarkable! We ended the day at St Clare's Basilica, the Saint who began the Order of Poor Clare's in about 1200 AD. After a prayerful day filled with many, many intentions (see the tab for all the details) we watched the sunset over Tuscany. Pinch me, how blessed am I?
After Mass today (this morning) we headed to the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli which is down in the foothills of Assisi, such a beautiful Church with a golden angel on top (see pics in the gallery). On the apse area of the Basilica is the Chapel of Transit or the "Cappella del Transito" where, it is said, Saint Francis, singing, welcomed death on October 3, 1226 AD. I was able to offer intentions here also, especially on behalf of Stephen Moran, Teresa Puggioni, Elsa & George and for Anonymous others also.
It gives me goose bumps to recall, so imagine - if you can - standing on the Holy ground where Saint Francis had greeted God as he passed from this world to Heaven, defies words.
The few hours left in the day took us to Roma by bus. Tomorrow we go to the Vatican:)
Ciao Tutti, fina alla prossima volta, Kristina 🙏