For several years, Francis was handless. This past winter, Francis also became headless. I can’t have a garden without St. Francis so I purchased a new two foot statue. Once again, Francis stands among the flowers and feeds the birds. Who hasn’t seen St. Francis in a garden? Even the scholar Lynn White, who critiqued …
578. “Pax”
In Assisi, I constantly see either the word “pax”, peace, or an image symbolizing peace. Assisi Wine Peace St. Francis believed the highest ideal is peace; he believed that peace is the highest aspiration for each person. In St. Francis' Rule of 1223, Chapter 3: Concerning the divine office and fasting; and how the brothers …
577. Assisi, Off-Route
I enjoy Assisi. I can relax; I can learn about Francis and Claire; I can eat and sleep when I want; I can take photos to my heart’s content; I can sit on the piazza drinking coffee and watch people. Nice! Here are some various photos from my iPhone. I can’t access my Nikon photos …
576. Walking at 72
I’m fortunate to walk the Via Francigena at my young 72. With decent health, sufficient financial resources, and Mary’s support, I find that this pilgrimage is “doable.” I can feel the effects though. Losing a toenail on my right foot from walking shoes not tightly laced for the downhill walking in Aosta valley. The top …
575. Envy, Gluttony, and Sloth
My walk that day isn’t long, probably 8-9 miles. A couple of miles before San Gimignano, I see the town's towers. Neat! I reach the town, check into the hotel, and head directly to the church. I probably spend two hours looking at some of the most vivid and complete set of Biblical frescoes I’ve …
574. Paths
Since individuals are always walking, I’ve been here before pilgrims walked on me. Walking to a stream or hot springs for water. Collecting fruits and nuts. Trudging home after working in the fields, planting and harvesting wheat, oats, corn. Only a few on the path are consciously pilgrims. My surface varies. Much, much older are …
573. Mt. Olivetto Maggiori
Abbey Mt. Oliveto Maggiori is a Benedictine monastery with a long, long history. As I mentioned in the previous post, the cloister walls depict scenes from the life of St. Benedict. The abbey chapel has traditional art. However, more modern depictions both of Biblical scenes as the life of St. Benedict can be found there …
572. Abbey Mt. Olivetti Maggori: Off Route
I arrive at Abbey Mt. Olivetti Maggori. Six miles from Asciano. A Benedictine monastery founded by Sienese nobleman turned monk Bernardo Tolomei in 1319. I am here to rest and reflect on my pilgrimage. Although I have stayed at several monasteries, I am disoriented at first. I am aware that there is a restaurant close …
571. Water, a Walking Necessity
I need water as I walk. My skin, muscles, heart, and my plumbing system simply will not work without water. Isn’t our body composed of 60% water? At home, I take water for granted. If thirsty, I pour myself some filtered water from the fridge. If the hydrangeas or native azaleas need water, I turn …
570. Siena Rest Day, more
Besides the Siena Duomo, I simply love visiting sites, wandering around the streets, eating delicious Tuscany food, watching a snare drum and flag waving procession of one of the Contrade’s (neighborhood association). The Piazza del Campo is the gathering point for Siena. Like a sea shell, the brick plaza dips toward the lowest end of …
Journeys: Explorations in Body, Mind, and Spirit 