It rained all last night, and everything was fresh and bright this morning, as the sun is out for the first time in a few days. The way out of Campagnano goes straight up and straight down a bracing walk each way. Even though the guide book informed us we were walking into the outskirts of the suburbs of Rome, there was still mostly green and open fields and mountains. We journey for three hours through a nature preserve that was all forest. It was a perfectly lovely morning.
I noticed that wild boar shows up on many, many menus. I wondered if there could possibly be as many wildboar, as there is food served. This morning I saw my first wild boar with little piglets. They were hiding in the bushes and scampered off when I noticed them. Less than a minute later, I heard gunshots way off in the distance. Apparently the hunt continues.
The first church of the day was the Santuario de la Madonna del Sorbo. A beautiful, little Carmelite church. It was a happy place to pray for you.
We passed through the very lovely and apparently prosperous little town of Formello, and came to what appeared to be a Jesuit church. With very good will we prayed for the Jesuits.
Psalm 133:1–3: How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers [or sisters] dwell together as one. Like fine oil on the head, running down upon the beard, Upon the beard of Aaron, upon the collar of his robe. Like dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion. There the Lord has decreed a blessing, life for evermore!
The afternoon carried us through harvested farmland, more deep woods, and past some sites where ancient, as in 3,000 year old Etruscan burials were carried out. Apparently the excavations are done, and the land has returned to farming.
The storm of two days ago knocked down some trees right across the Francigena. We had to boonie-stomp through an extended patch of wildness to find our way through.
We both judged it a thoroughly satisfying day.
Tomorrow — Rome!
Love from your priest
Fr. Patrick
Thank you for the pictures & your descript words. How beautiful!
As you wind down your journey I’m prayerfully hopeful that your next few days will be all that you want and need them to be. Know that we will be happy to welcome you back home to this wonderful place. bh
Eating the wild boar keeps them from digging up the truffles. Bless the Jesuits. As you eat your way to and through Rome, I recommend you do the best you can to compensate for Camarillo’s deficit. With all those downed trees, it sounds like you missed the very worst of the storms. God is protecting his priests. Did you manage to get all your gear dry? And no tears was really a gift. Do you have a button sewer?
I’m excited as I write this … Rome is next!