This morning, first thing, we visited the beautiful Basilica of Santa Christina. It wasn’t as decorated as many Italian churches were, and I think I preferred it for that. It is the burial site of Saint Christina, and also the site of the miracle were in a doubting priest, while saying mass, noted that blood was flowing from the host, he was consecrating. it was after this miracle that the pope initiated the feast of Corpus Christi, the feast of the body and blood of Christ. Fr. Jim and I were both incredibly moved. So many of your prayers have been for a deepening of faith for adult children or grandchildren. We lifted up all of your intentions in a special way this morning.
John 20:26–29: Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Repeatedly today, we saw people out, harvesting olives, by spreading large, loose tarps, shaking the trees, and then gathering up the olives.
Throughout the day, they were very strong gusts of wind. Just part of the journey.
There were a few rest stops for a pilgrims, often with a place to fill up water bottles. These are deeply appreciated after the long up Hills.
The route was extraordinarily, beautiful, shifting between lovely, ancient woods, and olive orchards, and a huge vineyard. Often we could see Lake Bolsena in the distance. Each region has had its own beauty. What a joy this is, even though they were very steep ups and downs today on the trail.
Grant me oh Lord, good digestion,
and also something to digest.
Grant me a healthy body, and
the necessary good humor to maintain it.
Grant me a simple soul that knows
to treasure all that is good
and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil,
but rather finds the means to put things
back in their place.
Give me a soul that knows not boredom,
grumbles, sighs, and laments,
nor excess of stress, because of that
obstructing thing called “I.”
Grant me O Lord, a good sense of humor,
Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke
to discover in life a bit of joy,
and to be able to share it with others.
Attributed to St Thomas More; likely appreciated by Pope Francis
P&L bmb