Just after we started walking we encountered a winery that was offering wine tasting to pilgrims walking the unpaved path. It seemed early, but we shared a single glass rather than do a full tasting. Really good.
There were no chapels in the first couple of hours, so we decided to do our prayers for you at the top of a mountain — it was good to stop after a tough climb up, it was good to see the beauty, and it was important to pray for you!
Our pattern is to have breakfast and a late lunch, when we can, and maybe an aperitif in the evening. Lunch today was in our hotel with an utterly amazing view. I had lampredotto, a beautifully cooked, tender tripe variation. I’m trying everything.
This was the prayer we prayed before pranza (lunch) as we remembered the day’s blessings:
For the beauty of this view we give you thanks a Lord.
For local white wine (Vernaccia) served cold, we give you thanks oh Lord.
For walks through olive groves and vineyards, we give you thanks o Lord.
For the savory experience of fantastic Italian food, we give you thanks, oh, Lord.
For blessed conversation, we give you thanks, oh, Lord
For great weather, we give you thanks, oh Lord. Amen
San Giminiano is an amazing small town, beautifully preserved from Medieval times. It was crawling with tourists. We went Mass at the beautiful cathedral. At times like that I miss you all!
Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick
This may be more than you ever wanted to know…but there it is.
I love the picture of the vineyards especially as they are so scripturally appropriate for last Sunday!
I have lovely memories of walking in Tuscany and Umbria in 2003. I remember well the cathedral. The countryside and the art. Ah magnificent are God’s gifts.
Beautiful pictures! As I mentioned a few days ago, Barb and I visited this town on the hilltop some years ago. It is so beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Wow miss you, Fr. Patrick.
Blessings to you,
Bill R
Never too much… delightful. As you share your sensory experiences, we imagine… Do you, do any wear some kind of sun hat(s) ? Do walkers leave any skin to the sun? Remember that muscle weighs more that adipose. I once walked 90 miles across the Sierras in 9 days and lost none. Walking through wonders is a lovely way to appreciate any body that manages to do that… no matter what the doctors say. But remember that red wine or grapes have more anti oxidants than white. God is hearing your prayer for my mite. I like just offering up all the prayers that you are carrying with you. bb