Through a series of unexpected circumstances, we left this morning without breakfast. And nothing was open in Monteriggione. So, of course, this morning we spoke for sometime about the spiritual benefits of fasting, how it’s not so much for the sake of suffering as it is to create an empty place that can be filled with compassionate concern for others, and for creating a space for the presence of God.
The whole walking pilgrimage is a meta-experience of fasting, from friends, from the comfort of home, from music, and so many other things. One can’t help but develop an appreciation for how much one has, especially in light of how little one needs to be happy.
And then, wouldn’t you know it, we came upon this hidden refuge by Castle Chocciola. Some lovely people offered breakfast, at the side of the Camino, including hard, boiled eggs, sweet rolls, sandwiches, cappuccinos, tea in a donation setting. And all of our pious talk about fasting went right out the window. It was lovely.
Most of the morning we spent in a long forest walk. The trail was rocky and rough, and appeared, for a while, to be the remains of an old cobble stone road.
1 Chronicles 16:29, 31, 33-34: Give to the Lord the glory due his name! Bring gifts, and come before him; bow down to the Lord, splendid in holiness. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let them say among the nations: The Lord is king. Then let all the trees of the forest exult before the Lord, who comes, who comes to rule the earth. Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose love endures forever;
There was beautiful red earth on the plowed fields. It was a really lovely day, though the ascents and descents left us tired.
And then there is Siena! We had drinks and dinner in il Campo, where the Palio race is run! And last summer’s winners (the goose team?) came in a long procession of drummers and flag wavers. Totally fun and quasi-Medieval.
There were no churches at all on this route so we prayed for you on the mountain tops, and in several churches in Siena.
Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick
I am grateful for any priest who gets up in the morning and says Mass for people.
I am particularly grateful for priests such as you two who say Mass and actually care for the people God puts under your care. Please say prayers of thanksgiving on behalf of each of us. I am praying that you are overwhelmed with joy … and wisdom. bb