It is early Wednesday morning, October 13th, in Rome. The weather, for a day or so, began turning cool with some rain and wind. We set off early yesterday morning for Assisi mindful that we may encounter some even cooler weather there. Turned out we were gifted with more beautiful sun and warmth there. The blue clarity of sky with great white puffs of clouds dotting the skies was a wonderful sight to behold. The Umbrian Valley below Assisi was picture-book quality. All this and a more quiet Assisi-----all the pilgrims and tourists gone since the Feast of Francis------made the day so very enjoyable. Our purpose for the sojourn to Assisi yesterday was to begin the deep reflective process of discernment for leadership and direction of the Congregation for the next five years. We had the great privilege (with much gratitude to the General Council and particularly Debbie who arranged this stay) to have San Damiano reserved for us for a significant period of time so that we could gather there for reflection together, without disturbance by tourists. (Though usually the tourists at San Damiano are mostly quiet compared to the other sacred spots in Assisi.) On this Holy Ground, a friar presided at the Mass of the Holy Spirit with us in the chapel, where we also reflected once more with Sister Colette on the work of the Spirit now in this discernment phase of the Chapter. The words that stay with me are: let the Spirit blow where she will. Then there was time for spending in the environs of San Damiano: the dormitory (where Clare's presence is often so deeply felt), the path tracing down the hill providing gorgeous vistas of the Umbrian Valley, and the protective, still courtyard. There was also more opportunity to make visits to San Francesco and Santa Chiara, and partake in more gelato, pizza, and cappaciano. Today we return to the Chapter room and continue our long day of work and process. Pace e bene to all!
Janet (on behalf of the U.S. delegation, Holy Name, Sacred Heart, and St. Francis Provinces)
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We are grateful for every word...relishing, by proxy, every sacred experience. May the Holy Spirit renew & guide you - (and may the gelato refresh you !!!) Lois HNP
ReplyDeleteWe are all enjoying the blogs so much. Special thanks to Jan and Margie for so much work on them!! United with you all in prayer and spirit as you enter the discernment phase.
ReplyDeletepeace and all good,
Carol s.