Peace & Prayer - Orientation Trip Part 1

me on the way to Assisi

Everyone at the Rome Center goes on an orientation trip together, and our trip was wonderful. Aside from all the extremely frustrating logistics, late arrivals, inaccurate information from the SLA's, and questionable speeches, it was fantastic. Really! I got to go see three amazing cities in Italy: Assisi, Ravenna, and San Marino (which isn't technically Italian but is surrounded by Italy).

Assisi

Our first stop was Assisi, and aside from my glimpse of the Vatican, it began my journeys to the sacred. The two upper levels of the Basilica of St. Francis were beautiful, but the lower level where the tomb of St. Francis is was incredible. As soon as I can down the steps there was an indescribable yet tangible presence. There was a reverence in the simple stones, in the dimness, in those kneeling before St. Francis in silent prayer. In that moment I felt blessed and compelled by the peace St. Francis promised, to pray. I could have stayed there and prayed so much longer than the limit given by our tour. The desire to fervently pray for peace in myself, my family, and in the world was so strong and drove my heart in prayer. I felt so filled with peace and as I came up from the tomb I was reminded of how Thich Nhat Hanh believes that "peace is already present in each step, and if we walk this way, a flower will bloom under our feet with every step." Our tour guide had told us that St. Francis's had blessed Assisi and said that people would find peace in Assisi. I certainly felt the peace of St. Francis, and could feel the blossoms of each step as I left the basilica.

Saint Clare Basilica

The part of the trip that stands out most to me was seeing the cross that originally spoke to St. Francis. Our tour guide asked that we all sit in front of the cross which is now hanging in the basilica of St. Clare and pray. It was another indescribable experience to sit in front of the cross that spoke to St. Francis and pray for guidance. The chapel was so simple and perfect since I don't know who could possibly gaze away from the beautiful and blessed cross. Assisi was beautiful and a powerful example of the sacred. It left me feeling like a statue I saw of St. Francis clinging to the crucifix from which Christ reaches out His loving arm; feeling as though I must cling to this peace and the loving arm of Christ who makes all things possible.