This afternoon I head to Rome.
I checked in and used some miles to upgrade.
The screen on this flight is a little different… hmmmm…
And there is a very odd fellow in the window seat.
Anyway, the day is underway.
More later.
(Honestly… what were the odds that I should turn on this particular movie, on the eve of my departure, right at that scene with the date?)
Meanwhile… back in Rome itself…. my friend the Great Roman Fabrizio sent photos as he entered S. Maria in Trivio to pray at the tomb of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo (+1837), “hammer of freemasons”.
I have been attached to him since my seminary days in Rome when I was assigned to help on Sundays at San Nicola in Carcere. Saint Gaspar started a confraternity there. There is a plaque and inscription about that in the apse, but it is now covered up by a painting.
Here is the saint.
As The Great Rome writes: “Napoleon’s police tried to tame him and Freemasons tried to kill him many times. He triumphed.
His answer to the French commissar asking him to sign his submission to emperor should be the motto of every pope and bishop requested to yield to the world: ‘non posso, non debbo, non voglio!’ That’s how a Roman priest says ‘No’ when he wants to be talkative.”
“I can’t. I musn’t. I don’t want to.”
St. Gaspar, pray for us.
UPDATE:
This is more like it for these posts.
Flight delay ….
How I love rushing for a flight connection because of an unexplained delay. I really like that. These days I build a little extra time into my itinerary so I don’t have to rush. At least the gates are fairly close. there is a strong chance my bag will come with me to Rome.
Meanwhile, no drama in the boarding process so far. Hopefully we can make up time. Departing froma small airport helps a lot.
I liked the announcement. “No use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes is not a allowed.”
Where’s my snoose?!?
UPDATE:
We made up time and the taxi was short and the next gate was close.
Boarding soon. This is when I start to crave a cheeseburger.
UPDATE:
As I said above, I used miles to upgrade. It’s not a Delorean but it’s managable.
Once upon a time I flew business or first pretty often. It’s been a loooong time and I have lots of miles. Hopefully this will help my adjustment on arrival. Eastward travel is a greater challenge for me and my sojourn is short. I need to function when I hit the ground.
The music may make me slit my wrists.
Doors closed.
UPDATE:
I managed to write a column for the UKs best Catholic weekly, The Catholic Herald, eat something and then sleep for a few hours. Breakfast time has us about an hour out.
UPDATE:
Almost to my place.
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Buon Viaggio, Father!
¡Vaya con Dios!
I confess this is the first time I have read one of these “off to Rome” posts that I have not felt a range of emotions from jealousy to despair that I would ever get to my ancestral land.
Must be because NOW I have my new passport and reservations for March, 2016 when I get to say “arrivaderci” to Chicago for a whole month in Italia.
Buon viaggio, Father Z!
Lucky you….I love Rome. Please remember to pray for us commentators.
This saint seems to be one we should be invoking now, imo, regarding the final publication of the Synod works….What do you think?
Though I’ll never be ordained, I’ll also adopt “Non posso. Non debbo. Non voglio.”
Happy travels.
Have a safe trip, Father.
Prayers for safe, uneventful travels, Father. Enjoy your trip!
Today is Saint Gaspar’s feastday, as it is celebrated in his community.
the Missionaries of the Most Precious Blood, that he founded 200 years ago
this past 15 August.
Just in case anyone should not know about Back to the Future (the film) and the fact that in the movie, made in 1985, they made predictions about 2015, and lo and behold! The CUBS were predicted to be in the World Series. Most unlikely, but they are pretty close! Also, I hate to say this, a woman in the White House, but there are other predictions way off, thank God.
Father Z., get thee over to that Synod and lay them out in lavender! Yes. Lavender.
I wanted to see Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s supposed to be funny.
I don’t mind the strange man sitting next to you, but the fact that he has his window rolled down… THAT’s scary!
Yes!! I love when Fr. Z travels. Take pictures! Pray for us minions!
Snus?!?! Whatever the announcements say, that can be snuck in on a plane… Not that I would know or anything. *shifty eyes*
Have a blessed and enjoyable time in Rome, Father Z.
Soooo looking forward to the restaurant/food photos… and the architecture photos… and the food photos… and the general street-life photos… and the gorgeous church photos… and the food photos… and the liturgy photos… and the historic sites photos… and the food photos… :)
Have a blessed time, Father.
Fr. Z … where did you get that French calendar? I’ve been looking all over for one.
Ooops, looked again and the calendar obviously Italian. That’s what I get for having a pound of provolone between my ears. Same question as before, though.
First of all, have a safe trip Father!
As for St. Gaspar del Bufalo, he is the founder of the Precious Blood Order, which is located in Dayton, Ohio. The Sisters (and the Brothers) of the Precious Blood run many parishes there.
Father Brunner brought them to Ohio in the 19th century, in Maria Stein, to the north of Dayton.
I hope I have my history correct. So glad to know you have a fondness for this saint!
God bless!