This is what is in the window of Gammarelli right now. You can tell that they are getting ready for a consistory.
Off to Assisi. First stop, Santa Maria degli Angeli and a visit to the little Porziuncula church.
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This is the itty bitty church involved in the plenary indulgence that comes up a couple times a year.
The place where St. Francis died: the chapel of the “Transitus“.
Up to the big church on the hill.
The tomb of St. Francis. I spent some time in intense prayer here, talking to him about the Pope.
Upper Basilica. Walls by Giotto.
Trinkets of the life of Francis: stuff given to him by the Sultan. You know the story.
Then we were off to visit St. Claire. I spent some serious time here also, asking for some help about something that is troubling to lots of people.
Off to Florence, where the bread is not salty.
Florentine bread. Blech.
Dante uses salty bread as a symbol of exile. If you are a Florentine, and you taste salt in the bread, then you know that you are not in Florence.
Pappardelle al cinghiale.
Walking back for a night’s rest.
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If it’s fresh, that manner of bread is fine, unless you misuse it I suppose …
If it’s too many hours old (and it usually is), then oh yes : Blech.
Still FAR better than circa 1970s/1980s French baguette, which was Blech straight out of the oven !!!
That bread is made for far’ zuppa and cleaning the palate & plate between courses (if you’re not in too polite a company), though the French also make it for certain cheeses and pâtés, and the Spaniards to mitigate their sugar-rich breakfasts and salt-rich cuisine. It’s great for eating with a good hot bloody steak (Mediterranean style) too !!
The papardelle seem to be a little on the heavy side … (?) … unless the flavour made up for it ?
I note that even the dummy in the window at Gammarelli’s knows the correct way to wear a pectoral cross.
[LOL]
Is the scaffolding gone from the upper church of the Basilica of St. Francis? And if so, does it look as if the restoration is finished?
Florence!, loveliest city in the world. I am suffused with envy, and you’re the tempter!
Thanks, Father, for the vicarious pleasures!
Father,
Are you going on to the interestingly named Val Trompia to help Beretta celebrate their 500th Anniversary?
The bread may not be salty but the gelato is delicious!
I am homesick for Assisi. Thank you for the lovely postcard.
As a Secular Franciscan with good St. Francis as my professional patron, the more I learn about Jesus and His servant, St. Francis, the more I love and strive to imitate.
One is the story of St. Francis and the immoral priest. Some parishioners were distressed and scandalized by the behavior of their parish priest, who had a mistress and was openly living with her. They were outraged and told St. Francis, who was passing through their village. He immediately walked up to the rectory. The parishioners followed closely behind, hoping to see St. Francis rebuke the priest.
When the priest opened the door, with his mistress standing behind him, St. Francis dropped to his knees and reverently kissed his hands. St. Francis thanked God for all priests, who bring the Eucharist and the Sacraments to God’s people. He never said a word to the priest about his irregular situation. The priest repented and reformed his personal life.
It is a lesson to us today. We may feel scandalized and distressed about the behavior of our priests, bishops, and even our Pope. But we must always treat them with great respect and pray to God for their guidance in their holy offices.
God bless you, too, Fr. Z, and thank you for serving us and bringing the Sacraments to so many.
Venerator, good one! Great photos Fr. Z.