As we walked home after seeing the precious relics, we sat at a cafe and talked about what we wanted to do the next day.
I told Brian that I was truly happy with everything we had seen. Every place that was on our ‘must see’ list, we had made it to! I told him we could really do anything and I would be perfectly happy.
Sidenote: Brian has this incredible process for organizing and planning anything! I had ten million ideas rolling around in my mind. He created a spreadsheet and within minutes, it was clear to both of us what was ‘must see’ and what was ‘nice to see’. I’m so thankful he takes my thoughts that seem overwhelming and helps me organize them.
We walked into the hotel and I went up to the room and he talked to the front desk for a while.
Suddenly, the door to our room swung open and he said to be sure to answer the phone as soon as it rang. He had arranged a GLT (Green Line Tour) to Orvieto and Assisi! We were going to see a Eucharistic Miracle and where St. Francis and St. Claire were from! I felt like I was dreaming!
The hotel sent up a breakfast to go for the next morning and I wrote in my journal with tears in my eyes. When we left for Italy, I knew going outside of Rome would probably not happen. This felt like the icing on an already perfect cake!
***
We had to be at the bus office by 7am. We had been told that the walking in Assisi and Orvieto would be very steep, so we opted for a taxi. (Did I tell you that there was a taxi stand right next to the Pantheon across from the hotel? It was incredibly convenient and there was always a taxi available.)
After about 1 & 1/2 hours we arrived in Orvieto. I was absolutely giddy when I realized we would ride up to the city in a funicular. It reminded me of the cog train in Pike’s Peak, Colorado.
The very first thing I saw when we arrived was the Cathedral in Orvieto. It was absolutely beautiful. It had this black and white pattern that was absolutely stunning. Inside, in a small chapel on the side, was the reason I hoped to travel to Orvieto. This small chapel holds the corporal of a famous eucharistic miracle.
The Corporal of Bolsena was a miracle that occurred in the town of Bolsena in 1263. The Corporal, the small cloth on which the host and the chalice are placed, holds drops of Christ’s blood. It is such a beautiful miracle and I hope you learn more about the Eucharistic miracles that happen today.
After an hour visiting Orvieto (that only felt like 10 minutes) we traveled to Restaurant Podere Bello for lunch. The restaurant is attached to a property that has accomodations and boasts of a farm-to-table restaurant experience. We chatted with the other travelers and enjoyed the food. It was so pleasant and romantic.
***
Our last stop was Assisi.
Ironically, it has taken me months to carve out time to write about our day to Assisi. When I realized that today was the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, it gave me renewed energy to find the right words to share with you.
Our first stop was the The Basilica of St Claire. To stand under the San Damiano crucifix and be near where St. Clare stood was surreal. To be near to people who heard and followed and served the Lord with their entire life awakened my heart in a new way.
When you read about the San Damiano crucifix online, many times you will find the word “allegedly” when they describe the miracle of the cross speaking to St. Francis. I suppose that is probably what will happen when people read of my miracle – my precious Riley and the healing of my womb.
When I share the story, most people comment – “oh, you just had to relax to get pregnant.”
I remember shyly telling my father those comments and sharing my bewilderment with him. I wanted everyone to share in my joy and the mystery of the miracle of my healing. I want everyone to understand that miracles still happen today! He put his arms around my shoulders and hugged me into his side. He smiled and said, “What is important, is that we know.”
For a moment I shared in St. Francis’s hope for everyone to know the miracles happening all around us. I want everyone to know the peace and hope found is lovely days, in suffering, and all of the days inbetween.
As I came out of the Basilica, I saw it – a sweet and gentle nod from my Savior – letting me know that I’m seen and so very loved by Him.
St. Francis lived a life of scaffolding. He was asked by God to rebuild His church.
Yes, sweet St. Francis took that as a literal request, rebuilding a chapel and other derelict churches in the area, but God revealed that He meant to rebuild the people. St. Francis became the scaffolding for the church. His life was an elevated framework, supporting others as they joined his mission to be obedient to God’s will.
As a feeling of being deeply loved and seen by the Creator of all things washed over me, I renewed my commitment to live a life of scaffolding.
