Assisi: City of Peace

After five days in Rome, we took buses about three hours to Assisi. It was such a blessing to spend three days in this beautiful, peaceful town.

Here are the highlights, in no particular order - because every stop could probably rank as #1!

1) Mass at Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. This is the Basilica built over the Portiuncula that St. Francis built. Out back is the Rose Garden - here Francis had thrown himself into thorn bushes to resist the temptation to lust and roses (that to this day, don't bloom on any other of that species of bush) sprung up. 

2) Mass at Santa Chiara (St. Clare).  The church now houses the San Damiano Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis telling him to go and rebuild the Church! The tomb of St. Clare is also in the church. 

3) Pilgrimage walk to the Hermitage of St. Francis. We walked about an hour up the mountain to the hermitage and cave where St. Francis used to pray. 

4) Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, at the Tomb of St. Francis.  This is one of the holiest place in Assisi, built over the tomb of St. Francis. The upper church is covered with frescoes by Giotto depicting St. Francis' life. Dr. Alan Schreck (Professor and our next door neighbor for the semester) led our wonderful tour of the basilica. 

5) Walking Tour of Assisi

Chiesa Nuova - Cell where Francis was imprisoned by his father. The church is built over Francis'  birthplace and family home.

In front of the Santa Maria Maggiore (Assisi's first cathedral) where Francis threw off his clothes, renouncing his father and wealth - and embracing Lady Poverty during his trial with Bishop Guido II.

Abbey of St. Peter - where Francis and his revelers met on June 13, 1205. Francis was bound and his experience of Divine Love led him to espouse Lady Poverty.

House of Bernard of Quintavale - he was the richest man in town and he gave it all away to follow Francis after he witnessed him praying all night long as a guest in his house.

6) The best cannolis ever! Went there everyday!

7) Santa Maria sopra Minerva - built over an old pagan temple.

8) Cathedral of San Rufino. Outside is St. Clare's birthplace. Inside is the baptismal font of St. Francis. 

9) San Damiano. Here St. Francis heard the words, "Go and repair my church, which is falling into ruin." Also it was here that St. Francis wrote Canticle of Sun. And it is where St. Clare died. It is also the place where our family and our nephew, Timmy, took a picture!

10) Maro aka the amazing leather man! Many of us bought beautiful leather bags, wallets, belts, and covers for Bibles, Magnificats, etc. Here's what I walked away with, and the view across from his little shop. 

Bonus: the gorgeous views of Assisi!

Throughout our pilgrimage we were able to pray for many intentions. What a beautiful privilege it was. On our last full day in Assisi the terrorist attacks in Paris occurred. From this "city of peace" we pray many continue to follow Jesus bringing peace and love to the world, and the hope of eternal life in Heaven.