We Met St. Francis by Emily (a pilgrim)
Today we journeyed to San Damiano, the place where Francis heard God’s call for his life. We were each given an hour of silent exploration. This is when a lot of us discovered how we prayed. Some of us prayed in St. Francis` chapel, where he heard God speak to him. Others of us needed the nature God created with his own hand. Some of us had trouble making a connection, but we all very much enjoyed San Damiano.
Next we journeyed to Eremo where we started off with a little lesson about St. Francis. Eremo was Francis’ mountain retreat where he loved to go and pray. Shawn ran in to see if he could find a brother who spoke enough english to give us a tour. He found the unsuspecting Brother Nicola who said he didn’t speak much english (YEAH RIGHT!!!) But he was willing to give us the tour anyway. He showed us around, and even took us to the closed off areas where only the brothers are allowed to go. Next he led us down to the origional closed off chapel, which is only for pilgrims. Then he led us to the modern chapel where the group fell silent and took 5 minutes of prayer. After a few more hidden treasures, he pointed us in the direction of St. Francis’ cave.
We thought we were leaving and tried to say goodbye to Father Nicola one last time, but he told us to come with him. He lead us into the forbbiden kitchen where he served us coffee, tea, and cookies. Then he kept us laughing for an hour! Soon it was time to go, and we said goodbye one last time. We were all trueley touched by Father Nicola’s hospitality and endless kindness. None of us will ever forget that day. It seems that we are not just learning about St. Francis. Today it seemed like we met him!