Assisi

This past weekend I went to Assisi for the Tenth Annual Pilgrimage for University Students sponsored by the Diocese of Rome.  Assisi is known as the  “City of Peace,” but with about 3000 young people (my very rough estimate) converging on the city, it was a little busy and noisy.

The group from my University (the Angelicum) met at the school at 6:30 in the morning and finally got on the road about an hour later once the bus drivers finished disputing their contract (after all, this is Italy). 

We began with Mass in the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels which is in the plain in front of the city of Assisi (which is built on a mountain.)   

St. Mary of the Angels

This church is quite unique in that there is a church within a church.  First, there was the “Porziuncola,” a little chapel where the first followers of Francis gathered.   Then, the larger outer church was built later to accommodate all the pilgrims which were (and are) attracted to the site.  It is also the place of the “Transitus” which is where St. Francis died.  

The Porziuncola inside St. Mary of the Angels

The Porziuncola is right in the middle.

After lunch, we hiked up (and I mean UP) to Assisi which is a typical Medieval city which was built on a mountain for defense.   

I was told that this is where St. Francis and his friends would hang out.

At the top of the mountain.

A city set on a hill.

We made our way to the Basilica of St. Francis which is very beautiful with many frescos.  In the “lower church” you can see the tomb of St. Francis.  The chapel just felt like a holy place.  What really struck me was the silence.  Of course, there were many people inside, but even with all the people it was probably the quietest place I have been in Italy.  I think this is a testament to the saintliness of Francis and the awe which he inspires.  

The Basilica of St. Francis.

The tomb of St. Francis.  (I may need to go to Confession after taking this picture...After taking it I saw a "no picture" sign.  Ooops)

The Basilica of St. Francis.

Some of our group for the day.

We then went to the Basilica of Assisi’s other famous resident and friend of Francis: St. Clare.  Incidentally, it is on the other side of town!  This Basilica is quite different – very austere and simple, but quite beautiful in its own right.  

The Basilica of St. Clare.

The highlight was seeing the cross of San Damiano which is said to have spoken to Francis, saying “Rebuild my church.”  Of course, Francis took this literally and began to rebuild the Church of San Damiano which was falling into disrepair.  Only later would he realize, with the help of Clare, that it was The Church which they would call to conversion.

The San Damiano Cross.

In the evening, there was a candlelight vigil and procession to close the pilgrimage.

Night falls in Assisi.

The beginning of the vigil.

Of all the places I have visited so far in Italy, I think Assisi might be my favorite.  I hope to return and spend a few days (without so many folks around) exploring its narrow, curvy and hilly pathways.  There really is a sense of peace about the place.  I'll leave you with a few more pictures from the day.

Ciao!

Assisi from the piazza in front of the Basilica of St. Clare.

Saint Francis.

The plain in front of the city.

Returning to the Basilica at dusk.

St. Mary and the Angels (and the fog).