"Oh, there's no place like Rome for the holidays..."

I returned to Rome for a lovely Thanksgiving feast hosted by Michael’s program. The food was the traditional American holiday fare (with the exception of ravioli), but prepared and, dare I say, perfected, by Italians. Michael’s family and Msgr. Heintz were over visiting, and together we were able to not only explore Roma but also take a day trip to Assisi.

Assisi is definitely on my list as a place to return to this year, and hopefully when it’s not raining. St. Francis and St. Clare (which is my middle name) have always been dear to me, and it was amazing to be able to walk in the places they lived and see the Portiuncula, the chapel St. Francis built, in person.

To be honest, there isn’t a ton to do in Assisi besides go to churches, the three main ones being San Francesco, Santa Chiara, and Santa Maria degli Angeli. It is, of course, an idyllic town nestled in the Umbrian hills, and has retained, at least through tourism, some of its medieval characteristics. For example, if you’re ever looking to storm a castle, stop by

Assisi to pick up a crossbow or a mace.
Saturday, Michael and I were privileged enough to open the Advent season in style through evening vespers with none other than Pope Benedict XVI. It was held in a very packed and slightly more organized than usual St. Peter’s Basilica. You could easily pick out the people there for a photo op from those wanting to pray, as the formerly-mentioned group started leaving after the opening prayer. Well, better seats for the rest of us, I guess.

If you want to catch a mass at the Vatican on a Sunday, I would recommend the ten-thirty. You’ll find it at the high altar at the back, and if you’re unsure which o

ne that is, just follow the large crowd and the sound of beautiful choral music. Don’t be intimidated by the Latin, there are booklets with the responses (and English translations).

Singed,
the Sengenblogger

From left to right: Msgr. Heintz,

Kevin, Megan, Amy, Michael, Tim, and I

Yes, places like this do exist. in Assisi, even in the rain in late November.

The courtyard of the Church of St. Clare.

Il Papa! Giving the Angelus on Sunday morning. Second window from the right, the one with the flag underneath. Good spot to stand: by the fountain.