Arrivederci! We’re off to Italy today as we begin our VIRTUAL Pilgrimage to join in the celebration of the “Day for Catechists” during the Year of Faith in Rome. The nice thing about a virtual pilgrimage is: NO CONNECTING FLIGHTS!
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean (I think our plane could use a little altitude!)
What’s your choice of in-flight meal?
Linguine con Cozze (Fresh mussels steamed to perfection and served on a bed of linguini in garlic and oil sauce)- Chicken Calabrese (strips of chicken breast lightly breaded and sauteed with potatoes in a zesty, spicy sauce, on a bed of pasta)
- Merlutzo (Lightly floured and pan-fried in olice oil, Merlutzo is whiting fish shipped fresh from the Atlantic, best described as a much larger smelt, with the same flavor and consistency, serve with escarole and cottage fries)
And, of course, there’s your choice of in flight movie: Under the Tuscan Sun with Diane Lane or Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn!
Personally, I’m going to watch (on my iPad) Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Franco Zefferelli’s classic film of the events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, including his friendship with St. Clare!
Of course, one can’t think of traveling to Rome without recalling the amazing journey of St. Paul to Rome to face trial before the Roman Emperor. We will accomplish in one day what took St. Paul 2 years!
- Paul’s voyage to Rome begins in the year 60, as he sails as a prisoner to Sidon with Luke and Aristarchus. (Acts 27:1-5)
- They changed ships there and then sailed on to Lasea, on the island of Crete, some 50 miles southeast of Greece, where they were anchored for some time. (Acts 27:6-44)
- They reached Malta, a small island off of Sicily in the fall of 60. There, Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but survived. He spent the winter on the island with his captors. (Acts 28:1-10)
- In the spring of 61, they sailed to Syracuse (on the island of Sicily), then to Rhegium (southern tip of Italy), then to Puteoli (western coast of Italy) before finally reaching Rome where he spent 2 years under house arrest. (Acts 28:11-16).
Share your thoughts below (in the Leave a Reply section):
A pilgrimage – whether actual or virtual – is symbolic of our life’s journey: we are a “pilgrim” people. What do you need most at this juncture of your journey?
Looking forward to the rest of the pilgrimage! I have a deep fear of flying and heights, so this is perfect! I do hope at least one glass of wine was included with that meal!
Veronica, white or red?
Enjoyed the first day
Love the history lessons from Fr. Reed! Thanks for bringing us along, Joe!
Joe– you’ve got me salivating! All those dishes sound appetizing, but I’d probably go with the chicken.
On my pilgrim journey, I currently need. . . peace. My 79-year-old mother, who lives 4 states away, has just recently made the decision to forego further treatment of her medical condition and go on hospice-type care only. My dad died a year and a half ago. My 3 brothers and I, as well as our mom, will benefit from the Lord’s peace. (Thanks, Joe. I know you’ll pray for us.)
Deborah, I pray that you, your mom, and your brothers will all find the peace of Christ as you enter this stage of the journey.
Ah! For the chance to sit back and have time to watch a good movie, eat a great dinner cooked by someone else, and trust myself to the hands of another (pilot)! Are we going to heaven or what?
Mmmm…heaven!