Today has been one of contrasts.
The many who are obviously tourists with religious / spiritual connections, and the few who are here on spiritual pilgrimage, but happen to be doing it alongside many tourists.
This was most obvious in the San Damiano Chapel in The Basilica of St. Clare. Sat in the rows of pews immediately in front of the crucifix, I and one or two others were spending an extended period of time in quiet. Quite suddenly, and with little warning, the pews filled up
and we were jostled along until each pew contained as many as it would hold. They and we sat, and after about 45 seconds they all, as if by some hidden coordination, got up and moved on to the next item of interest in their itinerary!
Some how the original sense of peace was no longer so apparent.
It was whilst praying before this crucifix, when it was in its original location in the church in San Damiano, that Francis sensed God's call that was to so dramatically change his life. His response:-
Most high and glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me sound faith,
firm hope and perfect love.
Let me, Lord, have the right feelings and knowledge,
properly to carry out the task that you have given me.
Surely a prayer that we can all make daily.
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