Just a quick update! I have now completed my first week at ESM Rome! And what a week it was! I arrived to meet twenty young enthusiastic student missionaries from 12 different countries from all over the world:- England, France, Germany, Portugal, Latvia, The Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, United States, Canada, Czech Republic and Kazakistan! The day after we arrived we all went by train in the early morning to Assisi for a six day retreat. It was a wonderful and very blessed week which was a most memorable start to my time here. We were soon immersed into the charisms of the community and had daily services, adoration and praise; while also taking part in drama, sport and many other community based activities. We were blessed with wonderful sunshine all week, it was hard to believe it’s October – it seemed rather like the middle of summer! In Assisi it was such a privilege to grow in deep knowledge of the richness of the lives of Saint Clare and Saint Francis – we were even priviliged to be present there on the feast day of Saint Francis which was a magnificent celebration. We stayed at a retreat house close to the Basilica of Saint Francis and had a beautiful Mass in an underground chapel of on the opening day of the retreat. We also had a tour on the Basilica and a presentation on the life of Saint Francis & the founding of the Franciscan order. One of many highlights was attending the 6am Mass on his feast day in the Chapel where his tomb lies. We visited the Basilica of Saint Clare and I prayed at her tomb for all the Poor Clares, especially those in Ireland as they celebrate 800 years of the order. We also went to San Damiano – the first monastery of Saint Clare where Clare established the order. It was a beautiful place for silent prayer and reflection. We visited the dormitory where Clare slept, and saw the small chapel where the sisters prayed. We visited San Rufino, the cathedral of Assisi, where Clare was baptised and Francis probably as well. We also had many outdoor activities in the course of the week and undertook a pilgrimage walk on the trails of Saint Francis, visiting the hermitages of the Carceri, above Assisi, where Francis and his early brothers in the order went to pray alone, living in small caves. Overall these days of retreat were very special and the memories will remain in my heart for some time to come. Saint Francis and Saint Clare, pray for us.
