Assisi
The town of brotherly love and peace
DAY 13
Santa Maria degli Angelis
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After a quick “Buddy Check”in Siena, we boarded the bus for Santa Maria degli Angelis en route to Assisi. Once there, we visited the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was built around the original chapel built by St. Francis himself (this was also where St. Francis died). This important church-within-a-church is the birthplace of the Franciscan Order and therefore holds a special significance to its followers. We were able to watch the beginning of the service and the fervor and devotion of the attendees was palpable.
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Assisi
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Next, we hopped back on the bus and headed for the town of Assisi, which was only a few miles from Santa Maria degli Angelis. After visiting the house where St. Francis grew up, we roamed around the town and then stopped for lunch. After lunch on the main piazza, we had a few minutes to explore a ceramic shop right next door to the restaurant where we had just eaten. The man who worked at this family-owned shop proudly told us that his mother had hand-painted many of the pieces which were on display.
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Today, the basilica still functions as a pilgrimage center, and also remains well-known for its beautiful fresco scenes.
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Marco also told us the story of St. Clare, a girl from a wealthy family, who believed in the message of St. Francis. She chose to live a simple life of prayer and meditation in the convent of San Damiano with other nuns who became known as the Poor Clares. After 800 years, the message of peace and simplicity preached by both religious orders is still relevant today.
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At the designated time and place we met our local guide, Marco. He told us about the cheese-throwing contest that is held every year in town, where a cheese wheel is thrown (or rolled) down the town's main street. Whoever's cheese wheel goes the farthest, wins. The record is 400 feet! Marco pointed out a hand relief on one of the walls along the street which marks the tossing point for the contest.
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Basilica of St. Francis
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Marco led us to the Basilica of St. Francis, and along the way he pointed out places of interest and explained the importance of those sites. During our walk, we learned about St. Francis, a monk who chose a life of poverty. He treated all creatures with equal respect, and believed in living peacefully and harmoniously with nature.