Dedication

It’s hard to believe I left Maine almost a week ago. In some ways, it seems shorter, in others, longer. You know what I mean. Just think Einstein: it’s all relative.

This morning, I moved back to the convent. I saw Giovanna preparing the cottage for newcomers, and thought about making sure she knew I was moving, but I didn’t. Apparently, none of the housekeepers knew, since the bed in my room has no sheets. I’ve looked around for some without success. I could sleep in the other downstairs bedroom, but  the heat isn’t working there.  I don‘t want to be a nudgy guest and I certainly don‘t want to get anyone into trouble, so I‘ll figure something out.  To be completely honest, I feel a little like a Trappist who’s taken the vow of silence.

Nevertheless, it’s been a nice day. I went to the midday prayer service and dedication of the chapel. It featured some Italian, some Latin, and some English - in that order of magnitude.  Lee and Myra were there too. The hallway leading to the chapel was strewn (there’s a word you don’t see too often!) with fresh bay leaves on long branches.
Everyone assembled in the College foyer and walked together to the chapel singing the Kyrie. As the leaves were crushed underfoot, they gave off a wonderful, earthy, living scent. It reminded me of the procession into Jerusalem, minus the hallelujahs. 

After the service, Msgr Liam invited everyone to lunch in the refectory. There were two pasti, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, zucchini, salad, and fresh fruit. It was a really nice meal and a welcome change from what has become my staple diet - scrambled eggs with onions and ‘melba toast’. I like scrambled eggs and onion and melba toast, but I was glad to have some meat and salad too.

Maybe lunch inspired me, because I went back to Di per Di and bought some brie, Italian chocolate, and more eggs. I found a small bakery and rounded out my marketing with a quartet of small rolls.

After depositing my hoard, I decided to walk to Santa Maria Maggiore. This is one of the four major churches in the city. During a Jubilee year, each of the four has a special ‘holy door’ opened by the pope Pilgrims who pass through all four doors are rewarded with special dispensations. The four churches are: San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, St Paulo, and San Pietro.

It took me about 20 minutes to reach Santa Maria and I was there about the same length of time On the way back, I found a big supermarket and a very fancy bakery. Since I’d already shopped, I didn’t indulge. My final stop was at L’800 for a macchiato. The room is warm enough. I’m not hungry, and I can watch “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” tonight in my room.

My goal for tomorrow (Sunday) is to go the Angelus at St Peter’s and then to visit Abruzzi for the much-touted carbonara. Unless the carciofi wins the day.

How can you go wrong with artichoke hearts?