The start of our journey from Firenze (Florence) to Assisi this morning was marred by a flat rear-left tire - a small side puncture, undoubtedly malicious. Usually, this would be a simple fix, but to my chagrin, the rental car lacked both a spare and a jack! I confess I had chosen to rent this car despite knowing it lacked these essential items. My eagerness to depart Maastricht meant I didn't want to wait another day for a different vehicle as the rental company had no immediate alternatives. [Tsk tsk tsk] I took the risk, and unfortunately, it caught up with me.
En route to the mechanic, an instinct told me I was getting lost again. I pulled into a gas station I'd passed earlier and asked the attendant to pump more air into the tire. This bought me valuable time to continue my search for a mechanic and also allowed for a full tank of gas. However, the attendant's directions were unclear, and once again, I found myself lost.
Completely overwhelmed by hopelessness, I decided to stay on the road and prayed earnestly to God for help. Lo and behold, my prayers were answered immediately as I spotted a tire shop just down the road! Blessed, truly blessed! I was profoundly grateful that we were going to be okay. The tire shop employee fixed the hole for us in a very short time - there was no wait at all! - and for a nominal service fee of just €25. (In truth, I was prepared to pay any amount at that time!) Furthermore, with the tire shop conveniently located near the A1 highway, getting back on the freeway was a piece of cake. We promptly resumed our journey to Assisi, arriving in time for the 3 PM Mass at the Basilica di San Francesco. God was indeed with us all the way, sending angels to help and protect us. Praise the Lord! :)
In Assisi, I rented a house from Hotel La Terrazza in the suburbs, which boasted an awesome view of the Assisi plain from its second-floor balcony. My parents absolutely loved it, and we all felt an overwhelming sense of peace in our short stay in Assisi. The house's privacy provided ample space and comfort for us to rest and reflect - making it a truly ideal spot for a retreat. What's more, at just €95 a night, including breakfast for all three of us, it was an absolute bargain!
A Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon of St. Francis of Assisi:
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.
Above: Lunch €13
Above: San Francesco Basilica
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1 comment:
very nice place
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