I left Our Lady of the Lake at 5:20 and arrived at the airport by 6:50. Traffic was heavy on Rt128 and the Mass Pike. Check in went very quickly, and security went smoothly as well. I was settled into the waiting area by 7:30, grateful to God all went well.
We left Boston ahead of schedule - the plane was full! In my next life, I hope I can afford to travel first class!!!! Please, please, dear God, let me be rich the next time!!!!!
Food service was excellent, lovely hot supper (pasta or chicken) which included free wine!!! Individual movie screens, so I enjoyed two good movies, but can't remember the names of either of them --- Belle was one I think, senior moments are a killer!! Breakfast, a nice hot towel to freshen up with, and a piece of Swiss chocolate before landing. Great flight -- I love Swiss Air!!! (The best $17.00 I ever spent was for a neck pillow I bought at the airport).
Arrived in Zurich ahead of schedule (flying time was less than 7 hours). Be prepared for a good walk when you get to Zurich. Don't do what I did, and have too much stuff in your carry on, because you have quite a hike to the gate for transfer to Rome, including a little train ride!
You have to show your passport and be sure to get in the correct line. Read the signs, which I didn't do! The one that says all passports... traveling is so much easier in a group!
"The Eagle Has Landed"
I headed to Assisi right from the airport in a rented car. It was an overcast but nice day. I arrived in Assisi around 6:30 and stayed with the Sisters of Saint Bridget. Had a nice supper, showered and went to bed early, grateful to God that everything had gone so smoothly --- which I hope and pray will be the same for all of you.
Checked out our hotel on Friday evening and it is in a perfect location. I saw a room and I think you will be happy. They tell me the vistas are beautiful, but it was dark by then, the dining room does face the valley which is magnificent. Assisi by night is also lovely.
Had a wonderful time in Assisi, can't wait to show it to you. Every time I go there I learn more about Francis and find something I never saw -- more when I get there with you.
Make sure you have good comfortable walking shoes!!! Assisi is a city set on a HILL -- a very big hill -- and remember Rome is built on 7 hills!!!!
Headed to Rome on Saturday morning, it was a beautiful day and the ride went smoothly. By 1:00pm, I had arrived at the North American College where I am staying until you arrive on Wednesday.
"Pontifical North American College, My Alma Mater"
After settling into my room here at the College, I immediately set out into the city to test my walking tours now that I know who is on our upcoming trip. I was out walking around for about three hours enjoying every minute of being back in Rome.
I also checked out our hotel in Rome, the Cicerone. Like Assisi, it is in a great location so we can get around to everything. The people were very friendly and most helpful. Saw where we will be dining. The breakfast room is very nice and you will be getting a full breakfast each day with lots of options to fortify you each morning. They did assure me that WiFi is free!!!!!
"A Room With A View"
Had a delicious supper with a classmate I had not seen in 37 years --- it was a great reunion. The city is packed with people, more than I have ever seen. Weather was great on Saturday all day. I was walking around with a short sleeve shirt on until after 11:00pm (shows you how long by classmate and I had been talking --- we started our meal at 7 and I was walking back to the College at 11 pm). Great day!!!
On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, I had the thrill of attending the Beatification of Pope Paul in Saint Peter's Square. I was among at least five hundred priests who concelebrated and just so happy to have been there... there is a story behind this that I will share with you when you arrive!!!
"Beatification Mass" "Tomb already engraved with Beatus"
The square was jammed with thousands and thousands of people for as far as I could see. The Mass was beautiful and very prayerful; everything went so well.
After the Mass, Pope Francis boarded the Popemobile and rode around the square. I was right on the edge of the barrier in my section and he passed by three times less than four feet away from me. The last time we made eye contact and he gave me a beautiful smile!!! I was thrilled beyond words.
"The Popemobile passed this way 3 times" "Papal Protector"
Had a wonderful lunch at the North American College with our two Worcester seminarians, Deacon Donato and Allan. The college is full, with over 250 Americans studying to become priests. We toasted blessed Paul VI at the end of a delicious meal, and then I headed to my crib for a well deserved siesta!!!!
Sunday afternoon I visited the Generalate of the Trappists here in Rome and was able to take Father David, a monk of Spencer who works with the Abbot General, out for supper at Cecilia Metella across from the Catacombs of Saint Callistus. We ate outside in this beautiful gardened restaurant until after 10 pm and had a wonderful time. Again, I had no jacket, and a short sleeve shirt.
This morning I headed to Saint Peter's before sunrise. I celebrated Mass at the altar of Saint Thomas the Apostle at 7:15. By 7:45, there were already many people in the Basilica but it is still the best time to be there. I enjoyed walking around and most especially visiting the tomb of Blessed Paul.
Now I am about to head out into the city to check out another of our walking tours. It is a beautiful day, the sunny is shining and everything is ready to welcome you all. I can't wait for you all to arrive.
Rest well tonight, pack as lightly as you can (again don't do as I do, learn from my mistakes!). They are very strict at the airport about weight. You can have one carry on bag and one personal item (I had a small suitcase and a nap sack). The suitcase I checked in was 47 pounds -- just under the limit, thank God.
I have used both my credit card and my debit card without any difficulty.
Be sure you have made copies of your passport and your credit cards and bring the copies with you. Keep your passport close by until you arrive here and then lock it in the safe.
As Mary mentioned in her email last night, try to be at the Church by 5pm. The sooner you all get on board the bus, the better. I really think you should be on the road to Boston by no later than 5:15. It will make things less stressful for everyone at the airport.
If you are leaving your car at the Church, give Kathy a call and let her know. Frank said he would be there to show you were to leave your cars.
I will offer Mass for your safe travel tomorrow morning in Saint Peter's and see you at the airport on Wednesday afternoon.