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We're Off on the Road to... Assisi!

Last weekend, a few members of our "gang," as Mike calls us, went off to Assisi. When we got there, we saw the tombs of two major saints—Francis and Clare—and, of course, a plethora of gorgeous churches. We also had a chance to meet up with the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, one of whom gave us a tour of "a town that has so much influenced [his] life and, in which, in [his] opinion, the spirit of Francis is so strong!" What can I say, apart from that going to Assisi is like stepping into a Catholic fairy tale? It is a visit that I would highly recommend to anyone—Catholic or not—who wants to explore Italy because even if the basilicas hold no interest for you, its médiéval atmosphere is sure to charm you.

There's so much that I could speak about, but one thing that stood out from yesterday in a surprisingly personal way was to see the resting place of Blessed Carlos Acutis. This young man, who died well before his time at 15 years old, is everywhere to be seen in shops and on posters. I'd heard of him, but I'd never heard his story. Simply put, he was a young boy of prodigal holiness, who was very involved in the Church even as young as five! When he was dying, he, of course, comforted his mother, saying that God will take care of her, and that he was at peace knowing that he would soon come even closer to God. His family would often vacation in Assisi, so it was his wish that, when he passed, he would be buried there. His wish was fulfilled after his death, and now, you can see him at rest in a glass casket in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

It was strange to see someone so saintly wearing jeans and a hoodie. I can remember thinking he looks like he could have been a classmate of mine, but the relatability didn't stop there. I was deeply touched when a nun tapped me on the shoulder, and said, "You look just like him."

I joked, saying that I think he has nicer hair than I do, but she had a point. It's conceivable that someone could mix us up. He looked so ordinary, so normal, rather like I do. Typically we imagine saints as these habit-wearing monks, like we hear about in the stories. But seeing Blessed Carlos Acutis, and hearing the nun's comment, it became quickly apparent that blessedness can be attained by any one of us, and that is what is so special about this young lad. He was so ordinary, yet so extraordinary. Assisi, as I said, is like a fairy tale, but it isn't one, and the lives that built and continue to build its legacy are lives that are attainable by any one of us.

- Paul

Here are some of the photos I took. Regrettably, I couldn't take more since, in many of these places, there is a "no pictures" rule.

At the train station (with my third coffee of the morning).

A view of Santa Chiara from the Friary.

Blessed Carlos Acutis.

Views from Assisi.

La Basilica di San Francesco.

"Like walking into a fairy tale."

Probably the coolest tabernacle I've seen in my life.

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