When this was first posted in June 2016, we had just returned from a week in Assisi–
our fifth visit to the City. Whenever we are there, we have come to appreciate the
fellowship of the small core of English-speaking worshippers at St Leonard’s, who
very generously invite their visitors to join them over lunch at a close-by
restaurant after the morning service. This short poem expresses our
appreciation of that generosity.
Shrill
aerobatics of a squadron of swifts
vie with
bells
to rouse us
from sleep,
high in the
city of Francis and Clare.
Following
their Master, we will join
a
commemoration
of bread and
wine with friends
who will
come from - we know not where!
Some, never met
until this day;
but later, over
lunch
chapters of our
tales of faith,
pilgrimage,
joys and hopes, we'll share.
This multi-national
Assisi Fellowship,
invites us
to be joined in Him
whose life, death
and Resurrection
challenged its Saints and us, our ways of life to dare.
challenged its Saints and us, our ways of life to dare.
If you are visiting Assisi, the English-speaking service referred to takes place at 11am each Sunday in St Leonard’s which is in Via Christofani at the junction with Via Fontebella (downhill to the left of the Tourist Office in the town centre). Although the service is an Anglican one, people of various denominations are made very welcome.(The door is not very conspicuous but there are metre high metal stakes outside marking the boundary).
In three visits, I have found myself talking with Ruth of the Faraday Institute (almost neighbours in Cambridge!): with an American vintner and beekeeper (of 3000 hives) and on this latest occasion with a delightful 85+ Australian lady who is, similarly to me, fascinated by the interweaving of faith and science.
Further information about St Leonard’s can be found at https://www.achurchnearyou.com/assisi/
Another reflection on being in Assisi can be found at http://crossandcosmos.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/st-francis-sky.html (Poem: St Francis’ Sky)
And an all-age/ child friendly activity based on the mission of St Francis can be found HERE (St Francis Invites)