Fonte Colombo

Fonte Colombo is called "The Franciscan Sinai." It is considered sacred and was a place Francis loved. He returned here in September of 1223. He fasted on bread and water, prayed alone in his little cave for a month and then dictated his "rule" to brother Leo for his order of friars. This "rule" was approved by Pope Honorius III in November of 1223 and still governs the order of the friars minor today, some 800 years later. (There's a lot more to the story but that's the quick version!)

It is beautiful. It is quiet. On the hillside, it is lush and green and it does feel holy. You feel as though you have stepped into a sacred space. I could have spent the entire day there, (or forever!) meditating, praying and even drawing. I hope one day to go back, when I am in no hurry and just "be."

There is a feeling of safety and peace in this place. I am welling up just thinking about it.

I saw a whole 5 people there outside of my parents and Mauro. 3 were Franciscan monks who probably live there. One was a man we saw in the newer church hanging an icon of the Madonna and trying not to drop her. (My Mom went over and helped him.) And one, other gentleman who was down on one of the pathways.

We had a moment of blue sky when we arrived and then it began to drizzle when I left the Holy Grotto. It felt like mist.

Fonte Colombo

The Cammino di Francesco , or walking path that leads to all the sacred Franciscan sites in the Rieti Valley

(and elsewhere) including Fonte Columbo. Someday ...

The Cloister

The path down to one of the churches Francis loved so much ...

... the Chapel of the Magdalene ...

Brother Leo celebrated Masses here with Francis and to the left

of the altar, in the corner of the window is the "Tau" written

by Francis himself.

The path takes you down to what feels almost like a secret ...

past the beautiful lush nature he loved ...

down steep winding stone steps

to the narrow cave ...

the Holy Grotto of St. Francis

I imagined him here praying in the lush green surroundings ...

in solitude

hearing the sounds of leaves rustling

the cool breeze ...

and flowers coming up through the fallen leaves ...

and I catch a glimpse ...

grace

solitude

peace

&

gratitude

I try to take them with me,

as I continue on my way

Greccio: The New Church and Crèches

As you leave the dormitory and chapel and go outside, you see The New Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Francis across the stone courtyard, which also houses 20th century nativities from all around the world. Each nativity is unique and beautiful. Many are set into the wall and are designed with "forced perspective" and look like they go back forever.

It was very dark and difficult to take photos, but we tried! One of my favorites was an eskimo nativity. You will have to use your imagination because I couldn't get a shot of it because it was impossibly dark. (Think "It's a Small World" but more rustic and quaint!)

Aren't they lovely? We were in there with a sweet group of nuns and it was fun to hear everyone "ooohing and aaahhhing" at these creative and charming little wonders.