Monday, February 25, 2008

Speaking of Saints...

I recently returned from Italy as most of you know. I had attended the International Congress for women hosted by the Holy See. I was invited by the Pontifical Council for the Laity to participate in the history-making event. It was an incredible experience - one I will be talking about and writing about for some time. In addition to the honor of attending the International Congress, it was truly amazing to spend time at St. Peter's and visit all of the altars and shrines as well as be able to see Pope Benedict XVI twice!

What I'd like to share with you now though, is my trip to Assisi after I attended the congress. I took two of my daughters with me and we went off on a two hour train ride heading for Assisi. We got a little bit lost when we arrived on that brisk and windy day. We eventually did get our bearings straight and then found our way to St. Clare of Assisi's tomb! I had been really looking forward to visiting and then there we were! We knelt down by her tomb and prayed and took in all of the graces that were awaiting us.


Here's what it really looks like with all of the iron grids and glass protecting Saint Clare's body, but my daughter turned off the flash on her camera and put her camera through the iron bars to get the above photo.





This is with holding the camera through one set of the metal grids with the flash off.

5 comments:

Heidi Hess Saxton said...

Oh, this is so beautiful. When Craig and I were in Assisi in 1999 (our honeymoon) we were unable to get in to see her. It was the one real disappointment of the trip. Thanks for sharing this!

SandyCarlson said...

This is beautiful, Donna! What a time to be with your daughters.

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Heidi,

I'm sorry you didn't get to see her. I hope you can go back!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Sandy,

Yes, it was quite a time. And I have a surprise for you! Email me when you have time and I will share some photos I took specifically with you in mind. :)

Jen said...

Beautiful pictures. How blessed you were to be able to get to Assisi as well!
And I love the new blog!