The last two days we have had lectures from Sr Aquinata Broeckmann, one of the Tutzing Benedictine Sisters. She is the best scholar on the Rule of Benedict in the world and a superb teacher. In the midst of all her knowledge, she is able to help people recognise their own experience and knowledge of the Rule. Truly she is my pin-up scholar. She has had problems with the microphone ringing in the strangest ways and has turned the trouble into a silent joke. Imagine Mr Bean giving an academic lecture!
Last night we went to Vespers (evening prayer) with the community of Sant’Egidio. This lay Christian community is now in 70 countries and is a group that supports each other in prayer and Christian service, especially of the poor. A few years ago they were in serious contention for the Nobel Peace prize for work they had done working as facilitators in war torn areas of our world. They met each evening in the church of Santa Maria in Trastevare Last night the church was largely full, with young to middle aged professionals, from various races. A large group of very professional Africans arrived just after prayer had started. They were the first lady of the Ivory Coast and her entourage, who had come because yesterday was the feast of St Charles Lwanga and companions. Their chant was lovely, very vigourous, with very good part singing. There were head sets through which one could follow the homily in a variety of languages – very professional.
The night for us was so pleasant, almost balmy... the first mosquitoes are emerging.
Tonight I am going with a group of the Casa sisters to pray the Rosary on Vatican Radio. This will be in Latin.. I don’t think I will be able to send you “Cheerio” calls but you know that you will be in my heart and in my prayer.
Tomorrow we go to Norcia. Last year this was a wonderful day, except for the bus breaking down and catching fire, after it had baptised us with the water leaking from the broken air-con system. It seems that bus break downs are a tradition on this course but I hope we break that custom this year. We had too, too short a time in Norcia last year. It was delightful, clean (what a relief after Rome) friendly and full on interest. I can hardly wait for the bus tomorrow at 6 am