Lenten Pilgrimage to Rome, March 29 - Laetare Sunday, March 31, 2019

On this Fourth Sunday of Lent—-Laetare Sunday—-having enjoyed a full, pleasant and enriching weekend in Florence (Fierenza), we have boarded the high speed train as we return to Rome. This is the second time I have visited Florence, the first time being more than 30 years ago when I visited here in the late 1970’s. In a city as ancient and historic as Florence, not much has changed, but my appreciation for all that it represents has certainly broadened.

We arrived at Noon on Friday and a short cab ride from the train stations brought us to the Casa Regina del Santo Rosario (House of the Queen of the Holy Rosary) a Retreat House/Bread and Breakfast operated by the Sisters of St. Philip Neri. Once we got our room assignments and got situated a bit, we began our exploration of this beautiful city. As in Rome, the main points of interest are the famous churches and historic museums. After a delicious pronzo (lunch) at the Accademia Restaurant (where it was so good that we also returned there for our final lunch on Sunday), we visited the beautiful Church of Santa Croce (Holy Cross), a Franciscan Basilica that dates back to 1295, and claims the distinction of being the “Pantheon of Italian Glories” as the resting place for Michaelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Alfieri, Foscolo, and Rossini. The Church holds gorgeous and inspiring frescoes of Giotto, Donatello, and Rossollino. It also is the home for the Leather School of Florence, where fine leather products have been hand-crafted for almost 100 years, and where we were able to see the present-day artisans fashioning their craft today. After a refreshing cup of coffee and a break, we returned to the B & B, had a little siesta, followed by a late evening non-meat dinner for this Lenten Friday at Il Grullo, and then a welcome bedtime.

From left, Msgr. Michael Osborn, Bishop Paul J. Bradley, Fr. Maximilian Nightengale and Father Jeff Hanley

Church of Santa Croce (Holy Cross), a Franciscan Basilica

March 30, 2019

Saturday began with celebrating Mass with the Sisters in their Retreat House Convent. Since they requested the Mass to be in Italian, Msgr. Osborn was our principal celebrant and Fr. Max preached a fine homily in both Italian (for the Sisters) and English (for the rest of us). After breakfast, we began our all-day exploration of one of the most famous landmarks in Florence, the “Duomo”, the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Florence under the formal title of Our Lady of the Flower (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) It is a massive structure and an architectural wonder. Words can not do justice to the beauty of its massive exterior, with the bell tower and very famous Baptistry, a separate but complimentary structure nearby. It took well over 100 years to construct this Cathedral begun in 1296 and completed in 1436. The lines of pilgrims/tourists waiting to get in, with ticket required for entrance, was over an hour’s wait. Once inside, the interior is massive, but fairly simple. We saw all the parts of the interior open to the public, and then thanks to the kindness of some of the security guards, we were permitted to see the remainder of the Cathedral that is not normally available. The craftsmanship of the woodwork in two sacristies (one for the priests and one for the bishop) was magnificent. We also were able to see the interior of the Baptistry with the entire ceiling revealing in numerous frescoes the entire story of Salvation History. Both structures are amazing architecturally and inspiring in all that it represents and teaches to the hundreds of pilgrims who see it each day. (Photos inserted here.........)

After a brief lunch, we walked to see the world-famous Ponte Vecchio with shop after shop of costly jewelry for “the rich and famous”. The Ponte Vecchio is one of a series of bridges which cross the scenic Arno River.

We then visited the Pitti Palace, currently a museum holding the priceless works of many famous artists, including Rafael, Murillo and D’Agnolo. After walking all the way back to our B&B where we freshened up a bit and got ready for a delicious Saturday evening meal at a local restaurant, La Carbonata (who claimed to have the best Florentine Steak), those among our party who wear Fit-Bits revealed that our grand total of steps for this one day was just short of 15,000! No wonder my legs hurt!

Laetare Sunday - March 31, 2019
Today was the highpoint of our Florence visit as we were invited to concelebrate Mass on this 4th Sunday of Lent/Laetare Sunday with the Canons of the Cathedral (the Duomo). The Mass was celebrated in Latin with a Schola who beautifully sang the Mass parts in Gregorian Chant. It was a great privilege to celebrate with our priests (Msgr. Osborn, Father Jeff and Father Max) along with several of the Canons, and for me to offer this Sunday Mass (as I do every week)“Pro Populo”, for all the Faithful (Living and Deceased/Clergy and Laity) of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. 

These days in Florence have been beautiful, Spring-like (warm with pleasant breezes), and very spiritually enriching for all of us. Along with the Mass Intention for all our Faithful today, you all remain in my prayers at each of the holy places throughout this pilgrimage. As the train now approaches the Rome Terminal, I look forward to continuing this Pilgrimage for the 4 days remaining for our time in Rome. Let us continue to pray for one another.

Faithfully yours,

+Bishop Paul J. Bradley

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