We finally found some Lucca pilgrim accommodation in Franciscan Monastery. A woman drove past us on the way in and asked if we were pilgrims. Sure enough she was the monastery welcomer and was very helpful. The place is old but clean and well set up. We were shown the kitchen and told we could cook for ourselves. We were just settling in when she called me aside and indicated that the church service would be at 6:00 pm and we were invited to dine with Frata Superiore (head of the order) at 7:30. Thankfully, Roman, a Swiss pilgrim (serious veteran with 18,000kms under his belt) also turned up and joined us. He spoke enough Italian and English to help us through a fascinating meal.
The food provision was wonderful, Spaghetti, pizza, bread, meats, cheeses, salad, local wine, sweet cake and coffee all prepared and served by Jean Paulo.
Then the conversation. Once he found out we were genuinely interested in the order, it's history and the monastery, we had a guided tour of building and the story of it's history and the order in the this region. Jean Paolo told us that there is a copy of a Gutenburg Press Bible (thats like late 1500s) in the Scriptorium along with manuscript copies of the bible from earlier times. I might even get a look tomorrow if the 84 year old guardian is up to it.
Lots of pilgrim talk with Roman. He has travelled nearly all of the Camminos through France, Spain, Portugal and even across North Africa. He is now on his way to Jerusalem. He thought tonight with it's generosity and fun was great and is sorry to be heading off on his normal 40 or 50 kms tomorrow. We just raised our eye brows and felt a little bashful about our 17km effort to get here today.
It was encouraging although a little unbelievable when he arrived as he indicated he had heard of us on the road, the pelligrini (pilgrim) family from Australia who spoke OK Italian. I think this is mainly because we smile a lot and simply say "si" ( yes) when we have absolutely no idea what is going on.
Friday 28 October 2011
A meal with Frata Superiore of the Franciscans
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Have just spent my Saturday morning reading and watching your amazing adventure unfolding in fast forward. It has enriched me! Thank you for sharing and I can see you being ushered around by a Franciscan monk in hushed awe or rapid sign language! So glad to hear Merran is recovered and you survived the storms and that Mr GPS doesn't always work in unfamiliar terrain... how wonderful for all three of you and that you got the extra (albeit unexpected) time with Maddie, too. Will keep you all in my thoughts and will light a candle for you all in my local church in Camperdown, down the road from the Royal Prince Alfred, fitting for your ongoing health! Much love and pace e bene to you too, julie xxx
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