Domenica

March 6, 2011

Sunday

Today Megan and I spent the afternoon with Ivan, our friend from school who is studying to be a priest here in Rome. Ivan is in formation with the Somascan Fathers, an Italian order, and he lives with the fathers on the famous Aventine Hill. One of the ancient seven hills of Rome, Aventino is an almost magical place, with arguably one of the best views of Rome in the city. Businesses are forbidden on the hill, which is home to many different religious orders’ convents and houses, churches, foreign embassies and parks. It is blissfully quiet, a hiatus in the midst of the bustling city.

Ivan met us at the door of the Somascan father’s house, and was surprised since Megan hadn’t told him that the friend she was bringing was me! He is such an amazing person, in love with life and God and people. He was so excited to show us his life with the fathers, and took us all around the house and grounds. 

I found the first patch of grass I had seen since arriving! Right where I belong.

The church, the Basilica da San Alessio, who was a wealthy Roman who, upon his conversion, dedicated his life to making pilgrimages to far away lands and holy sites. On one such trip, the winds prevented his ship from sailing and brought him straight back to Rome. Alessio took this a a sign from God that he should return to the home of his father, but he was so changed from his journeys that his wealthy family did not recognize him, and took him into their home only as a servant. He lived the rest of his days as a servant in his father’s household, choosing his life of simplicity and service. On his deathbed, he was given the grace of a beatified face, and his family finally recognized him as he died. The family’s estate was donated in his honor to the Church, and it is the same building that is the Basilica today. 

After we left Ivan, we walked along the Aventino streets and went to a lovely park full of orange trees, known exactly as that in Italian, Parco degli aranci, which overlooks the city. In Italy, it is common and even required to take a walk on Sundays, what they call a passegiata. Young and old, families and children, it seemed that everyone had turned out, even with the cold and wind, to take a leisurely stroll on the hill. Italians are lovers, and there were couples everywhere, holding hands and kissing and looking out over the Eternal City. Che bello!

On the way home, we went to La Villetta, a ristorante that Megan and her family love. Antonio and Liliana greeted her with shouts of joy and affection and kisses, and adopted me into their hearts instantly. Eating is an event here, and I think we were there for 3 hours; talking, laughing, drinking wine, and enjoying the food and the company. 

Beautiful bruschetta, tiramisu and panna cotta con fragole for dessert, complete bliss.