“A little bit more interesting.”
September 16, 2008
AMDG.
After only two days of pilgrimage in Rome, there is clearly a different dynamic at work in ourselves. While occasionally venturing out from La Neyliere, the source of our energy seems to have been more or less internally generated, from within the wider group. Here in Rome the energy sources seem to be generated somewhat more from external sources. What’s that saying, well nothing earth shattering, just that it’s quite different.
The magnitude of Jean-Claude Collin’s journeys from France to Rome, done in much less comfortable circumstances than ours, began to impact on us today as post-breakfast tiredness struck! It’s an odd time of day to be tired but it wasn’t until it was voiced, that people felt less isolated about it and less worried about what was happening to them. Whatever the reasons, and they’ll be many rather than singular.
The day however was given over to Ignatius of Loyola and the influence he had on Jean-Claude Colin, significant visits included Ignatius’ quarters and the Churches of St Ignazio and The Gesu.
As well as visiting these fantastic places, we also walked down this small street, it’s name escapes me, which it would seem is almost solely dedicated to selling liturgical vestments and other sacred items. It could have easily been a significant distraction, and we did stop momentarily at Gammarelli’s, traditionally the maker of the Popes vestments, and where we were told, some Marists get their doctoral gowns made, however we kept “on task.”
Perhaps a re-visit is something to pencil in when we have some free time.
Before leaving the subject of liturgical vestments, if a quick view of the window displays are anything to go by, it looks as though the liturgical fashion seems to be taking on a more of a “retro” look.
While not quite on the topic of the Jesuits’ influence of Jean-Claude, it struck me visiting St Ignazio and The Gesu, one can only but admire the creativity, commitment and vision of those involved in the construction of these stunning spaces. Furthermore, given what we saw today, is it really all that surprising that the Jesuits are are using modern day tools to build modern day structures and are making such a creative and visionary commitment, to serve the current day missionary needs of the Church through the likes of Sacred Space, Pray as you go, CathNews and the Online Ministries at Creighton University?
Perhaps I digress too much.
Part of the afternoon session was brought forward, giving us some time to complete our work and take in some of the other sites of Rome. While free to do what we wanted, most gravitated to the Piazza Navona, a fairly spectacular area of restaurants, buskers, bars and artists. Having seen this, at this point some pushed on back home, while others stopped at the “Big Apple” for a quiet drink.
Rather than heading back the way we came, Tim suggested that we go an alternative route, one “a little bit more interesting”, so off we headed. Down a little alley and around the corner, the first shop we passed was, what seemed, an impressive “knickers” shop. While it may have been interesting, custody of the eyes was called for.
Knickers aside, the alternative route was indeed very interesting, small cobble-stoned streets, lots of people, activity, and the mingling of man and machine. From time to time too, there was an occasional toot to get out of the way and gesture if you didn’t.
Jean-Claude Colin came to Rome five times, and sometimes he stayed quite some time. I’m beginning to see why.
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