The general mix
September 14, 2008
Our first day of the Roman section of our pilgrimage was an opportunity to familiarise ourselves with our new environment, namely the General House and for us to get to know the resident community and vice-versa. The day was a mixture of moments of activity followed by periods of free time. It was a good structure enabling us to relax a little after yesterdays travel.
For those who have never visited here before our eyes were opened at the sheer size of the place, it is a building that can accommodate up to 25 adults. In addition it also provides working spaces for around 10. Most of the pilgrimage group have been here before, however even they had their eyes opened by the recent renovations. While the Chapel is the crown in the jewel, the remainder of the house has also been given a life. A building of this stature would be easy to convert into something spectacular, and while the renovations have made it comfortable, fresh and serviceable, it’s far from “over the top.”
One of the gaps in today’s programme provided those in search of “Phone Cards” the opportunity to venture out. Visesio Teugasiale, a Brother from the island of Wallis who works in the General House, was just the man. He knew the place to buy the cards and offered to drive us to the shop. It was the first experience we had of driving around the Italian streets where road rules at best seem to be an “optional recommendation”.
As we were driving down a one way street, the site of someone nonchalantly coming up the wrong way led Visesio to be asked. “How do you find driving in Rome?”
Laughing, he replied. “Not a problem. Before I became a Brother I used to drive trucks for the French army.” Enough said.
Mission accomplished we were back home in time to join everyone for a pre-dinner drink, it was a very pleasant day with temperatures in the mid to late 20’s and everyone gathered outside. The occasion also proved to be an opportunity to further the ANZAC spirit. Brothers in arms and all that…
Matt Morris was enjoying a lovely cool “Becks” beer from the fridge, well so he thought until Tony Corcoran kindly drew Matt’s attention to the fact that he was drinking a non-alcoholic beer! It’s true, we saw it with our own eyes. The “late money” is now picking he’ll be wearing a Kaftan next.
Lunch provided Kevin Mowbray, the Superior of the General House the opportunity to welcome us and what followed was a multi-course lunch. Yes “multi-course” as I gave up counting after the 4th one. Not an every-day occurrence, it was a gracious welcome and a delicious introduction to Italian dining in a way most of us had never experienced before.
The afternoon was free before the General House community and pilgrims gathered at 5pm to introduce themselves in a slightly more formal way.
In between time there’s been a little more rain again today and the temperature has dropped a little making it somewhat more pleasant for sleeping tonight.
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Its been good reading all your submissions so far. Have enjoyed your arrival to the “Eternal City” from France, only a fortnight to go so make the most of it. I will miss the letters once the renewal is over. May the (web Marist Places) come up with other items in the future. Ciao for now. Pius Keene sm.