On June 12, the Casa community could have the community outing.
As places to be visited were chosen the sanctuary of Greccio, where St. Francis of Assisi presented the first living nativity scene in 1223, and Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict.
The weather was beautiful with the sun shining and some cool breeze.
It was still morning, when we reached the sanctuary of Greccio hidden in mountains and forests.
The beauty of nature touched our hearts.
We could connect with St. Francis, who found this place so apt for prayer and contemplation.
The images of the nativity scene led us to meditate on the mystery of incarnation.
Going around the sanctuary we caught a glimpse of the simple, but beautiful life
of St. Francis and his companions.
The exhibition of nativity scenes from all over the world shows,
how the message of the birth of the Son of God born in poverty touches people of all countries and cultures as it talks to us about the tender love of our God.
From Greccio we moved on to Norcia.
The town was largely destroyed during the earthquake in 2016.
Still much construction work is ongoing and outstanding.
Yet, in the central square the statue of St. Benedict in standing
stretching out his hand in prayer for the people of Norcia.
Here we met with some construction workers.
We moved through the streets of the small town admiring the beautiful decorations with flowers everywhere, but also witnessing much of the destruction.
We were received with utmost hospitality by the Benedictine nuns of San Antonio.
Also their monastery was so much damaged,
that it is too dangerous to live in.
The first time after the earthquake they were received by another Benedictine monastery of the region.
Now they are living in a temporary monastery made from containers.
The reconstruction work of the old monastery did not yet start.
The time in Norcia ended for us with holy mass together with the nuns celebrated by the parish priest of Norcia.
We are grateful that we could be in Norcia experiencing the beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the little town surrounded by hills and mountains.
We thank God, who protected us on the way and pray for the people of Norcia that through the intercession of St. Benedict they may be protected from further earthquakes and other disasters.
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