Birthday Celebration

Happy 70th Birthday Shari

Assisi owes much of its reputation to Saint Francis.  He was born in 1181 and became a simple friar.  He was professed a love for the poor, peace, and Christ, something new in his days.  Many became followers, and eventually the Pope had to recognize him and the Franciscan Brotherhood he founded.  When he died in 1226, the Church made him a saint and started to build a basilica (similar to a cathedral) in Assisi.

The basilica seems unique to us when compared to other cathedrals we have visited.  Maybe it is due to its medieval appearance.  

Back in the day, some saints and other important figures were buried in churches.  Over nine centuries, people come to Assisi to visit the basilica and the resting place of Saint Francis.  His tomb in the lower basilica.  Many are here paying homage to him and what he stands for.

We toured the basilica using the several pages of Rick Steves Italia 2018.  It added greatly to our appreciation of Assisi and Saint Francis.  Pictured is an inner courtyard.

It’s amazing what was built almost 900 years ago.

Saint Francis founded the Franciscan Brotherhood of monks which survives today.  A couple of our major cities were named by his brotherhood - San Francisco (named after Saint Francis) and Los Angeles (named after the town Saint Francis often worked).  Santa Clara (California) was named after the woman friend of Saint Francis who also was made a saint.  Below is a representation of Saint Francis.  He and his brothers of the day had a special ‘Sun Roof’ haircut.  I’m thinking I have the modern version of a sun roof.

The medieval town of Assisi is very picturesque.  I was about to take a picture of this flowered house when the owner walked out with walking sticks he had carved and would be for sale.  On the tops of his latest two sticks are condors.  He had watched a travel show of the Grand Canyon and was happy to know we live but a few hours away.  His name is Roberto which guaranteed his picture in the blog.

Assisi has two basilicas.  The second is named after Saint Clara, and when we visited there was a large wedding taking place.  Not often recognized by people today are the symbols on the outside of the churches.  The figures at the doorway are lions and the one is feasting on a Christian.  The inside of the church was the sanctuary from a brutal world.

Shari loves Lucca, but, she found the town of Assisi much to her liking on her birthday.  She was fortunate to have some of her good friends help her celebrate.  

Happy 70th!