You know you have arrived when you see this world-famous topography looming over the teeming and most densely populated city in Europe from the train window:
Despite vicious rumors to the contrary, there are functioning trash trucks in Naples.
Welcome to my place of worship for the next week, the chapel of San Sosio in Miseno, dedicated to one of the deacons martyred with the great patron of Naples, San Gennaro. The "casa canonica" or rectory-apartment upstairs, will be my home during my stay. Fr. Domenico, the pastor, has invited me to celebrate holy Mass here some days this week.
The holy patron, San Sosio.
Despite the disappointments of the past, in faith and trust we turn again and again to the "images" of Christ in the members of His Body in order to truly know and love Him and discover His love for us. Here catechist Enza prepares her class for the celebration of the Sunday liturgy through a lesson on the encounter of the Lord with the Samaritan woman. By taking part in the catechism class, the visitor receives a gift from the Lord, His love, that is possible only by giving oneself as He does in the word of the Scriptures and His Body in the Eucharist. "What you have received as a gift, give as a gift."
New friends reach out with curiosity, inquiring about my home far away and discover my life in many ways is very much like theirs.
Rewarded at day's end with a home-made meal with old friends.
Enzo and Teresa.
Father and son, Donato.
Pasta with lentils, a fresh salad of tomatoes with tuna and olives, fresh bread, salami and steak.
The food was swept quickly from the plate. The cook has a passion for his craft and the guest is most pleased to taste the fare. Grazie amici!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008