Today was largely spent at the airport. We had an early breakfast (well, coffee) and were on the road by 7.00 with the least traffic I have ever seen
So we made very good time. The first flight for us was due in at 7.00 and we reckoned that the time it takes to come through customs etc is roughly the same, as the drive to the airport. This was more or less correct! Unlike some years, there were several flights with-a number of pilgrims on ending with an Easyjet flight from UK with a number of Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood, in all 25 pilgrims and all present and correct except two. One was coming from England and said she wouod make her own way into Roam and had been before. The other was coming from Charlotteville in Arizona and the flight was delayed by four hours, possibly - the men thought - because of disruption after the hurricane or turbulence or something. He was not coming in until about 1.00 so one of us had to stay. I was happy to because it gave me a chance to find out how one gets a taxi etc etc. I learnt a lot, including how many charming (and some very pushy and aggressive) men were hanging round getting work. They would go up to any tired or laden traveller and ask 'Taxi?' And then phone for one and charge what they like. However the authorised taxis are lined up in the street outside the airport doors and are all white. The others are cowboys. Ours, when we finally got into it, cost €48 into Rome. So you have been warned. I have probably ruined their trade and will get lynched! Never mind, it is a good cause! Our tired pilgrim finally turned up, a nice man, very involved with the secular Franciscans in his area and we were in Rome and pulling up outside Tra Noi in just about half an hour which was less than I had thought. I had eaten at the airport, he had eaten on the plane so I went with him while he checked in and then to my room for a break.
At 3.30 Fr John Cella was looking in to see us, he is the manager of the whole pilgrimage programme and over her himself to lead a pilgrimage. I think there are about five groups over here at the moment of one sort or another. Most pf them are straightforward pilgrimages but one or two are more focussed, like a group of Felician sisters retracing their foundress' birthplace etc. Also there is often a group of teenagers fro, I think, a certain St Anthony's School who offer their sixth forms a twelve month course in Franciscan history and spirituality which closes with a visit to Rome and Assisi and they get credits for the trips (or dont) so they are on their best behaviour most of the time. We often cross with them during our time in Assisi.
After a prolonged siesta, we met at 5.00 for Introductions and orientation and the giving of each pilgrim a copy of the pilgrims' Companion, the book with it all in. Then there were some bits of business, signing up to read, be Eucharistic minister etc etc, then supper and to the relief of most, bedtime. By the end of supper it was nearly 8.30 so for Most of them, a very long day. And so to bed, as Pepys said!
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