So back in February I received an email from the Prefecture of the Papal Household confirming my attendance at the Papal audience with Papa Francesco that would have taken place this morning.
Unfortunately, with his passing whilst I was still en route to Rome, this event was cancelled. However, I felt it appropriate today to come to the place where he is buried in Basilica Papale Di Santa Maria Maggiore.
I joined the queue and passed through security and then through yet another holy door to enter the Basilica.
Along with the many others here, I walked slowly along to the place where Papa Francesco was laid to rest after his funeral at Basilica Di San Pietro this last Saturday.
The place where he now lies is so simple - so very different to the fancy tombs at the St Peter's Basilica that I saw yesterday. And it felt fitting.
And then I went to collect one more stamp on my Credenziale:
And now, for me, it so right to finally end my pilgrimage here, writing this, sitting on the steps of the church in the warmth of the early evening sun.
I walked in the footsteps of St Francis to arrive here. And in a way, Papa Francesco, in choosing Francis as his papal name, echoing Francis' values and vision, also walked in his footsteps to this same place.
This journey, this pilgrimage - etched forever in my heart and mind. And I've just glanced up and seen this:
Grazie Francesco - both of them(!) - and Thank You God!
Buon Cammino Pellegrino!
In memoria:
St Francis
+
Papa Francesco
- - - - -
Now with the pilgrimage at its conclusion, whilst there is much still to process and ponder, for now I shall shift into being a tourist and I will take the opportunity to explore something of walking in the footsteps of St Paul. Just so folk don't worry, I won't be posting regularly for a little bit, and I shall return to sharing updates to this blog when I get back to the UK as my sabbatical continues.
