Finals are history and so are the first four weeks of summer! So far things have been quite amazing. Immediately after finals I journeyed to the Emerald Island with one of my classmates. When we left Rome, we had our round-trip plane tickets between Rome and Dublin, a rental car booked for nine days and a B&B in Dublin for the first two nights. Other than that we were free to go wherever we wanted. This is truly the way to go! After Dublin we made our way North/North East to visit Downpatrick and see where St. Patrick is buried. Obviously, this was a very special opportunity for me. Even though it was a pretty nasty misty day (which happens a lot in Ireland), it was great to spend a few minutes at the great Saint’s grave from whom I take my name. Next we drove up to Belfast where we learned about the history of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. I had no idea of the tension between the two and was especially surprised to learn that there is still a wall in Belfast the separates those who are loyal to Britain and those who want to be independent. In fact, a few days after we left there were riots where I believe that two people were shot. Seeing this made me realize once again how despite some very serious struggles that comes with being Catholic in the US, we really have it pretty good, and how through prayer I can be united to those around the world who suffer far more than I do. Next we drove along the coast North for about two hours, then made a break for Sligo. Other places we visited were the Cliffs of Moher (a must see if you ever make it to Ireland!), the Dingle Peninsula (another must see!), Ennis and back to Dublin. It was a great experience not having anything planned and being able to see the beautiful green countryside during the day as we drove. This was a great way to relax and unwind after a very eventful first year in Rome and also after completing our finals.
I have just completed week two of four living in Siena and studying Italian. The Italian is coming along slowly, but I do think it is coming along. Once again studying another language, (and having some difficulties) as well living in a foreign country, has opened my eyes to how others must feel leaving all that is familiar, including their families and native languages to try to make enough money to support themselves and their families. Many of them are forced to leave their loved ones because of unbearable conditions where they are not able to put food on their tables. This experience will help me to be more sympathetic to people who do not speak perfect English. Another great part of my time in Siena has been living in an Italian home. I live with an elderly Italian lady who prepares breakfast and dinner for me each day. It is great to see how she lives and how the typical Italian house operates! It is amazing how different our lives are in America. For instance, in the house I am staying there is no internet, no air conditioning (hardly anyone has this luxury), and it only has the essential space needed to live including two small bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen. It is very simple, and very comfortable. Do I get hot at times? Yes. Do I wish I didn’t have to walk into town and buy a coffee at the one place that I know has free internet to check email? At times, yes. That being said, there are some very charming things about life here. Not having air conditioning for instance, makes people adjust to the climate. Sleep in, work in the morning, close at midday for 3 hours (while it is too hot to be out) and open again around 3 until around 8 or 9. Simple differences, but it is a nice change from the go-go-go mentality to which I am so accustomed.
I was also very lucky to be in Siena for the Palio, which is held each year both on July 2nd and another one in August. This is an event that really brings out the history of Siena. Back in the Medieval times, each neighborhood (or Contrada) was responsible for defending a section of the city wall. After there was no longer a need to defend the city from attackers the Contradas remained. Now every year the 17 Contradas have this event called the Palio. It is a four day festivity in which 10 of the 17 Contradas have a horse race around the main square in the city. Barricades are put up, dirt is laid down for a track and people come from all over to take part in the festivities. As an outsider, it reminded me a lot of Mardi Gras and seemed like an excuse to take off of work and party for 4 days, not that it’s a bad thing! It is also a great time of neighborhoods spending time together and having huge community meals outside. I was not one of the thousands that flooded the square where you can stand in the center of the track. Instead I watched the race from the comfort of an Irish Pub here in Siena with another guy from the NAC who is here studying and a guy from Switzerland who is in my Italian class. We were all satisfied with our choice not to be in the square!
The summer has also been a nice time to get to do some reading. I have just about finished a book on the history of the Catholic Church and I have finished the first of three essays by Josef Pieper on “Faith, Hope and Love.” I have really enjoyed this opportunity to get back to reading and hope to get through a couple more books by the summer’s end. I am also slowly working my way through a couple of books in Italian. Before you think about being impressed, I must tell you that they are both children’s books, one on how to pray and one on Ancient Rome.
Finally, I have found a couple of churches here in Siena where I am able to attend daily mass. It is nice to be here for so long and to get to know the faces of the people who attend mass at these churches daily.
I pray that all of y’all back home are doing well (I had to put that “y’all” because I found myself getting into a terrible habit of saying “you guys”). Please pray for me and know of my prayers for you.
In Christ,
Patrick
