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Being in the Place where They lived

On November 4, 2019 night was still young when Norwegian Air 787 Dreamliner took off from JFK Airport, NY. I was sandwiched between Fr. Albin Roby and Fr. Percy Joseph as the plane was lifting us above the clouds toward Europe. Traveling with a group of 37 Catholics from in and around Staten Island and three priests, I looked forward to visit Assisi, Padua, Venice, Florence and Rome.

I could clearly see the route on the TV screen. The red line indicated that the plane would fly above Boston, St. John’s in Canada and over the Atlantic for more than 6 hours before entering Europe. Our speed was 550 miles at 41000 feet. After a little meal, I was drifting between slumber and wake, flying above the deep Atlantic and beneath the endless sky in darkness.

When I woke up the plane had already stooped its nose toward the land. The city founded by Romulus and the Eternal city began revealing its beauty and glory in an ever closer and wider angle every moment. After landing, I realized the might of the US Passport for the first time (for I am a new citizen) as we shifted easily through the usual airport procedures.

A Mercedes Benz bus was ready for us at the airport and we were joined by Fr. John Bosco from India. I was given the first seat just behind the driver, a young man named Matteo. Our travel to Assisi took about 5 hours. I will continue to write about my trip to Italy in the coming weeks.

Comments

  • Marsha RollinsonPosted on 1/11/20

    I so enjoyed reading Fr Peter's 1st blog on his trip to Rome. I am looking forward to his upcoming blogs, an hearing all about the rest of his trip on being in the Place where They lived.

 

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