Without St. Francis, Assisi city would virtually have been unknown to the world. The very truth that Francis was born and lived here highly elevates it; spiritually enhances it; and infuses this city with the eternal power to attract millions of pilgrims.

When we entered Assisi, a dusky foggy atmosphere had so enveloped the city that we could hardly see the illuminated basilica. We stayed in a hotel near the basilica itself. Sleep escaped my eyes and soul as I was drifted back to my teen years and the exact moment when I had read a book in Tamil about St. Francis titled “Lover of Poverty.” I vividly remembered how passionately I read that book day and night during every capturable moment. The book concisely depicted the entire life of Francis in a rather fictional manner. I was determined to get up early in the morning and go to the basilica by myself.

About 5 am I started walking uphill to the basilica. The basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built into the side of a hill and comprises two churches, known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church and a crypt, where the remains of the saint are interred. Climbing on the steps I was encountered pleasantly by two guards who wished me “Buongiorno.” A tranquility fell on me heavily with the realization that it was the place where Francis walked, prayed, worked and lived. A Mass was being celebrated as I entered the church. I was however, drawn to the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament nearby and knelt down to pray.

How many thousands of holy people from the time of St. Basil in the fourth century would have knelt down before this same Blessed Sacrament! How St. Francis himself, who according to Franciscan tradition started Eucharistic Adoration in Italy which spread from Umbria to other parts of the country, would have prayed fervently in this very holy place! The Italian chants sung during the Mass nearby rather enhanced my prayer. Can a nightingale offend the stillness of the night?

Ms. Angela Krishana, organizer of this tour, as a good catholic, arranged Mass for our group in every holy place. Fr. Joseph Percy celebrated the Mass in a chapel at the Basilica and I gave the homily. After the Mass we visited the important places in Assisi assisted by a tour guide. Francis’ parents house, church of his baptism, Cathedral where he renounced everything in the presence of his father and Bishop, Basilica di Santa Chiara are some of the places we visited. All these sites seemed like gloriously dusted with memories of the past.

The next day morning our bus headed for the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Built between 1500 and 1600 AD, its vast borders enclose the small chapel of the Porziuncola. Entering this basilica itself is a celestial experience. The little church is the center of attraction. The little church of Porziuncola, dating from the 9th century, was given to Francis by the Benedictine monks. This is where for the first time St Francis took refuge and found his vocation, renouncing earthly riches, and which for this reason is considered the symbolic place where the Franciscan Order was born. The saint died here, in the ancient cell of the infirmary of the Chapel of the Transit on October 3, 1226.

I could see people touching fondly the ‘little church’ as though feeling and gathering the Saint’s presence inside. I too touched. Praying in the Transito where the saint died, viewing the Crypt and being in the Rose garden and the Rose chapel were exotic experiences.

With our hearts exhilarated and souls sanctified, we left for Padova. Looking back at the disappearing city from our bus, I was humbled and, in a way, shamed as a priest because St. Francis declined to accept any clerical order, by humbly saying, “I am unworthy”.