Look who surprised me in Vienna a few weeks ago - my beautiful sister, Mary!! Apparently, the whole family knew about this event for a couple months; kudos to them for keeping it secret - I had NO idea and was shocked! Once I calmed down, I realized she would be with us during our little trip to Italy, and that made it all the more fun! We had plans to meet up with a second cousin of ours who is military, and stationed in Vicenza, Italy.
Auntie Mary and Michael on the night train - Michael simply loved having his aunties with us on this trip and always made sure they never strayed too far from his side.
After a not-so-restful-night-train trip, we arrived in Venice, then switched trains to continue on to Padua. We walked through Padua to the Basilica of St. Anthony at the other end of the town.
We headed first to the Chapel of Reliquaries with 15 minutes to spare before it closed. Here we saw St. Anthony's tunics, the rock which he used for a pillow, his incorrupt lower jaw, tongue and vocal cords. St. Anthony was a Franciscan, and a great preacher, often spontaneously inspired by the Holy Spirit; hence, fitting that these parts of speech are miraculously preserved. He often stressed that one should humbly and sincerely pray to the Holy Spirit for the gift of speech as was given to the Apostles; "Happy the man whose words issue from the Holy Spirit and not from himself!"
St. Anthony was found being visited by the Child Jesus on occasion.
“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. It is useless for a man to flaunt his knowledge of the law if he undermines its teaching by his actions." - St. Anthony
“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. It is useless for a man to flaunt his knowledge of the law if he undermines its teaching by his actions." - St. Anthony
Side chapel, tomb of St. Anthony.
The walls of this chapel have marble reliefs which depict some of St. Anthony's miracles; most concern raising dead people to life; many children.
Excited for the start of our Italian adventure!
We stayed two nights in Vicenza with our cousin, Peter. It was lovely to meet him and his family, and Michael enjoyed playing with their four children. Peter kindly drove us to Verona the next day and gave us a little walking tour.
The Roman arena built in the 1st century and still used for opera and musical performances.
The original city gates - La Porta Borsari.
Feeding pigeons.
Of course, we had to see the famous Casa di Giulietta and balcony purported to belong to the family of Shakespeare's protagonist in Romeo and Juliet. The walls leading to the little courtyard are lined with carvings and love notes.
Michael apparently had been watching everyone else who touched Juliette's breast for good fortune in love...but he looks skeptical.
So nice to spend time with Peter and sweet Alexia!
Mary is wonderful with kiddos.
Walking around Vicenza before taking the train to Venice.
So fun to see these two reunited and be able to enjoy their company!
What a sight as one exits the train station in Venice!
Adjusting after departing the train. We travel light - 2 backpacks and a double stroller full of diapers/wipes/snacks and 2 adventurous boys; thank God for that.
We stopped at San Geremia to pray at the relics of St. Lucy, one of the 4th century virgin martyrs.
We were able to walk behind the altar and see her close up! What a blessing.
Then we set off into the heart of Venice via the traditional waterways.
Ready to explore Venice!
It was awesome to see you all!
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