Monday 24th October 2011
I am between visits to Assisi, and was privileged to be there for the Feast of St. Francis on 4th October with a small but appreciative group of pilgrims. What a wonderful day to be in Assisi, with more than 10,000 people gathered in the old town for the festivities. I am off to Assisi once more this Wednesday, where Judith and I hope to be present at Pope Benedict’s celebration of Mass after his leadership of the Interfaith meeting, which marks the 25th Anniversary of the initial meeting hosted by Pope John Paul II. What momentous events have happened between my two visits to Assisi. On my first visit, on 3rd October, I flew out on the same plane as members of the Kercher family, the only people who have come out of the aftermath of the murder of their much-loved daughter Meredith with any credit or dignity at all. Spare a thought also for the unfortunate Patrick Lumumba, slandered by Amanda Knox who served 3 years in jail for this offence, but now stand to earn a Queens ransom. Meanwhile, our prayers go out to the Kercher family and to Patrick who lost his job and his house in Perugia unjustly.
On to happier news! Congratulations to Archbishop Vincent Nichols for using his good offices to ensure peace at the Vaughan. At least they are happy now! Also, they have got Stubbings as head, whilst for Manchester United and Chelsea yesterday, it was drubbings all round!! Still, I am sure that both those great teams will live to fight another day, whilst for Captain Paul, we wish you a very happy stay at the helm of the good ship Vaughan. Oh and please look after young Leo. Perhaps you will teach him a few Latin phrases!
Now on to even better things. At Pax Travel, we have nearly put to bed the finished version of our 2012 brochure. In about another 3 weeks, it will be available for public consumption. There are some really exciting new ideas that we are incorporating into next year’s program:
· The Divine Art of Fra Angelico will be explored during a visit to Florence.
· An exciting-looking pilgrimage in the steps of St. Boniface to Germany ending with a visit to Dresden, which will take place in July.
· Of course we will be returning to Assisi for the Feast of St. Francis, which is where I came in!
For the rest of the contents of the brochure you will just have to wait and see.
Philip Dean
