Saturday, May 10, 2008

VIVA SANT’ ALFIO

Last night, Antonello and I were on our way to Trecastagni on foot for the Pilgrimage of Saint Alfio. After seven and a half hours of walking up the steep roads of Etna, and a total of 28 kilometers, we arrived at the Main Church just after midnight. The church was full of people awaiting the Pilgrims who were arriving on foot. Some of them, walking all the distance barefoot carrying a heavy devotion candle, entering the church were screaming "VIVA SANTALFIO" in tears. Needless to say, it was moving.

We can understand what they felt when they arrived to the altar. Exhausted from the long journey and many kilometers we, too, regained energy seeing the church in the distance. We finished our pilgrimage with a fast pace and without any of the pain we had felt until then.

Just so you know, we are OK! We'll be resting this weekend, but on Monday I'll fill you in with the rest of the story...

3 comments:

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

OK you deserve so much more than a rest ;)

Jill said...

Thanks...

Rowena said...

This is so very, very cool that you did this. 28 km...that is simply awesome!! Just love the traditional culture carried on here and I look forward to your updates (with related info links if possible!).