This afternoon I spent some time reading ahead in my guidebook, plotting out my journey to Rome. What follows may prove to be hopelessly ambitious, but I don't think it's unreasonable. Now that I've got a working mobile, arranging for parish accommodations a day or two in advance should ‎be possible, which in turn should help with my budget ( Read more... )

Several years ago, my brother and I ventured out to explore some of the dynamic and intriguing exhibits of Nuit Blanche in Toronto.  (Some photos of that evening are to be found here: http://ift.tt/1wUrjwDRead more... )

It's 1:30 AM and raining in Santhià as I begin this update. ‎ (And 3:30 as I finish it ( Read more... )

When I visited my friends in Murfreesboro this September, Fr. John graciously invited me to ‎speak to his parishioners after Vespers on the topic of pilgrimage. Several of the stories I related had to do with what I called "accidental pilgrimage," by which I meant suddenly realising that I was in the presence of the Holy, without setting out to get ( Read more... )

I started walking back to the train station in Turin in time to meet the Famiglia Malfatti and their Freak Parade. I tagged along since they were heading in my direction, and the vibe reminded me of the pre-show scene at Grateful Dead concerts. Eventually I was handed a ticket to the circus. Shades of Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf. (Yes, the band ( Read more... )

Daniela and her mother Hildegard were eager to get going this morning, but were kind enough to pause for a photo. http://flic.kr/p/pZkLuT

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This is the church which has housed the Shroud since 1694. http://flic.kr/p/pGHaNQ

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So far, I have met fifteen other pilgrims walking at least part of the Via Francigena. ‎All but four of them have been women.

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As an Orthodox Christian, I am unable to receive sacraments outside the Orthodox Church. Still, it is nice to use my prayer rope in the quiet evening hours, surrounded by others at prayer. http://flic.kr/p/pFZn2eRead more... )