THURSDAY

Holiday time has finally arrived! Set off on the first part of the journey to Sicily unaware that a swarm of bees has decided to pick the same day to visit Holne church. Learn later that after valiant attempts by church wardens and parishioners to persuade them to go, they leave of their own accord a couple of days later. Not sure whether they’d heard the discussion about calling in the exterminator, or whether they simple felt they’d paid their respects to their patron saint St. Ambrose, whose image on the medieval rood screen had just been cleaned and polished by Eddie our expert restorer.

FRIDAY

Having paid our own respects to our friendly nuns in Peterborough and swapped notes on Holy Fools, labyrinths and saints called Bugga, it’s off to Stanstead and the joys of Ryan Air! Apart from the bizarre boarding practise, which is a very un-British free-for-all, everything goes smoothly and we arrive at Palermo, collect car and set off for hotel near Cefalu. Husband however is not impressed with driving habits of the locals, which have more in common with above mentioned boarding practise than with any sort of Highway Code.

THURSDAY

After several days of doing absolutely nothing except enjoying the peace and quiet of the hotel, decide to venture across the island and pay our respects to a few more saints. Glimpse Mt Etna from a distance, which hasn’t erupted since we’ve been here despite dire warnings from mother in Tavistock. After long drive eventually get to Syracuse, once visited by St Paul of New Testament fame and birth place of St Lucy. Disappointed to find there are no bodies in the catacombs, but do get to stand on the very spot where St Paul is supposed to have preached. Try hard to connect with the spiritual vibes, but end up instead in fits of giggles when guide is rather uncomplimentary about his portrait on the wall above. Come away with a much more grounded attitude towards the great apostle! Nearby is a huge modern shrine built to house a portrait of the Virgin Mary, which miraculously wept human tears in August 1953. Not sure what to expect after my experience with Paul but discover that the Mother of God is able to reach those parts that other saints can’t. Find myself suddenly repeating the words of the Hail Mary and imagining how awesome it would be to stand at the altar and celebrate in such a magnificent space. Definitely food for thought. . .

TUESDAY

Home again. Realise how important holidays are, as everything seems so clear and bright and vibrant. Feel as if I can almost touch the stillness as I walk down to church to say morning prayer surrounded by even more newly sparkling saints including Mary herself. St. Paul, I’m afraid to say, will have to wait some time before the light finally shines on him again, bless him, but at least he made me laugh and reminded me that joy is a very important part of church life.

Copyright © 2006 Corynne Cooper.

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