All you holy men and women, pray for us!

Today was All Saints' Day.  Which is, of course, a holiday here.  Interestingly, there was no procession or anything really overt.  Michael & James went to Mass in the Duomo this morning, and reported that all the reliquaries were spread out on the altar.  I, of course, could not resist the opportunity to go to the Mass that would be held at the old cemetery -- just outside the town.

In the afternoon, the girls, Jeremy, and I went down the hill and through Porta Perugina.  Another 100 meters, and there we were.

Cemeteries here are very different from those found in most of the US, although older cities like New Orleans and Boston feature similar styles in some of their graveyards.  They truly are cities for the dead, with a surrounding wall, houses/shrines, roads, and open areas.  The location of this one has an amazing view (big surprise).

We started our Mass by saying a rosary in procession through the graveyard.  Then we repaired to the adjoining chapel for Mass.  Afterwards, I went out to take some pictures so you could get a better feel for what it's like. There are olive groves just beyond the wall, and many people had freshened up the graves with flowers: the expected chrysanthemums, but a lot of cyclamen, lilies, roses, and several orchids as well.

Have a blessed All Saints' Day -- and don't forget All Souls' Day tomorrow!

Love,

Alexandra