Tonight we went to church for the vigil service of All Hallows'. It was great! We started outside the Duomo with candles, then after prayers processed inside to the side chapel. The church was darkened except for our path, which was marked by candles. Elisa (our church soloist, who is superb) sang as we entered.
Following prayers in the chapel, we moved out the side stairs to the crypt. At that point, we read two gospel readings and some of Pope Francis's discourse to the youth in Assisi (remember that some of the kids went?). During this period, we placed our candles in front of the altar to illuminate the Bible.
We processed up to the mid-level between the crypt and the main church, where there are burials, singing an American hymn translated into Italian. It's called "On Eagle's Wings" (particularly symbolic in Todi). We Americans were unanimous that that eagle either crash landed, or didn't even take off!
Some loving snickers, and we processed into the main church, where we were seated in the choir behind the altar -- where they had displayed a motley assortment of relics in their reliquaries, rather reminiscent of a yard sale.
Lots of incense (and oops, the censer was dropped!), prayers, and an exchange of peace, and our service was over. But the evening was by no means over...this is Italy, after all! Off we traipsed to the Oratorio, where we enjoyed chestnuts (yes, roasted over an open fire!) and forget Jack Frost -- we had red wine!
James engaged in a pickup game of soccer, I chatted with a few parents from school, and it was time to go home.
Love,
Alexandra
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