Sei arrivato a destinazione

"You have arrived at your destination."

I'm sitting in the cloisters beneath the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi, where I've spent a good part of the afternoon (I was resting this morning, exhausted by the heat and journey!)

I finally climbed the last hill into Assisi, went through the cloisters and up the steps to the small piazza outside, and paused for a few moments at the doors.

Then, walking in, I was struck first by the riot of colours (the walls and ceilings are covered by the most magnificent frescoes, including the famous sequence by Giotto telling the story of the saint's life). There were people milling all around, and a low hum of conversation - not quite the silence the custodians beg for, but not too intrusive.

I walked right up to the altar, not sure what was in my heart to do, then found myself falling to my knees, overcome with a sense of ... well, of what?

Not achievement or accomplishment, although this has been a challenging three weeks and it's good to finally reach my goal. Not relief either - even the hardest moments have been so life-giving. This has been an unforgettable and life changing month.

I think I was overcome with a sense of gratitude. Not gratitude for arriving, but gratitude for all that this journey has meant. I finally realised what people meant by pilgrimage being all about the journey: after all, for all its magnificent history, art and spirituality, the basilica is basically another very colourful church. Being here is good. But getting here was incredible.

I've arranged to stay with the brothers at Bose until Thursday, and I'm glad they've been so generous with their hospitality. It gives me time to reflect, pray, absorb the last few weeks, and experience Assisi more than I've been able to see everywhere else along the way.

But that's for later. Right now: I've arrived.

///pulses.barefoot.intent