Earlier this year (2007) I went to Cascia by myself but I couldn’t resist returning recently and showing my friend Tom (from Winona, Minnesota) this quaint little town with a great saint, St. Rita (please read my other Cascia journal to find out more about her).
We also wanted to visit St. Rita’s birthplace, Roccaporena, seven kilometers from Cascia, which has a giant pillar in the middle of the town where she used to pray. The town also has the spot where the miraculous rose and two figs were found (once again read the other journal to find out more).
Tom had been ordained a deacon about two weeks before we traveled. In being ordained Tom received one of the seven sacraments (a sacrament is a visible sign of invisible grace). He received the sacrament called Holy Orders, which from the most ancient times has been comprised of three degrees (bishop, priest and deacon – St. Stephen, the first martyr was a deacon).
In the Catholic Church we have permanent deacons, who, remain…well, permanently deacons, not going on to become priests. They may be married but will not marry again if their spouse were to die before them. Tom, however, is not considered a permanent deacon but rather a transitional deacon since he will be ordained a priest next summer (2008). During his diaconate ordination he made the promises of celibacy and obedience to his bishop.
The diaconate has a three-fold ministry of Word, altar and charity. They preach, assist at the altar and are at the service of the whole Church, particularly the poor. God willing I’ll be ordained a transitional deacon next October (2008) in St. Peters Basilica.
With all the above said, it was great being with Tom as a newly ordained deacon because he was able to assist several of the pilgrims in Cascia, most of whom were kind and funny elderly ladies.
We also had great experiences eating meals and speaking with the Augustinian priests who allowed us to stay with them. Many other priests, from Rome, were there too in order to hear the confessions of the hundreds of pilgrims who came during the weekend.
While in Cascia, it seems a little odd, but there was a saffron festival. Along with the spice, but not including it - because that would be gross, were countless booths with homemade sausages, wines, cheeses, and deserts. I knew that we would eat well in the mountainous area of Cascia but this festival was a treat.
The bus ride to Cascia is rough – I almost vomited going and coming – but it was all worth it. I hope to return some time.
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