Two of our grandchildren are here for a grandcation (visit without parents). Because they are teenagers (need I say more), I have silence, solitude and simplicity in the morning.
They are about to get up. After I cook them breakfast, I will telephone the airline to change my frequent flyer reservation for Italy from November to October. I just learned that, without consulting me, Pope Francis has planned a four day visit to Florence right in the middle of my visit.
www.florencedailynews.com reports: “Pope Francis will visit the city of Florence on November 12, 2015. The official announcement has not yet been issued, but preparations are already underway. In those days Florence will be the venue of the Italian Church Forum, organized by CEI, the Italian Bishops’ Conference, hosted by the Archdiocese (Fortezza da Basso, 9 to 13 November 2015).
"The Pope plans “to spend in Florence the entire day of Wednesday, November 12, 2015. His participation to the conference will be only a part of the visit in the city.
“According to early rumors, Pope Francis will visit some Florentine institutions that deal with charity and the poor. For the Mass, planned at the Artemio Franchi stadium, is already estimated that participate in more than 50 thousand faithful. This event will be remembered for the arrival of Pope John Paul II in Florence in 1986, when tens of thousands of people gathered around the Pope at the stadium.”
I offer this detail of the Pope’s visit as I prepare to explain why I want to change my ticket. Where will all those folks coming to see the Pope sleep? Where they will eat? Where will I sleep? Where will I eat?
P.S. I did it! Italy in October, avoiding the Pope, the crowds, and the rainy season in Florence.
They are about to get up. After I cook them breakfast, I will telephone the airline to change my frequent flyer reservation for Italy from November to October. I just learned that, without consulting me, Pope Francis has planned a four day visit to Florence right in the middle of my visit.
www.florencedailynews.com reports: “Pope Francis will visit the city of Florence on November 12, 2015. The official announcement has not yet been issued, but preparations are already underway. In those days Florence will be the venue of the Italian Church Forum, organized by CEI, the Italian Bishops’ Conference, hosted by the Archdiocese (Fortezza da Basso, 9 to 13 November 2015).
"The Pope plans “to spend in Florence the entire day of Wednesday, November 12, 2015. His participation to the conference will be only a part of the visit in the city.
“According to early rumors, Pope Francis will visit some Florentine institutions that deal with charity and the poor. For the Mass, planned at the Artemio Franchi stadium, is already estimated that participate in more than 50 thousand faithful. This event will be remembered for the arrival of Pope John Paul II in Florence in 1986, when tens of thousands of people gathered around the Pope at the stadium.”
I offer this detail of the Pope’s visit as I prepare to explain why I want to change my ticket. Where will all those folks coming to see the Pope sleep? Where they will eat? Where will I sleep? Where will I eat?
P.S. I did it! Italy in October, avoiding the Pope, the crowds, and the rainy season in Florence.