The Saint Francis Walk - Pilgrim's Tales

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Home > Pilgrim's Tales

Marco Zamboni (published 22/10/2006)

The comment by Marco from Mantova.

Hi, I’m Marco from Mantova. I took the Walk from the 19th to the 23rd of August from Rieti to Rieti visiting the four Sanctuaries.

I left on my own. I had already taken the Santiago Way last year and so I threw myself into this new adventure.
My reckless spirit brought me once again at finding myself with little information, no planning and taking things as they came.
The result? An unforgettable experience! A more pure, more spiritual walk than the one in Spain.

I can’t remember the last time I stopped to think, write and talk to myself and communicate with Him.
I better understood the figure of Saint Francis and I felt that he was very close.
I was enchanted by the places I saw.
I stopped many times during the Walk to admire them! What a great 360° view over the Sacred Valley. It was wonderful to stop and talk with the local people who were always willing to help and show me directions. It was great to feel far away from my job, society, stress, and all the comforts of everyday living. It was great to find patience and joy in the hardships that led to the destinations. I always had the desire to leave in order to arrive and arrive with the desire to leave again!!!

The solitude without traveling companions and not finding any along the way was difficult in the beginning.
A woman I met in a bar in Greggio suggested that the Lord had planned it this way for me and that his grace would be felt soon. I want to thank that woman, she was right! I breathed his grace soon afterwards and I brought it home with me.

Thank you to the woman in the garden that rolled up her sleeves to hug me. That gesture warmed up my entire morning. Thanks to Alice, Deborah and Gigi. Unfortunately you took the Walk going the other way, but you were great company on the first night and gave me some very useful information. Thank you to Brother Nicola for your helpfulness and hospitality towards pilgrims.
I prayed for you.
Thank you to Father Valerio and everyone at the La Foresta Sanctuary. I can’t find the words to describe the warm welcome and light that I saw in your eyes. I felt at home and I care for you very much.

Thank you to the people at Poggio Bustone who invited me to dinner and to stay with them. I am very grateful for your company that evening.
I also want to thank the Rieti Tourist Board and whoever placed the markings along the Walk. I lost my way more times than I care to remember…
Finally I want to thank the Lord for having woven his web over me and for having thrown it on me so gently that it feels like I made the choices on my own.

I hope that lots of people take the Walk in search of something truly special.

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Bella esperienza e significativi i Santuari...
“Bella esperienza e significativi i Santuari. Grande disponibilità delle persone. Ringraziamenti sia per l'ospitalità che per le informazioni date. ”
Luca Fenu
(Certificate Received on 17/04/2007)

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Docup Obiettivo 2 Regione Lazio
Programmazione 2000-2006 Dipartimento Sociale
Asse III – Misura III.2 Direzione Regionale
Sottomisura III.2.2 Cultura Sport e Turismo
Area "Strutture Turistiche e Demanio"