Via Francigena: Bolsena to Montefiscone- Pilgrimage

Everything came together as I stood in awe of the simple footprints depicted in an antique stone smothered under the medieval altar. These traces of a prominent individuals steps in life, real authentic impressions of their feet. Initially filled with curiosity as to whom these may have belonged to, I was compelled with the thoughts about the importance of our steps in time, and the impressions they make in our journey called life. Something so familiar in our everyday life that we tend to over look, yet in the context of standing in the Basilica of Santa Christina, in Bolsena, Italy, on a pilgrimage. I found the simple connotation of steps in our existence so powerful and motivating; the moment was walking all over my heart, captivating my heart in every step.

Saint Christina was only 11yrs old when she became a martyr for Christianity in the 3^rd century, 11 yrs old…how can one even get a glimpse of life enough to grasp it at such a young age, yet she is considered a Saint, and one of the most prominent in Italy. She represented giving, servitude and love in every step of her life, despite the greed of her father. Taking a path away from the direction of her father, into a life of complete servitude and poverty, he immediately proclaimed her as an enemy and took her life into his hands. Her pursuit of a new life away from the conformity to society shows so much strength in her soul and heart, what courage, and she was so young. Taking her fathers precious golden idols and melting them into gold coins to give to the poor, what an incredible understood faith. The fact alone that she was a woman, merely not even a teenager yet, sets such a strong standard on her life. Woman had no say in their life journey, it was expected to be a housewife and serve your husband and your family. Well she served, beyond all means. Her steps had meaning, this really should say something; steps taken at the age of 10 to say the least that created her name and developed who she was. Portraying a pilgrimage destined to the hearts and existence of others, I was immediately filled with a passion to engage in my pilgrimage.

A pilgrimage is created by taking steps, from taking steps on a gravel path to find your faith or to the steps taken into a stranger’s home to provide an undefined serving love. Authenticity finds its way to the top of this creation, the main ingredient in coloring your path, each footstep one by one forming a true collage. To take strides away from where we find comfort, permitting ourselves to grasp what was once unseen, embracing our purpose, listening to the voice of our heart; a continual motivation, pushing us and giving us the strength of pursuit. These strides balance us, give us the ability to reflect on the meaning of every unique step we have been blessed with; embracing and learning how these walks have carried us and created us to be where we are now.

Stumbling into the Basilica of Saint Christina was merely the beginning of our trek on the Via Francigena that Saturday afternoon, but what perfect timing in this powerful moment. It left me with an entire day of walking that trail so many have taken hundreds of years before on a spiritual journey. Drinking from the same fountains, resting in the same places, and meditating on all walks of life coming together to this single gravel road, as it weaves through the countryside of Italy. A path whose pursuit gave me a chance to walk on the notes of my heart, as it sang with love from a Saint so young, so motivating. My expectations were exceeded as I walked my way towards the altar and peered at the imprints of Saint Christina’s feet. My heart was not prepared for the lunge it took, a lunge toward my faith and the heart God has blessed me with. Meeting with God and allowing my eyes to open up and really slow down my steps to walk with him as He takes the brush and paints my life.

[Pictures will be added soon! Macie's boyfriend came along with and took some wonderful pictures that really grasp our hike and adventure that day. This is also just a rough draft of an idea but I will be comprising a different aspect of this piece focusing on the actually hike , which will hopefully be published in a local travel magazine called iLazio.]