Santa Margherita

I met Santa Margherita today. After two coffee lattes, and half a quattro stagioni pizza at Fuflun’s I decided to take my rubbery legs uphill toward la Chiesa di Santa Margherita. It was a steep climb, but I took it very slowly, stopping to rest frequently. There always seemed to be a handy bench, stone wall, or step for me to rest on when my heart threatened to beat out of my chest. Taking my time, I was able to take some wonderful pictures and enjoy a new discovery around each corner; a lilac in bloom, an ancient cistern, a view of the valley, or a riot of flowers arching over an arbor.

Slowly the church came into view as I crept inexorably upwards. The destination of my pilgrimage was just a heartbeat away! I rested against a stone wall just outside the church, both to catch my breath and to appreciate the feat I wasn’t sure I’d be able to accomplish. A small journey for some, a much larger journey for me.

The church was darkened as services were not in progress, so it took a moment or two for my eyes to adjust to the dimly lit interior. The soaring arched ceilings are painted a celestial blue drizzled with golden stars. I sat in the front row to pray and meditate in front of the altar and the Santa Margherita. As I sat quietly, the colors of cobalt blue, indigo, and deep violet appeared and receded against the screen of my closed eyelids and tears ran unbidden down my cheeks. At one point a small silvery-white key shape glowed against the deep, rich colors of my mind’s eye. Is this the key? What treasure will it unlock? The experience was so wonderful that I am reminded of why I’ve made this journey. It’s not about shopping and gelato, it’s about my spiritual and personal growth.

I quietly approached the altar to pay my respects to the Saint; a tiny, fragile, wizened figure dressed in a pleated garment with a golden halo atop her head, sleeping peacefully in her glass and silver gilt casket, protecting all who call to her as she has for hundreds of years.

The trip back down the hill was more difficult as it took a terrible toll on my knees. I walked much further coming back down as I found that zig zagging back and forth from one side of the uneven and rocky road to the other took some of the agonizing pressure off my knees, which were kind enough to carry me safely home. Actually, they also carried me safely to Gelateria Snoopy for a celebratory nutella gelato enjoyed on Le Scale, the steps, overlooking Piazza della Repubblica…yum!

I have now made the acquaintance of a Saint. May she care for me in this life and welcome me home when this life’s journey is finished.