St.Anastasia - Special Appearance!

23 March 2014

 

 With the visit of the Franciscan Missionaries, Sunday Mass was offered with a special appearance of the beautiful statue of Motta's Patron Saint, Anastasia. Usually saints appear only on their day or maybe three days at most. Cecilia and I rushed into town after church on base not wanting to miss this special occasion. 

(I saw her one time during the day a year or so ago. Cecilia and I returned to town that same evening, but could not even get through the baton twirlers who performed in the street. Cecilia questioned if St. Anastasia might be the patron saint of majorettes!)
 

We sat in two of the few remaining chairs as we had

arrived early. Excellent choice as we didn't know how she would be

presented. The church was packed - seated and standing. And, we were graciously

greeted by those we had met a few days ago plus Mario and Antonella.

St. Anastasia's entrance was dramatic.

The doors over a side altar opened slowly......

 

.......the statue

slowly slid forward.
So dramatic; so beautiful!

Since the crowd was so large, and we had attended an
earlier service, we opted to enjoy the view of the valley.....

.....and eat breakfast. Probably a smart move as we heard later that

the service lasted three hours. Two little ladies appreciated

 the chairs we offered them.

It's what rugby players eat for breakfast!

 

Gelato tucked into brioche!