Assisi 2020 - III

This is the third in a series of posts sharing information and perspectives on the lives of Saints Francis and Clare, life in Assisi and seeking to follow Franciscan values in today's world.

Gospel Quote - Matthew 5: 43-45. "You have heard that it was said: 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This will make you children of your heavenly Father."

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Umbrian Adventures - This post, updated from March 2014, shares a little about an Italian ghost town, with its own frescos....

Deep in the forest on the Spello side of Mount Subasio, unmarked by any signs and accessible only by a narrow path, lies the remains of a town called Gabbiano Vecchio (Old Seagull). I've posted about it in the past and revisited it on a recent hike. Thus far, I've been able to discover little of the history of Gabbiano Vecchio. What remains are parts of a few structures, the gem of which is the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio (Church of Saint Anthony). I'm told by an art historian that the frescos within are likely 17th Century. The church is in a time of decay, so its treasures may not not be around much longer. Here's Gabbiano Vecchio, as seen from the forest.

Approaching the church.

The altar area.

Saint Anthony, and likely Saint Clare.

The dilapidated ceiling.

A word of advice to any hikers: there are poisonous viper snakes in this area. I've never seen one, but it would be wise to avoid stepping or reaching into dark places or dense growth. With an ounce of caution you should have no problems.
2020 update - Have since learned that Gabbiano Vecchio still had residents early in the Twentieth Century, and have seen data from a census conducted a century prior. A few years ago the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio was secured, so access to the frescos now probably requires permission from the current landowner. Unknown if the roof has been repaired.

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Reflections - The following words of Francis of Assisi are from The First Version of the Letter to the Faithful. This document is considered of importance in the initial creation of Francis' third order, the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, from which blossomed today's Secular Franciscan Order.

"1. All those who love the Lord with their whole heart, with their whole soul and mind, with their whole strength (cf. Mk 12:30) and love their neighbors as themselves (cf. Mt 22:39) 2. and hate their bodies with their vices and sins, 3. and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, 4. and produce worthy fruits of penance: 5. Oh, how happy and blessed are these men and women when they do these things and persevere in doing them...."

In a world with ever changing norms and values, the above words, based on the Gospels, remain as remarkably poignant, timely and inspiring as when they were written over eight hundred years ago. Like sunlight streaming through a clouded sky.

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Something Franciscan - Benedetto Sinigardi (1190-1282) heard Francis of Assisi speak in the main square of Arezzo in the year 1211. He chose to become a Franciscan, and in time Fra Benedetto di Arezzo served in Turkey, Greece, Romania and the Holy Land. Fra Benedetto is remembered as the author of a special prayer, The Angelus.

The Angelus (1857-1859) - Jean-Francois Millet - Musee d'Orsay

Pax et bonum.