Una Domenica en Firenze

I was born and raised a Roman Catholic, but let's just say I have been absent from Church or anything even a little bit religious for a really long time. The Church of San Lorenzo is right around the block from my apartment, so last night I figured..why not go to an Italian mass? I am in Italy, right? I woke up this morning and went to the 11:00 am mass.

I'm not really sure if I was allowed to take pictures or not, but I did try to sneak a few while I was in the pew. The church itself is absolutely gorgeous. It is very simple, yet elegant at the same time. A good 100 people were probably in attendance this morning. I grabbed the church bulletin when I walked in, and thankfully it had the entire mass and the readings there for me to follow along. In Italian of course. Obviously, I couldn't really understand what was being said, minus the few words and phrases I've learned thus far in my Italian 101 class (Haha). Since Roman Catholic masses follow a specific format, I still knew what part of the mass we were in, and I was able to follow along and read the responses in Italian with the rest of the congregation. What was really cool to me was that I don't think anyone knew I was American. Score.

After the mass, I paid for 40 cents to light a candle in the Church. I talked to my dad last night about maybe attending this morning, and he made a good point to say a prayer for my Nana and Papa who passed away who would have been so happy that I have this opportunity to live in Italy for a while. So, naturally, I lit candles for them. It's cool to think that there's a little symbol of the two of them here with me in Florence. I also blessed my Saint Anthony bracelet that I've been wearing every single day since I arrived in Florence.

I'm going to try to go to a Sunday service every week...Once I brush up on my Italian a little bit.

Happy Sunday Everyone!
Ciao, Xoxo


MB