Reflection by: Cheryl
Chronicles of a pilgrim – Day 14 – Padua-Venice-Padua
Travelling from Padua, we made our way by boat to the beautiful city of Venice, a city situated on a group of 118 islands known for its unique urban layout, architecture, and cultural heritage. The city is built on wooden pilings driven into the ground and its iconic canals serve as the primary means of transportation.
Our day began with a tour of the city before visiting St Mark’s Basilica. I was amazed by the intricate mosaic that lined the ceilings, walls and floors of the church. The golden mosaics depicted various biblical scenes from the Old and New Testament while the floor was adorned with exquisite marble mosaic patterns. The Basilica houses the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, the city’s patron saint, which was brought from Alexandria in the 9th century. We also celebrated mass at the crypt of St Mark, which contained his remains.
After which, we had the opportunity to explore the city on our own, where some of us rode the gondola and visited the Murano glass factory.
While this was a period of leisure, it was also a blessed time of fellowship with fellow pilgrims. The time spent with them today as well as the past 13 days, listening to their stories and experiences, reminded me of the importance of community and how it helps me stay rooted in Christ.
As Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up. Again, if two lie together, they are warm; but how can one be warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Getting to know them through conversations at mealtimes or while travelling between destinations has been an inspiring experience, allowing me to see God living in each one of them. I thank God for the gift of such wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ, it is truly a joy and blessing to journey alongside such a fun-loving bunch:)
