22. Not all those who wander are lost
La Guistinana-Roma to Rome Well we have done it! We have arrived in Rome. It’s been an epic three weeks of extraordinary experiences and...
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The via Francigena. Wandering.
The via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage trail between Canterbury in England and Rome in Italy. The route dates back to the seventh century, but was first described in detail in 990AD by Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Sigeric, (known as Sigeric the Serious). He walked from Canterbury to Rome and back again, to be ordained by Pope John the XV. (This was in the days when Britain was Catholic). It was traditional that Archbishops receive their pallium from the Pope. The pallium is a white woolen stole or scarf with six black crosses and represents a seal of office.
Sigeric wrote a detailed description of the route and 79 daily stages along it. This account was preserved is what the current via Francigena trail is based on.
Up until the 13th Century the route was used as part of the silk and spice trade, and so the towns and cities it passed through thrived.
In 1994 it was designated a Cultural Route of Europe and opened up to a new generation of pilgrims.
This year, 2023, I am one of them. I will be doing the Italian leg starting in Lucca and finishing in Rome.
Introduction
Wondering
I turn 62 this year. It still surprises me.
I have been wanting to do a pilgrimage walk for several years, and I am uncertain why, but that is as good a reason to do it as any.
This is a strange and interesting phase of life. I have retired. My children are grown. I am not yet a grandparent. It seems there is a window to take the time to ponder what this time means and what the next, hopefully, 20-30 years are all about.
Part of my inspiration is the wonderful Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. If you haven't read it you should. In it she describes this stage of life for women as the Argonaut (or Paper Nautilus) stage. The Paper Nautilus creates a beautiful shell for her babies, but once the are hatched, she releases the shell and swims free. Lindbergh's message is that this is the time for us to find some space and grow again as full adults (and to allow our partners should we have one to do the same). She describes meeting again as fully developed people.
I hope to use the 27 days that we take travelling from Lucca to Rome to ponder, wonder and share my thoughts with you about life, meaning and everything in between.
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” I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I have been.”
― Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne
Hi, I’m Dena
A mental health blogger. Passionate about sharing thoughts and information on everything that makes my days better.
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