Returning to Norcia

I arrived in Norcia in the evening after a day on the train. I entered the Basilica just as the monks finished vespers and were beginning a first-Friday holy hour. Brother Anthony met me and took me to my room and brought me dinner. I got settled in and had some monk-made tuna pasta and beer. Afterwards I returned to the Church for the conclusion of the holy hour and for compline. After Compline all went to bed.

Saturday morning, 3:40 wake up for Matins at 4 followed by coffee and spiritual reading until Lauds at 6. After Lauds there is a simple breakfast, bread and more coffee, and then about forty-five minutes of free time until Prime. There was then Terce followed by Mass, afterwards I helped moves some chairs for the monks. Sext at noon and then lunch. None, a short nap, and then I helped with labeling and packaging some beer followed by vespers. Then I went for a short walk through the town, and checked the bus schedule. Before I knew it, it was time for compline and then bed.

Sunday started at 3:30 with Matins at 3:45, and then a quick cup of coffee and back for Lauds at 6 followed by a nice and quiet Sunday breakfast in the refectory. Then Prime and Terce of course, after which there was a two hour period before Mass. I did some reading and some light work and checked out the small monastery gift shop before going to Mass. After Mass I said goodbye to Brother Anthony, the guest master. I still ate lunch with the monks but they eat in silence so I could not say goodbye because I had to leave during lunch. I caught my train and headed back to Riva one last time.