Feast days, travel restrictions, and a return to normalcy
Feast days, travel restrictions, and a return to normalcy
Happy Feast of Saint Catherine of Siena!
Though her relics are spread all across Italy, her tomb is in Rome at the basilica of Saint Maria Sopra Minerva. Today is the day they open the area under the main altar of the church so the faithful can venerate her tomb.
If you can’t make it to the church, you can find her hand in a convent across Rome, her foot in Venice, and her incorruptible head in Siena.
Click here to find out how to visit her relics, and see a few of her incorruptible body parts.
Dropping Travel Restrictions
Pretty much all the Green Pass stuff is gone.
The indoor mask mandate is ending, with the exception of public transportation (and schools and hospitals — but hopefully you won’t be visiting those places).
There’s been a lot of confusion over travel restrictions in Italy.
In the last few days I had a triple vaccinated friend take a PCR to come to Italy — not needed.
I had someone I know cancel a visit because he thought a five day quarantine was required even if vaccinated and boosted — not needed.
I had a family try to fly home without taking a test, because they were fully vaccinated — a test is required by the US for everyone.
I had someone tell me they’ve been putting off a visit until Saint Peter’s doesn’t require a vaccination — that was never required.
I wrote this article to hopefully clear up everything.
Back to Normal
Old friends, new friends, patrons, priests, diplomats, radio hosts, Emmy winners, music industry professionals, best selling authors, travel professionals, and journalists. Stopped on the streets and at Mass by fans and followers. Nearly every day hanging out with someone new. Sharing stories. Catching up. Eating. Drinking. Pilgrimaging. It’s been beautiful.
I’ve done more in-person socializing in the last few weeks than in the last few years.
Here are just some of the photos from the past few weeks.
Upcoming Pilgrimages
With so many people wanting to travel again, my 2023 trips are selling out pretty quickly. A few sold out in a matter of minutes. Here are some opportunities for travel this year.
Three spots on Austria and Oberammergau in May
Two spots on Oberammergau with Austria, Prague, and Poland in June
The Holy Land and Jordan in July — announcing next week
Lourdes to Fatima with Oberammergau in July — announced last week, almost full
Oberammergau and Rome in September — private diocesan group
October in Italy — almost full
Thanksgiving in the Holy Land and Jordan — announcing soon
That’s it for today. Next week I’ll be coming to you from the Holy Land!
— Mountain