When Christmas is Christmas on the road, at least in the morning, when the day is still as fresh as the air of the first warm sun, and the city slumbers, finally calm. Then you can afford to be a little 'more sociable and to recreate an atmosphere of normality, confidence, socialization with lighter and a bit' mad as their holidays are the worst moments when one is alone. You try to be nicer, there feels a bit 'more relaxed, or at least want to think. I just finished writing my daily thoughts on lines of paper and walk along the first track, without a goal, just to warm the soles and soul. I think. Meetings used to sitting on the bench, I think of right now belongs to him, such a Caramel, Milan half and half Sicilian. I've seen it many times sitting at the usual place on the first track, we salute you, the usual greetings, chat and a bit 'of Pandora. It's nice to start the day in a friendly way, a greeting, a bit 'of kindness, maybe a smile, relax the heart after days of aseptic and looks hard and heavy silence weighed. I leave the station, I am curious went to St. Peter, just to spend the morning waiting for my appointment with Roisin and Attila for lunch in Trastevere. The square is crowded with people, drizzling, curious to observe the pilgrims. Provo amazement at the parades of the military forces of the Italian state which, armed to the teeth and with their machine guns, bring their gifts to the Roman Church. Ask for explanations to a priest who follows me a few steps from the ceremony with religious silence. Wrong address, in fact the bishop began to praise the qualities of the weapon and the right ideals of the war ...
at noon and fourth are on the Largo di Torre Argentina. The two Hungarians still do not arrive, meanwhile I'll go get a coffee at the bar around the corner, offers a master I met yesterday in the Military Avenue, take a shower. About sixty, whistling as he talks, it lacks teeth. At Christmas, everyone wants to celebrate with someone, to call someone and offer them something, even if a stranger, even a coffee. It is always a bit 'longer alone on holidays.
finally arrive Attila and Roisin, with their inseparable dog black, Angy, which starts jumping, barking and wagging his tail when he sees me. The sky is gray, but gray is a light fairy. Drips. Finally we arrived at the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. In the square around the fountain in a sea of \u200b\u200bpeople waiting in line to enter. We are given a yellow ticket, we have assigned the table twenty-two. Before long we can go and sit at a table, which is just behind the main entrance, in back of the church on the right side. Initially, even we realize that the air you breathe, intent on counting tables and the choice of seats. Suddenly, almost simultaneously, we look into his eyes, moved, not a word, smile. The place is wonderful. I must say that I was ever so far to have lunch inside a church, it's nice, I like the meantime by an aesthetic point of view. There are about thirty tables arranged in pairs along two rows from the front door to the altar, dressed with great care. Bright red tablecloths, two plate menu on each table. A plant stereo spread the notes of sweet and serene music, Christmas carols. To the rest of us think the paintings, marble sculptures, mosaics, golden light golden around the altar. Mixed tables. There are volunteers, relatives and friends of the Community of Sant'Egidio and there is street people, who one day leaves out the door of the problems and troubles, to feel lighter, more dignified and a bit 'happier, as and crazy it may seem ephemeral. Tonight will return all the same, but while you eat. Lasagna, mashed potatoes, lentils, roasted, white wine of the Roman castles, cakes, a thousand sheets, panettone and Pandora. Gifts. At the end of the meal for everyone there is a package. Pleasant surprise. Survival kit. There a flashlight battery, a scarf, a wool cap, two or three pairs of socks in winter. Thanks. Roisin was moved. He thanked me because I invited them to come.
The main difference between this room and all the other tables that I have visited so far is this: in the festive atmosphere. Today we hear a widespread desire to be good, no problems, the atmosphere is relaxed, there is music and joy. Around the table you down the differences, we are all invited, it was all sitting side by side, we all served. The board as a moment of fellowship, is a lesson in equality and dignity, as well as sharing of food, wine and words.
[From " Rome homeless , December 25, 2004] Read
" Rome city seen from behind "
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