Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Something of a Miracle in Rome

Something extraordinary happened to me yesterday that has left in me in such awe that I can’t stop thinking about it. As I mentioned before, yesterday was our wedding anniversary and the Diplomat and I, dressed to the nines, decided to take a stroll to Fontana di Trevi, which we had not yet seen and find a nice little place for dinner. We found the fountain, which was indeed breathtaking (as were the crowds of tourists and tchochke peddlers). After admiring it for a few rapturous moments while trying not to sweat profusely in my swanky dress, I noticed a church right across from the Fountain. Now, keep in mind, when you are in Rome, there are churches on every corner; sometimes, there are two per corner and at times even two churches joined into one! So, there was no reason at all for me to want to go into this one in particular, it wsan't evebn mentioned in my trusty guide; it certainly was not anything special from the outside. Yet, I decided I absolutely wanted to go inside and see it. The Diplomat (who typically grumbles about every single new church I drag him into) agreed without a single word. Once inside, I immediately noticed the smell of incense typical only in Orthodox Churches. I was convinced we were in one. I approached the altar and to my utmost astonishment, I noticed a marble slab of stone with an inscription in Bulgarian, telling us that the church was given to the Bulgarian people from Pope Paul John II to worship. So, somehow, unwittingly, unknowingly, by sheer luck or Godly inspiration, of all churches in Rome, I had walked into the Bulgarian church (for those of you still wondering, I am Bulgarian by birth). I was spellbound and reduced to tears.
And to make this even more amazing, let me tell you more. Earlier that day, after visiting the amazing Roman baths of Caracalla, I dragged the Diplomat to Santa Maria Maggiore, a magnificent church close to the hotel. Once there, I reflected that we had seen a whole lot of Catholic churches lately and that I have been feeling the need to visit an Orthodox one to light up a candle. I wished in my head to have the opportunity to do so very soon. Well, that same night, the opportunity came to me at St. Cyril and Methodius near Trevi Fountain. The second reason this is entirely extraordinary is that, before going out to dinner that night, my mom called me and among other interesting news of Son’s daily potty routine, mentioned to me that the Bulgarian venerable PM had been to Rome a day ago and dedicated a marble plaque in some church. Well, the church I was in WAS that church. The marble slab of stone I mentioned WAS that same plaque he dedicated. This is too much to be pure coincidence. I truly believe that God works in mysterious ways.
We arrived in Venezia tonight. This is possibly the most beautiful city I have seen in my life.

3 comments:

  1. Pretty neat! I'm going to have to check that church out when we go to Rome.

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  2. Yes. I agree that mysterious are the God's ways. He always fulfills what we desire, both good and bad, some immediately and some in later life, or even in later births(as per hindy philosophy. That is the reason people should wish for good things for themeselves and others. I am more happy that you both got blessed on the marriage day this way. God's ways are always inscrutable, but ultimately for Good.

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  3. @Dani: certainly go, it is in such a central place and the church is lovely. The priest is really pleasant and rather passionate--he gave me a 30 min sermon on purity of the soul, living the good life, going to church and regular confession and communion.

    @Appa: yes, I loved that it happened on our anniversary!

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