But my visit to Santa Chiara was made extra special because of the presence of my . My grandmother is a devout Catholic and Assisi is a dream destination for her. She was overwhelmed with emotion when she found out that we were visiting Santa Chiara during our trip to Italy. We had her by our side as we explored every inch of the church and infused the experience with her deep appreciation of the faith.
Santa Chiara church is a great example of Italian gothic style architecture. It is decorated with beautiful frescoes and stained glass, which depict various scenes from the life of Saint Clare. It was evident that my grandmother was deeply impressed by the detailed artworks in the church, she kept gushing about how beautiful it was and how it felt like heaven on earth.
The grandeur of the church didn’t intimidate my grandmother. Her faith and dedication to her beliefs gave her an ease in the house of worship. We were lucky to attend a Mass, and I observed her closely. Clasping her rosary, she sang along with the choir and opted to receive Holy Communion with a sense of reverence.
One of the unique aspects of Santa Chiara is that it houses the mortal remains of Saint Clare. The crypt beneath the church holds her body in a tomb of pure silver and glass. It was touching to see my grandmother pay her respects to Saint Clare. She knelt before the tomb with closed eyes and prayed. Her emotions were palpable, and I felt tears well up my eyes.
Outside the church, we took a stroll through the beautiful cloister and admired the playful fountains that adorn the gardens. The cloister has a simple yet rustic charm that is reflective of Assisi’s culture and history. My grandmother was happy to sit on the benches, observe the surroundings and have some quiet moments of reflection.
As we exited Santa Chiara, we spotted a small shop across the street that sold religious artifacts. My grandmother took this opportunity to buy some rosaries and crucifixes for her friends back home. She also bought a few souvenir items for us to remember the trip by. Looking at her, I was reminded of how faith enriches one’s life and how it sustains us in the face of life’s challenges.
In conclusion, visiting Santa Chiara in Assisi with my grandmother was a memorable experience. Her devotion to her faith was an inspiration for me as I observed her navigate through the decorum of the Church. Santa Chiara channeled a sense of tranquility and peace that has stayed with me since that visit. It was delightful watching our grandmother bask in the holy aura of the church, and it made me realize the importance of preserving such places that have the power to inspire and move people.