Eugene finally arrived in Rome on November 26. It was his first visit to Rome and he was filled with a sense of awe at being there. In each letter that he wrote and in the Diary that he kept each day, he describes his many visits and experiences in this city which he calls “the capital of Christendom.” To Hippolyte Courtès he wrote:
Down with avarice, my dear Courtès, although the postal fee on my letter must ruin you, I am not resisting the desire to write to you and to date my epistle from the capital of the Christian world. This title is due to this beautiful city of Rome, not only because she is the seat of the Vicar of Jesus Christ, visible head of the Church, but also because she is, as it were, a Compendium of Christianity.
Letter to Hippolyte Courtès, 6 December 1825, EO VI n. 210
As we explore some of these writings we will glimpse something of the wonder with which Eugene experienced this city.
(You can consult the full version of his writings on the subject in the files “Writings of St. Eugene 1824 – 1825” and “Writings of St. Eugene 1826 – 1827” at http://www.omiworld.org/file-for-animation.asp?cID=7 )
“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” Albert Einstein
This morning I have spent my time trying to think not so much on Eugene or on Rome but most certainly on wonder and awe. The times it is a part of my life and the times that I hide it behind a mixture of being blasé and cool. There is a sense of ‘child-likeness’ about it, for it involves trust, vulnerability, openness and being able to take joy and give thanks in the goodness, the ‘godness’ of others. That is something that seems to be more possible for the young and the old – in between we can so often be so very busy that we don’t allow ourselves time for the wonder and awe. The ‘godness’ of others – be it in their works, or in their being it is a gift to be able to stand and admire what they have brought about. So we stand in wonder and awe.
I find myself unfocused and unable to attend to this writing here today, I must go and tend to what is filling my mind and taking my attention from all else. Perhaps then I can return and and give this the justice it is due.