More on the Lenten fare in Rome! We have seen in past how Eugene\u2019s system just could not tolerate too much oily food.<\/p>\n
\nWhen Lent is finished, I will have a little more strength for I admit I have never in my life observed a Lent comparable to this one. It happens often that I go through the day with two badly cooked eggs in my stomach and even then it is forbidden to eat them three days of the week. It is beyond me, I cannot overcome the repugnance I have for the stinking oil they use in this house. When they give me fish, I swallow it without seasoning but sometimes it will not go down. I would vomit rather than eat three pieces of another kind of fish pickled in vinegar with spices that nauseate me. Often the soup is disgusting; it is a mixture of cheese, bread and greens; I always force it down my throat; but I compensate myself with fruit, I eat my bread with nuts, almonds and usually two pears with which I am not parsimonious. After all that, in the evening, if I followed my inclination, I would pass up my bit of bread; but I eat it just the same, except on Saturday, because on Sunday morning, I breakfast with chocolate, raw or cooked. In lieu of other penances, I offer this to the good God\u2026<\/strong><\/h5>\n
I smile sometimes when I think of the advice that St. Bernard, I believe, gave to his religious on the dispositions with which they ought to go to the refectory. I have little trouble entering into the spirit of this saint, and certainly it is not an act of virtue for me to proceed there as if to martyrdom; my stomach is turned just by approaching the refectory. I have no fear of sinning there by sensuality. In spite of all that, I am very well. I have not been unwell for a moment since leaving France.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Letter to Henri Tempier, 16 March 1826, EO VII n. 230<\/em><\/p>\n
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\u201cSometimes it’s good to remember how bad food can be, so you can enjoy the concept of flavor to the fullest.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0 John Oliver<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
More on the Lenten fare in Rome! We have seen in past how Eugene\u2019s system just could not tolerate too much oily food. When Lent is finished, I will have a little more strength for I admit I have never … Continue reading