Today has been an eclectic experience on the Via Francigena. Beginning in Colle Val d’Este, we stumbled upon an underground space called an oratorio, which upon close investigation, led us to a better understanding of a word we’ve seen in several places. At first, it seemed that the word “misericordia” had something to do with ambulances or health clinics. The word comes from Latin words "misereo" which means I have pity and "cordis" which means heart, or my heart pushes me to pity, mercy. Apparently, what we are seeing all over are acts of mercy by The Confraternities of Mercy, the oldest form of volunteer work in the world that remains extremely vibrant today. Founded in 1244 in Florence, they bring together ordinary citizens of all social classes and ages, committed "to honoring God with works of mercy toward others," all in absolute anonymity and completely free of charge.
The oratorio we saw was the place where this fraternity cared for people who died.
The men carried the bodies on this bed-like stretcher.
Once downstairs in the oratorio, the bodies were welcomed by skeletons on the walls
To protect their anonymity, the misericordia volunteers once dressed in hooded garments. According to materials in the oratorio, the garments went from red to black during the plagues so they wouldn’t show stains from pus-filled corpses.
Ok, enough of that…
Much of today’s route took us along and across the Elsa River.
Brief picnic and water stop.
The water was clear enough to see fish, and an unusual light turquoise color.
Signs keep us on the route
Through woods and fields
Six and a half miles later, we arrive to the Castel Pietraio for a wine tasting and an overnight stay.
Not quite a real pilgrim experience. Sort of a 21st century, upscale pilgrimage with benefits. 🍷🥐☕️😉
