Yes, if you're a good Roman Catholic, you know that today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception – though I'd be surprised if all you RC's out there know what it means; it used to be the stumper question when I was in Religion classes, back in the day.
Its occurrence every year reminds me of my last day as a Roman citizen (well, not really a citizen, but I did have Permesso di Soggiorno). It was December 7, 1989 – almost 20 years ago, Dios mio! I was wandering and shopping in Il Centro for last-minute Cose Italiane to take home, getting ready to depart for what would be my final return to California the next day. As I strolled down toward my hotel from the Spanish Steps, I passed the Propaganda Fide building and then the statue in honor of Mary Immaculate, on its tall pedestal. She was awaiting the Papal procession and floral tributes to come on the morrow; I nodded politely in her direction, and said a little prayer that I would get out of town before the parade got started; and another little prayer of thanks to God that I was going home, at last.
And now, today, 20 years later, I really am Home, in these dear redwood hills; and another Advent is well begun. I am very content to be staying up here for the the remainder of 2008. The cottage's heart, our parlor-library, is becoming cozier every day, and getting a bit festive. Our Advent wreath is set up on its table in one corner of the room; soon our Christmas Tree will stand in another corner; and we'll be ready to welcome holiday guests.
Last evening, we lit candles and our fire in the little stove; we did our Wreath Liturgy prayer; and then we listened to holiday music while dinner finished cooking. So will our remaining Sunday evenings be kept, until Christmas Eve.
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