June 18 - Florence

Well - the first group of 25 arrived late last night and were able to enjoy the day in Florence.  The remaining members of our group - the other 8 - have been trying all day to fly from Krakow to Florence - with some problems.  Their flight from Krakow was so delayed that they missed their connection in Frankfort - and they got rerouted through Amsterdam - then to Florence.  CRAZY the way the airlines think.  Anyway - they are en route now and we hope to be reunited with them tomorrow morning (as they arrive at 10:45pm).

For the 25 members of the group, today we explored Florence.  We began the day at the Academy of Fine art - where the most famous man of Florence "lives" - David.

Then we walked to the Duomo where, outside the Baptistry (it was closed today due to the staff of the Cathedral going to Rome for a Jubilee of Mercy event) we renewed our baptismal promises.

Renewal of Baptismal Promises

outside the Baptistery of the Duomo.

V. Do you reject Satan?                      R. I do.

V. And all his works?                         R. I do.

V. And all his empty promises?         R. I do.

V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

R. I do.

V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

R. I do.

V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

R. I do.

V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

Following this, we walked through the Holy Door at the Duomo - the cathedral in Florence.  We then walked to the Ponte Vecchio - the "old bridge" - the only one in the city not blown up by the Nazi's as they retreated from Florence.  There are located the famous shops.  We then took a break for lunch - and then split up - some to shop and explore on their own - others of us went to the Ufficio for some more art.

We then met up at 5pm to attend Mass (in English) at the Duomo - then dinner and back to the hotel to get some rest - as we have an early day tomorrow as we leave for Assisi.