On August 2nd, Piazza Inferiore San Francesco was closed off, Italian police of various branches and military surrounded the piazza, eyes roving everywhere. An entourage of armored cars with darkened windows pulled up – and Italian visitors under the piazza porticoes asked each other quizzically, “E’ qui la Regina Elisabetta?”
No, it wasn’t the Queen arriving. Nancy Pelosi and a Congressional delegation had arrived from Rome for the eight-hundreth anniversary of the Festa del Perdono. I was to be their guide.
On August 2nd, a solemn High Mass in the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, just below Assisi, would launch celebration of the indulgence granted to Francis of Assisi by Pope Honorius III in 1216. Francesco had joyfully announced the granting of the indulgence from the Porziuncola, the small chapel given to Francesco and his first followers by the Benedictines. The grandiose Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli was built over the tiny Porziuncola in the 16th century. Francis’ “little portion” – inextricably linked to the Indulgence of the Pardon – now has direct ties to San Francisco, sister city of Assisi and district of Congresswoman Pelosi: a copy of the Porziuncola was built in 2008 in San Francisco’s Italian neighborhood, North Beach.
Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli 16th- c
La Porziuncola – inside the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Before heading to the Perdono celebration, I would be guiding Leader Pelosi’s Congressional group through the 13th-c Basilica di San Francesco (for how could they miss THAT one?) – and later after lunch in Assisi, would take them on a short walk to the Basilica di Santa Chiara.
Basilica di San Francesco, Assisi – 13th c
Our morning meeting point would be at the entrance to the lower level of the Basilica di San Francesco. I was ready, except for one small detail: how to address Leader Pelosi?
I decided to take Pino’s suggestion when I’d asked him the night before. As she came towards me, elegantly dressed in a suit with a simple string of pearls, flanked by husband Paul and staff, I put out my hand and said, “My name is Anne Robichaud and here in Italy, we would address you as ‘Onorevole’ Pelosi. What would you like me to call you?”
She extended her hand, smiled warmly and said, “Just call me ‘Nancy’.”
Pope Francis, too, visited the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli for the Festa del Perdono – two days later on August 4th. I wasn’t there: I stayed in the cool of our house on that steaming day and watched on TV.
I’ d seen Pope Francis on his Assisi visit in 2013 – and August 2nd had been an exciting Perdono celebration for me.
The day after in Assisi, people were still musing about a possible visit of Queen Elizabeth….
No, it was “just Nancy.”
Read about the Porziuncola and the Festa del Perdono
Read about – and see – the Pope’s 2013 Assisi visit
Read about the Porziuncola in San Francisco, CA
See a few highlights of Assisi with “just Nancy”:
A guided tour of the Basilica di San Francesco for Leader Pelosi and delegation
(and thanks to Fr. Martin Breski, OFM Conv. for his photos)
After our Basilica di San Francesco visit, a press conference…
Padre Enzo Fortunato, OFM, Basilica Press Office, presents a gift to Leader Pelosi
On the way to Santa Chiara, a stop to chat with a British family who’d recognized Leader Pelosi
A visit to see the work of a maiolica artisan
With the Congressional group in front of the Basilica di Santa Chiara
Pope Francis, too, visited Assisi on August 4th for the Festa del Perdono
Annie,
Congratulations on being selected to guide the US congressional delegation on a tour of Assisi. We must say that Rep. Pelosi gave a nice response to your question on how to address her.
The best congresswoman and her delegation got the best of the Umbrian guides. We wish we could clone Nancy Pelosi as she’s one of the most effective politicians of this era.
Not long ago I accidentally stumbled across San Francisco’s reproduction of the Porziuncola and it is exquisite. It is one of San Francisco’s best kept secrets. To anyone visiting SF, don’t miss it. It is next to the St Francis church in North Beach.
Nancy and Company could not have had a more perfect guide! Congratulations, Annie!
Molto Bene Annie…it was nice to see one of Connecticut’s representatives, with all of you too. How lovely to have been chosen to lead the tour, through these wonderful churches. The Basilica of Assisi, especially…amazing!
Thanks so much to each of you for sharing in this “momento speciale” for me. Appreciated.
Wonderful moments!
Yes, quite a day!
Wow! What an experience. How fortunate for them to have you as their guide.
Thanks so much for your comments. It’s always wonderful to hear from you.
Always a joy to share Umbria wonders with guests. The gems are endless