Water, water!

There's nothing like a heatwave in order to demonstrate some of the important things in life!

It's been interesting to see the number of tourists and pilgrims who have come to Rome during the past two weeks and have joined the small groups around the city, huddling around the drinking fountains.

Fortunately these little gems are everywhere, sparkling cold and clear after some of them have had a chance of several hundred years in which to run cold! The water is beautiful and, the interesting thing is that because several sources were used in order to supply the city, it's an interesting way of discovering just how different water can taste and still be delicious.

I happen to have four favourite locations: the Coliseum, San Clemente, St. Paul's basilica and inside St. Peter's Square. It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with the water from other places: it's just that I like the taste best in these four.

It's intriguing to think that so many people have spent a great deal of money in travelling to Rome from all over the world, but the things that are most appreciated are available at home: water to drink, water for washing and a supply of soap. There's a special sense of luxurious self-indulgence at the end of the day when those sandals can be removed and over-warm feet can be immersed in cool water... which reminds me that even Jesus commented on the occasion when he visited Simon and was not given the opportunity to wash his feet. Believe me, if you have lived anywhere that is hot... or even during a heatwave... nothing can be compared to clean, comfortable feet!

Really, there is no need for human beings to become complicated. there's very little that is needed in order to make a big difference to our happiness and comfort. No wonder St. Francis, in his 'Canticle of the creatures' thanked God for Sister Water!

God bless,
Sr. Janet