August is the month where many businesses, factories and companies in Italy and other parts of Europe are closed for a couple of weeks for vacation. They called it “FERIE” which means “Holiday” or “Vacation”. It is during this time when they go out of town for vacation and rest, spend quality time with their families and friends. Mostly are in the beaches where they love to swim and stay under the sun. I’ve met friends who really has vacation houses at the coastline or a rented place near the sea for the whole month of August.

I spent my first “Ferie” for the annual retreat and for vacation. It was during this time when I tagged along with the other sisters who visited our community in Nice, France. It was such an amazing 10 hour land trip with “Furgone” from Rome to France. Quite energizing passing by the beautiful sceneries along the coastline. We enjoyed our lunch at a friends rented place in one of the beaches is Savona, Liguria.

The five-day trip was maximized to the fullest doing the apostolate and at the same visiting some breathtaking places nearby Nice. We were so blessed to have celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary at the Cathedral dedicated to our Lady of the Assumption which is also the seat of the Diocese of Nice.  It was built between 1864 and 1868 and was designed by Louis Lenormand.  The largest Church in Nice, France and the most prominent features are the two square towers 65 meter high, which dominate the east front together with a large rose window featuring the scenes of the ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

Another beautiful church we visited which is also dedicated to the Blessed Virgin was the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Monaco. Built in 1875 in Neo-Romanesque style with many features in Neo-Byzantine style.  Also the sacred burial place of the Grimaldi family and other members of the Royal family including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.

One heavenly place I can’t forget was the 5th century abbey, the Abbey de Lerins. A Cistercian monastery in the island of Saint Honorat which is one of the Lérins Islands on the French Riviera. Here, it is also possible to spend days of prayer and silence and enjoy the monastic life…..( how I wish I can have my spiritual exercises in this serene and tranquil place).

Deo Gratias!