MIRACLE ON VIA DEL CESTARI
This was the first thing I saw on my laptop screen this morning – a Whatsapp message from a phone number I did not know:
Good morning, I’m Fr Salvatore …. rector of the church of the sacred stigmata of S. Francis at largo Argentina. We just found your stolen wallet in our porch! You can come and pick it up or if you’re not able to get it I will give it to the local police station!
Well, my ecstatic response was so fast that I am sure Father’s head was spinning! My head was spinning and my heart was beating a little faster and I could feel the huge smile on my face! A miracle! After eight days!
Father Salvatore and I met about noon, not long after I had filmed my spot for today’s “At Home with Jim and Joy.” Both of us were smiling as we both felt a great joy over a missing wallet, now found and returned to its owner. Who took the wallet and who brought it to this church is the big unknown but I hope the Lord shows a little mercy!
Once you go up several steps at Sacre Stimmate, you are in small, somewhat dark, entryway just in front of the main entrance. This church of the Sacred Stigmata of St, Francis, a very historic and important Franciscan church in Rome as you will see by exploring the links below, is just feet away from Largo Argentina, one of Rome’s busiest squares and one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Rome (Julius Caesar was killed in these ruins!).
When I discovered my wallet was missing on Sunday, February 22, I was sure it had been taken either on one of two busses I had been on that morning, the 80 or the 190, or at the stop just before Largo Argentina where I had gotten off the 80 to board the 190. It was either at that previous bus stop or at Largo Argentina (a notorious spot for thefts) where many people boarded that the wallet was taken. And that is how I filled out the police report last Sunday.
The absolutely best part of today’s restitution is what was in the wallet – and that was the first thing Fr. Salvatore wanted to know when he gave it to me. What I expected to be missing, two credit cards and 35 euro, was missing but all my IDs, insurance cards, etc. were intact, as were three holy cards I loved and a cherished photo of my Mom and my brother Bill who died months apart in 2007. Another miracle!
There is Mass here every day at 1 pm and I will be back soon to attend Mass and to explore the church with Fr. Salvatore. You’’ll understand why when you click on the links below!
Of all the amazing coincidences, I leave tomorrow for Assisi where I will not only venerate the remains, the bones, of the saint I so love, I will bow in prayerful thanksgiving for today’s miracle and will pray for Fr. Salvatore, a new friend I am sure the Lord put in my path for a reason!
The words that resounded in my head all day were Deo gratias! Thank you, God!
When people say “God bless you, Joan,” I reply “He really has!” And now you know why!
Via del Cestari: The name of Via dei Cestari comes from the basket-makers who once had their workshops here. Today, the street starts from Piazza della Minerva and ends in Largo delle Stimmate, where the Church of the Santissime Stimmate di San Francesco is located. This is why, in the 17th century, Via dei Cestari was referred to as the “public street that passes in front of the church of the Santissime Stimmate di San Francesco”. Originally, the basilica was dedicated to the “ Forty Holy Martyrs” from the time of Diocletian, then, in 1594, Pope Clement VIII assigned it to the Archconfraternity of the Santissime Stimmate, dedicating it to the wounds of the Passion that St. Francis received on Mount La Verna on 14 September 1224. The church was then completely rebuilt during the 18th century to a design by Giovan Battista Contini.
The Church of Santissime Stimmate di San Francesco in Rome – Walks in Rome (Est. 2001)
Church of Santissime Stimmate di San Francesco | Turismo Roma
Fr. Salvatore sent me the website for this historical church – it is in Italian but some of you may know the language so enjoy! https://www.sacrestimmate.org/
Found this online and it beautifully summarizes my feelings today!
“Embrace the thrill of rediscovery and let it remind you of life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s a cherished memory or a long-lost item, finding something you thought was lost can spark joy and laughter in ways you never expected. So, keep searching, keep laughing, and who knows what treasures await you just around the corner!”
Joan's Rome 