I first made the acquaintance of Fr. Aidan Nichols in Rome in August 1985. Three of us made an excursion to Frascati where, after seeing the cathedral and the cardinal-king's memorial tablet in it, we recessed to a cantina where we consumed porchettas and a liberal quantity of the local vino. Then we trekked to the top of old Tusculum, where we saw the theatre. At this point Fr. Aidan informed us that there was a "back way" down that we proceeded to take. In the course of our descent, we had to climb a style into a field, and when we were well into the field we saw a large-ish bull at the far end which appeared to be watching our progress with fixed interest. Reaching the bottom, we found ourselves trudging along a deserted country road in the midst of the mezzogiorno heat, until at length we came upon a hovel where a placard announced watermelons for sale. Entering to obtain one, Fr. Aidan found not watermelons, but a couple on the floor behind the door engaged in rendering what we may piously hope was the marital debitum. He retired in some disconcertation, but soon a crone appeared, who sold us melons. We then trudged on until reaching a main road, where we caught a bus to Frascati. We then proceeded on to Palestrina and than, after some time there, took the highway around Rome to Lake Bracciano, where, at Trevignano, we had a long leisurely evening meal at the lakeside "Casina Bianca," which I had discovered on an earlier journey, in 1974. All in all, a memorable beginning to a valued friendship.
was for nearly three decades at Lancing College; where he taught Latin and Greek language and literature, was Head of Theology, and Assistant Chaplain. He has served three curacies, been a Parish Priest, and Senior Research Fellow at Pusey House in Oxford. Since 2011, he has been in full communion with the See of S Peter. The opinions expressed on this Blog are not asserted as being those of the Magisterium of the Church, but as the writer's opinions as a private individual. Nevertheless, the writer strives, hopes, and prays that the views he expresses are conformable with and supportive of the Magisterium. In this blog, the letters PF stand for Pope Francis. On this blog, 'Argumentum ad hominem' refers solely to the Lockean definition, Pressing a man with the consequences of his own concessions'.
1 comment:
Yes.
I first made the acquaintance of Fr. Aidan Nichols in Rome in August 1985. Three of us made an excursion to Frascati where, after seeing the cathedral and the cardinal-king's memorial tablet in it, we recessed to a cantina where we consumed porchettas and a liberal quantity of the local vino. Then we trekked to the top of old Tusculum, where we saw the theatre. At this point Fr. Aidan informed us that there was a "back way" down that we proceeded to take. In the course of our descent, we had to climb a style into a field, and when we were well into the field we saw a large-ish bull at the far end which appeared to be watching our progress with fixed interest. Reaching the bottom, we found ourselves trudging along a deserted country road in the midst of the mezzogiorno heat, until at length we came upon a hovel where a placard announced watermelons for sale. Entering to obtain one, Fr. Aidan found not watermelons, but a couple on the floor behind the door engaged in rendering what we may piously hope was the marital debitum. He retired in some disconcertation, but soon a crone appeared, who sold us melons. We then trudged on until reaching a main road, where we caught a bus to Frascati. We then proceeded on to Palestrina and than, after some time there, took the highway around Rome to Lake Bracciano, where, at Trevignano, we had a long leisurely evening meal at the lakeside "Casina Bianca," which I had discovered on an earlier journey, in 1974. All in all, a memorable beginning to a valued friendship.
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