Today was a very different day than yesterday, marked by the coldthe snow and also for some particularly beautiful moments.
In the morning we went to the outskirts of Krakow to visit the Shrine of St. John Paul II. There we were able to see, among other personal objects, the cassock with the blood stains that the Pope wore on the day of the attack he suffered in St. Peter's Square on 13 May 1981. It was an impressive visit that helps to better understand the human and spiritual dimension of his figure. Everything was covered in snow and the cold was noticeable from the early hours of the morning.
Nearby we also visited the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, founded by Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938). It was a quieter time, which allowed us to stop for a while and take in all that we had experienced during these intense days.
We then returned to the city centre to continue exploring Krakow. We visited the Gothic Basilica of St. Mary, built at the end of the 13th century, one of the most important churches in Poland. Inside we were particularly impressed by the altarpiece of the Dormition of the Virgin, a late Gothic masterpiece carved in oak wood, large and full of details.
After leaving the basilica, we took a walk through the city and it started to snow. At night, a street violinist joined the group and we ended up singing all together in the street, under the snow, in the illuminated Krakow. It was an unexpected, fun and very special moment that will stay with us forever.
We still had time to buy some gifts for family and friends, and to warm up with a hot chocolate, discussing the day's experiences and reminiscing about the impromptu concert.
Very cold. But a day lived to the fullest, with moments that we are sure we will remember when we meet again in a few years as former students.
