by C. De Melo
Cecilia paused. “I have something to show you inside.”
Sabina hoped it would be food because she was hungry. When they entered the spacious refectory, Cecilia pointed to the frescoed walls. “Are they not beautiful?”
The life-sized frescoes were indeed impressive. Painted in fresh colors that made the room come alive, three walls depicted scenes of Mary’s life: The Birth of the Virgin, The Marriage of the Virgin, and The Ascension of the Virgin. Of course, Santa Lucia was present in every scene as a silent witness to these blessed events.
Sabina liked the last one the best because it showed Mary’s face in total rapture as she floated up toward Heaven in a beam of light. So many religious works of art dealt with serious or unpleasant themes; it was refreshing to see a holy figure looking pleased for a change.
“We take our meals here,” Cecilia explained. “The Last Supper scene is usually depicted on refectory walls, but I suppose our late abbess wanted to be unique.”
Sabina’s stomach growled. She wasn’t interested in frescoes at the moment. “Will I have to wear a nun’s habit?”
“No.” Cecilia smiled and stared at her sister.
“What?”
Her smile widened. “I knew God would answer my prayers.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, here you are!”
“Remember, it’s only temporary.”
Cecilia’s smile remained glued in place. “I often pray that you’ll take the vows someday and join me here in the convent. We could live out the rest of our years in peace, serving our dear Lord.”
Sabina realized that Cecilia had grown more pious after Paolo’s death—to the point of fanaticism. “My life is in Florence.”
“You could sell the house and donate your money to the poor.”
Sabina wondered if promising Lorenzo she would stay in Lucca had been such a good idea. Could she tolerate months of constant preaching and pressure from Cecilia? Was this the price she had to pay for her foolishness with Massimo?
She still loved him, although she hated to admit it. Did that not count for anything? Can love be deemed foolish if it goes terribly wrong? Massimo had not sent her any messages. The only thing she had from him was the note he had scribbled before abandoning her at the villa in Rome. There had been no further explanation, no words exchanged to offer any closure—just the note.
“Does that sound appealing to you?” Cecilia asked.
“What?”
“Are you listening to me?”
Sabina put her hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Forgive me. I’m tired from the journey and this dreary weather is doing little to help.”
“I asked you if you wanted to accompany me tomorrow.”
“Where are you going?”
“The hospital.”
“Is someone sick?”
“We give alms to the poor in the morning, then help at the orphanage and hospital in the afternoon.”
“Yes, of course, charity.”
“Wait and see how good you’ll feel when God’s Holy Spirit fills your soul. The Bible says that there’s more pleasure in giving than in receiving. How true that is,” Cecilia said, crossing herself.
Sabina’s stomach growled again. “What time do we eat?”
“Let’s get you something to ease your hunger until supper time.”
The next morning, Sabina donned a plain gown and attended mass. Afterward, she was introduced to the abbess, Mother Marcella, a gaunt woman with inquisitive gray eyes.
“Welcome, Signora Sabina. Sister Cecilia has spoken of you many times,” the abbess said as she regarded Sabina coolly. “We hope you benefit spiritually from the peacefulness of our humble convent.”
“I’m sure I will. As a token of my gratitude, I would like to make a donation.” Sabina handed over a heavy coin purse.
Mother Marcella’s eyes widened with subtle glee. “Your gift is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use. God bless your generosity, Signora. If there’s anything you need, simply ask.”
Ah, the power of money. Had not Massimo abandoned her and forsaken their love for his wife’s money?
Sabina watched the fabric of Mother Marcella’s wimple flap in the breeze as she walked briskly toward the chapel.
Sabina accompanied her sister to the Ospedale di Misericordia located across town. Sick people were scattered about on makeshift cots, and most of them were either extremely poor or very old. It was the first time she had ever been exposed to such raw human suffering, and it brought tears to her eyes.
She was impressed at Cecilia’s compassion toward these people who had no one else to care for them. The lack of sanitary conditions, accompanied by the vile stench of human filth, would have frightened most people away. Not the sisters of Santa Lucia. The nuns sat alongside the sick and spoke consoling words as they bathed their patients, redressed their wounds, and fed them. Sabina watched in amazement as these unselfish women gave of themselves without taking, or even wanting, anything in return.
Sabina walked among the sick feeling nothing but gratitude for her good health. She joined the nuns and got busy cleaning wounds, feeding the sick, and trying to comfort the patients as best she could. Since she had never done such work before, she was surprised at the mental and physical exhaustion she felt at the end of the day.
Sabina hoped Lorenzo would summon her home soon.
***
Cecilia was excited at the prospect of Sabina spending Christmas at Santa Lucia and began to rally the nuns into putting together a night of wholesome festivities. Sabina knew there would be no fine gowns or dancing, but she would make sure there would be a bountiful feast.
“May I have a word with you, please?” Sabina said to Mother Marcella one day. When the abbess nodded, she continued, “I would like to provide the nuns with a special Christmas dinner.”
“That’s quite a generous offer, Signora Sabina. We usually have a small, humble feast. Some of the nuns with good voices sing a few hymns to honor the birth of our Lord.”
“Allow me to provide the feast this year as my way of saying thank you for all the hospitality I have so graciously received from everyone.”
“I’m sure your gift will be appreciated by all, including myself.”
“What about music? Would you allow me to hire some musicians?”
“We do not normally indulge in such worldly entertainment—”
“They would be instructed to play only religious music. The scores can be approved by you beforehand.”
The abbess thought about it. “As long as I pick out the music, I see no harm in allowing a few musicians as entertainment.”
Sabina grinned at the prospect of having something fun to do during the long, cold days of December. She knew better than to push the matter of dancing, which would surely be rejected.
“Thank you, Mother Marcella. You will not be disappointed.”
“No, Signora Sabina, thank you.”
She proceeded to find Cecilia in order to tell her the news.
“Planning our Christmas feast should keep you busy,” Cecilia said. “Remember, this is a convent and we have taken vows of poverty. We are unaccustomed to luxuries here.”
“Well, I have taken no such vows and there’s nothing wrong with accepting gifts from those who wish to bestow them.”
“That’s true,” Cecilia conceded. “Promise me that you won’t shame me by doing anything overly extravagant.”
Sabina rolled her eyes. “A few dancers, some acrobats, and a couple of troubadours will do these nuns some good.”
“Dancers? Acrobats? Troubadours?”
“I merely jest. Don’t worry, sister. I won’t do anything to shame you or compromise the Christian dignity of this convent.”
Cecilia was visibly relieved. “Not to change the subject, but one of the sisters who I’m friendly with—”
“Sister Olivia?” Sabina interrupted.
“Yes, Sister Olivia. How did you know?”
&
nbsp; “I see you two together often enough. Besides, it has come to my attention that she likes to gossip and I know how much you enjoy a spicy tale,” Sabina replied with a smirk.
Cecilia frowned in mock outrage. “As I was saying, she informed me this morning that her cousin, Lisa, died recently. To make matters worse, she was expecting her first child.”
“How tragic!”
“You’ll never guess who the girl was married to.” When Sabina shrugged, she said, “Marco.”
“Marco?”
Cecilia raised an eyebrow. “Surely you remember him.”
“Marco Alfani?”
Cecilia nodded. “It’s a small world, indeed.”
“Poor man.”
“Oh, but there’s more...”
“You nuns really do love to gossip.”
“So do you, so do not judge.”
“True. Tell me more.”
“A few days after Lisa’s funeral, Marco announced his desire to become a priest.”
“No!” Sabina exclaimed in utter disbelief.
“Yes!”
Sabina rubbed her chin as she recalled the many passionate embraces she and Marco had shared prior to her marriage. From lustful beast to celibate priest? She was skeptical of his endeavor.
Cecilia continued, “A priest! Can you believe it?”
“Hardly. I hope it brings him peace and happiness.”
Cecilia looked at Sabina slyly. “Would you not like to see him now that the two of you are widowed?”
“No.”
“You don’t miss him? Not even a little bit?”
“We had this conversation before, remember? Besides, I believe he harbors resentment against me for marrying Tommaso.”
“He doesn’t know that you’re widowed,” Cecilia pointed out.
“So?”
“Maybe if he knew, he would be seeking you out rather than taking vows of celibacy.”
“I suppose we’ll never know, will we?” Sabina changed the subject. “What do you think of stuffed partridges? You told me not to be too extravagant, so I’ll avoid roasted pheasants and peacocks.”
“Partridges are fine. I’m sure the sisters will love whatever food you provide.”
***
Christmas Day dawned wet and cold, and the weather worsened as the day progressed. Inside the convent, there was a flurry of activity as the cooks and servants that Sabina hired for the day prepared food for the nuns. Everyone appreciated the Christmas feast. Along with delicious stuffed partridges, there were meat pies, assorted breads, custard, sweet tarts, cheese, and generous quantities of good wine. A group of musicians played instrumental church melodies that everyone seemed to enjoy, especially the abbess.
At one point, Cecilia said to Sabina, “I’ve underestimated you.”
“How so?”
“This feast is wonderful and not overly extravagant. It’s just right.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
As the cold December rain pounded upon the roof, the nuns were warm and cozy, celebrating the birth of the Lord in high style.
Chapter 14
The passing of the New Year was quiet at Santa Lucia. Sabina had settled into her new life at the convent and, as Cecilia promised, she felt good about helping others. Sabina spent most of her time at the hospital, where her knowledge of herbs and roots—and how to use them in healing—was a valuable asset to the patients.
One afternoon in mid-January, an unconscious boy was brought into the hospital. He had developed a bad infection in his leg, and the barber surgeon had to amputate the limb in order to save the boy’s life. The incision wound was not healing properly, causing the boy to suffer from fever. Since it was a hospital for the poor, medications were sparse and the treatments administered were sometimes less than ideal.
Sabina concocted every plaster and unguent that she could think of, but they failed to provide relief. Determined to help the boy, she left the hospital to purchase medicine from the best apothecary in the city. She returned late in the afternoon and administered the costly ointment to her young patient’s wound.
One of the nuns approached the cot and Sabina inquired, “What do you know of this boy’s family? Is he an orphan?”
The nun looked down at the sleeping boy. “His mother is forced to beg daily to feed her other children. I’m sure she’d be here with him if she could. Poor little angel.”
“Where does she live?”
The nun proceeded to give her directions to a dubious neighborhood full of pickpockets and shabby dwellings.
Sabina sat down and studied the boy, who looked to be six or seven years old. When he opened his eyes, she leaned over and smiled at him.
“Who are you?” he asked weakly.
“My name is Sabina. What’s your name?”
“Demetrio.”
“Are you still in pain?” He nodded with tears in his eyes, prompting her to caress his cheek. “Would seeing your mother make you feel better?” He nodded and sniffed. “What’s your mother’s name?”
“Grazia.”
“Rest now, Demetrio. I’ll return in the morning.”
Early the next day, Sabina donned her plainest gown and cloak, then hid a heavy coin pouch inside of her bodice.
“It’s too dangerous for you to go alone,” Cecilia said.
“God is pleased with me, remember? At least that’s what you said. He wouldn’t allow harm to come to me if I’m doing His will.”
“Do not put God to the test, Sabina.”
“I’m merely going to fetch a sick boy’s mother.”
“Apparently, all this time in the convent has done little to eradicate your stubbornness.”
“Were you expecting miracles?”
Cecilia sighed tiredly. “Be careful and God be with you.”
No one paid attention to Sabina as she walked toward the area where Demetrio’s mother and siblings resided. She was sure to keep her head low and her pace quick. After finding the address, she knocked on the door of a dilapidated house. A woman with sad eyes came to the door.
Sabina inquired, “Are you Donna Grazia, Demetrio’s mother?”
Stricken, Grazia’s eyes filled with tears. “He died? Oh, please, no!”
Sabina reached for the woman’s hand. “Demetrio is alive. I applied good medicine yesterday, and I expect he will be better today.”
Grazia sagged with relief and crossed herself. “Thank God and all the saints. I miss him so much.”
“He needs you.”
Without a word, Grazia opened the door wider and stepped aside so that Sabina could see two twin girls playing with a doll made of straw. They appeared to be about three years of age. She looked at the children, then back at Sabina. “I’m alone in this world and I have to beg in order for them to eat. If I could sit with Demetrio in the hospital, I would.”
“May I come in?”
“Who are you?”
“My name is Sabina Rossi. I’m staying at Santa Lucia with my sister, Cecilia. We do charity work in the hospital.”
Grazia ushered Sabina into the dingy, single-room dwelling. In the corner was a big straw mattress where Grazia and her children slept, and an empty cooking pot rested within the cold hearth.
Sabina extracted the coin-filled pouch from the inside of her bodice. “Here, this is for you to buy food and whatever else you may need.”
Grazia opened the pouch and gasped at the sight of several gold florins. She gaped at Sabina in disbelief. “This is a fortune.”
“Yes, so you don’t need to beg anymore. You can properly care for your son while he heals and adapts to having only one leg.”
Grazia burst into tears and knelt. “God has sent me an angel!”
“Please, get up,” Sabina said feeling extremely uncomfortable. “God has given me so much. It’s only fair that I share it with those in need.”
Sabina learned that Grazia’s husband died the year after she had given birth to the twins. With no husband to support her, she was
soon drowning in debt and forced to sell almost everything they owned. After the money ran out, she chose begging over prostitution.
By the time Sabina left Grazia’s house and the awful neighborhood, she was emotionally spent. Feeling incredibly grateful for all the good she had in her life, she went straight into the chapel as soon as she reached Santa Lucia. Dropping to her knees before the altar, she offered a heartfelt prayer to God.
Sabina was glad to see Grazia sitting by her son’s cot the next time she was at the hospital. She and the twins were dressed in decent clothing instead of rags, and Demetrio was eating broth with bread.
“You’re obviously feeling better, Demetrio,” Sabina said.
He grinned. “Thank you for the medicine, Signora.”
“You’re welcome, my dear.”
Sabina left them alone so that she could help the other nuns.
Cecilia approached and placed her arm around her sister’s shoulders. “I’m very proud of you…Papa would be, too.”
“Maybe now you’ll stop pointing out my faults,” Sabina teased.
“Never! After all, what are older sisters for?”
Both laughed as they helped prepare food for the hungry patients.
Demetrio healed quickly, as the young often do, and eventually learned to maneuver about with the use of two wooden crutches.
One morning, Sabina found Grazia at the hospital with a big smile on her face. “Signora Sabina, Demetrio is going home today!”
“That’s good news. The nuns and I have taken quite a liking to your son. He’ll be missed.”
“I’ve managed to find work in a bakery. The baker’s wife died and he has no one to help him. The pay is little, but I’ll be allowed to take home some of the day-old bread that doesn’t get sold.”
“This is wonderful news, indeed! I wish you all the best.”
Sabina bade farewell to Grazia and her son before walking around the hospital to see if any new patients had been admitted. She soon came upon a cot where a half-naked man lay with his eyes closed. He had a gentle face with sharp features that reminded her of a serene angel in one of the Botticelli paintings she’d seen at the Palazzo Medici. His wheat-colored hair was long, and his pale skin was as flawless as porcelain. His body, with the exception of the bandaged wound on his left side, was without blemish. Cecilia stood nearby when Sabina reached down and took one of the man’s hands in her own. Turning it over, she examined the palm. It was devoid of calluses or blisters.