My Nonna insists that all try to accompany her to Mass each morning.

My uncle assured us that she has been going to Mass each morning since the death 💀 of her husband, my Nonno, to pray for him and to give alms for the poor of the parish. The church ⛪ in Montelepre had been one destination as well as the cathedral church in Monreale.

I am happy to accompany her, with Chiara, not just for Nonno’s sake but also selfishly for the safety of my pregnancy and the safe delivery of my child in due time. Yes, these are traditional ventures and rituals, but I am a Sicilian and to me family tradition has a resonance.