I cannot begin to express the hospitality, warmth, welcoming, joy that Cintruenego has continued to show us. We have only been in this town for 24 hours but the Holy Spirit has moved mountains in our hearts and has changed many of the pilgrims' attitude and perspective of what we are all here for.
After the incredibly surreal plaza festivities last night (at 3am - 5am) we all woke refreshed this morning around Noon and met at the local pool for a swim. It was not only a swim! The entire town had thrown together a huge party for us! There was a large grassy shady area that had tables set up for nearly 300 people! (100 pilgrims). We were adressed by the Mayor of Cintruenigo, and given kerchiefs with the town crest on them (an honor!) And we were served delicious food prepared by the women of the town (they must have been peeling potatoes since midnight the night before!). The whole day made everyone so joyful.... most pilgrims came up to me overwhelmed with joy and wanted to express how they felt part of the Cintruenigo family. It is true. The party reminded me of my annual family picnic at Boyd Park. Lots of tables set up, food, laughter and conversation.... just relishing in each others company. The spanish families kept telling us how we were so grateful (for always saying Gracias, Mucho Gusto, Muy Gracias etc) but really, there are no words left to describe the feeling in our hearts. Gracias will have to do.
After lunch was cleaned up and people were suntanning by the pool or swimming, these children around the age of 9-10 years old came with their marching band and started playing music for us... they even got up on a little stage! The music was simple and repetitive but their energy and spirit matched that of World Youth Days!! They really got us dancing, we even started a conga line.... talk about being moved!
From the swimming pool, we got dressed and processed to Il Polissio church in the mountains just a 20 minute walk out of town. It is a church of the Purest Heart and is the first church in the WORLD that is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary (200 years before it became doctrine of the Church). The sun was setting and Mass was raw and beautiful. Today is also the feast day of St. Clare of Assisi (my home parish in Woodbridge), and I was so proud to be there and honor St. Clare in the most beautiful way. I will post pictures as soon as I can.
The pilgrims left the church with their host families to have dinner with them, and I was invited to the finca of our coordinator`s parents. A finca refers to a piece of gated land in which families treat like a cottage or garden. This one had a cottage, a soccer field, a swimming pool, a huge pear orchard, a henhouse, vineyard and a gorgeous reception area. We were served some more delicious food and were given a tour of the property --- It was so picturesque and welcoming, I feel like I had known it for a hundred years.
The past 24 hours in Cintruenigo have offered us a very strong sense of community. The feeling of familiarity in an unfamiliar place is truly a gift that can only be found at World Youth Day. Strong connections that are not limited by language or culutral barriers, and an enthusiasm for learning a new language are fruits of the Holy Spirit. There were several moments today where I connected to other pilgrims in a way that I had not yet felt. We left the dinner tonight laughing and rejoicing in our abundant blessings as well as being in awe of our physical surroundings and how safe we were. Walking the narrow streets of a small town with stars in the sky above and knowing that we belonged there.... completely priceless.
Gracias Cintruenigo, I am looking forward to tomorrow.
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