Today was the opening day of World Youth Days Madrid!!!!! Alleluia!!
The pilgrims were excited to make it over to the Love and Life Center at the Palacio in downtown Madrid bright and early for the Canadian welcome, and as we got closer and closer, we found more and more english speaking pilgrims! The day was full of welcoming introductions and I ran into an array of my Toronto friends speaking at the podium and working behind the scenes. I was very proud to tell my pilgrims about the Salt and Light connection in Toronto.
The day was focused towards the Opening Mass in Cibelas Square at 8pm. The subway trains were rammed like sardines in a can, but it is nothing that us WYD troopers aren't used to, so we walked 45 minutes to our destination. Encountering different countries with their flags, we joyfully and energetically join in on their cheers. That is the language that breaks all barriers during world youth days --- enthusiasm! Even on our most tiring walk, our energy flows out of us like a river. When we arrived at Plaza Cibeles, our spot on the street was more than 1km away from the altar. We had to watch on a large screen. It was beautiful to sit on a crowded street surrounded with different countries chanting their favourite chants. Whats more, is that they were all there to listen to God`s word.
The unfortunate thing about this mass is that the speakers for our section were not working. We couldn`t hear a thing -- we could only see what was happening on the large screens. It was very disheartening to see my pilgrims follow along in their books but not knowing when the responses came in or hear the music of the mass parts. Also, masses at WYD are always multi-lingual so they are always at a slower pace than one would read through their own missal.
By the time of the Homily, pilgrims were reading the 1st and 2nd readings and the Psalms aloud to one another. At the Gospel, the pilgrims decided to discuss and reflect amongst one another so as to practice homiletics. Some pilgrims figured out that you could hear the Mass via FM radio -- and they scrambled to hook up their ipod to it. One pilgrim offered to listen to the FM radio, (it was in spanish only) and translate it to a priest sitting with us, so that he could proclaim the homily to those who were sitting around them!!!
It worked.
It was such a beautiful thing to witness. I have never felt so active and thirsty for the word of God (literally and metaphorically)... and today I witnessed the Holy Spirit in action once again. All the pilgrims around us were leaning forward, on top of one another, so they could hear what was being translated through these tiny headphones!
Needless to say that we were all thankful and praying in thanksgving for Catalina, the girl who was translating, and at the sign of peace, a lot of joy was resonating -- thanks be to God!
That pretty much made my entire day so special. More than any other event that happened that day. The Eucharistic Mass is the source and summit of our faith.
We are one body! One Body in Christ!
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Monday, 15 August 2011
The Feast of the Assumption
Our time in Spain has had a very distinct reverence toward our Mother Mary. Our voices unite while singing the Salve Regina twice, maybe three times a day. Yesterday was our last day in Cintruenigo and we began with morning prayer and Adoration of the blessed Sacrament at 10am. The pilgrims also were offered the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
The silence and reverence in that tiny church that morning was beautiful, but it put a somber spell on my heart. All of us had connected deeply to the community in Cintruenigo and realized our time was limited.
Before we celebrated Noon Mass, the musicians performed special songs for us in the square outside the church. They sang Marian hymns and cultural hymns that made me wish I could sing along. Cintruenigo is full of Love!
After Mass each pilgrim was awarded a handkerchief with the town crest on it as to identify ourselves as honorary members of the town. We will never forget our time here.
Today we left early for Mass in Pamplona and the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary continued to take over my heart. I was particularly in awe with the beauty and language in our Morning Prayer !
I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
I have met many people that have touched my heart in profound ways and this morning it has been very apparent that Jesus walks with us. Every smile is the face of Christ; every hug is the arms of Christ; every song is the voice of Christ; every step is the feet of Christ.
Love one another.
The silence and reverence in that tiny church that morning was beautiful, but it put a somber spell on my heart. All of us had connected deeply to the community in Cintruenigo and realized our time was limited.
Before we celebrated Noon Mass, the musicians performed special songs for us in the square outside the church. They sang Marian hymns and cultural hymns that made me wish I could sing along. Cintruenigo is full of Love!
After Mass each pilgrim was awarded a handkerchief with the town crest on it as to identify ourselves as honorary members of the town. We will never forget our time here.
Today we left early for Mass in Pamplona and the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary continued to take over my heart. I was particularly in awe with the beauty and language in our Morning Prayer !
I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
I have met many people that have touched my heart in profound ways and this morning it has been very apparent that Jesus walks with us. Every smile is the face of Christ; every hug is the arms of Christ; every song is the voice of Christ; every step is the feet of Christ.
Love one another.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
The Road to Sanguesa
From the rising of the sun to its setting, may the name of the Lord be praised!
Our day began quite early, as we drove an hour and a half to Sanguesa. We were going to celebrate mass at the Castle of St. Francis Xavier, but a gruelling morning was ahead of us, first. The bus dropped us off at the bottom of the mountains, approx 5km away from the Castle, and our task was to walk to the Castle. The heat is pretty difficult to ignore in Spain and the sun was beating down on us, but we were firm in the faith and began our journey. I noticed a sign telling us that this was part of the path to Santiago De Compostela and knowing that thousands of others have walked the same route we were walking strengthened me.
It was surreal to be walking down a highway (that was closed for this purpose), in the middle of such incredibnle landscape. God's incredible breadth and scope left me in awe of the land around us. The pilgrims were in good spirits and had wheelchair races, sang songs, took turns carrying the Canadian flag, and posing for pictures every so often.... triumphant in our destination.
The Castle, upon arrival was already full of 8000 pilgrims from around the world. We took some places under the trees and celebrated mass with one another. I really love singing in Spanish and the Mass aids that they provided for translation have really helped us participate in the Mass more. I felt so overwhelmed with joy, the heat had begun to dissipate (or at least not bother me so much anymore) and at the sign of peace, I hugged EVERYONE. Pilgrims are the best at offering hugs.
It was difficult afterwards, to walk away from that spot I was standing, but confessions were being offered and we had to get to them, if possible, and gather our pilgrims so we could head to the lunch area. What an epic meal time (in the casual sense of the word). Line ups that blurred like crowds and cooking pans the size of cars under tents with thousands of pounds of Paella (rice with egg and fish!) yum!!
It definitely reminded me ot when Jesus fed 5000. I do not know how every pilgrim was fed, but we were ! In abundance. There really are no words to describe the feeling when you're a hungry pilgrim. Feeling anxiety about food isnt normally something someone in North America experiences, but here we anxiously wait to be fed, after walking miles and miles in heat, enduring nausea and lightheadedness, pilgrims need to know these things (we often laugh about it because its not that big an issue, but we digress). Here's a foto of how they prepared our food!
The pilgrims got to spend the afternoon getting a tour of the Castle while I stayed with two of our girls who needed to lie down in the medical aid center (too much heat). We had a beautiful siesta (even though they were feeling ill) and we got to learn a lot about each other. I think the day at the medical center was scary, but really positive. Ministry occurs in the strangest places, but I am grateful that I know those pilgrims better now. When we loaded up the busses to go home, we prayed evening prayer and I was slightly distracted by the beautiful scenery out the window, once again. The sun was low on the horizon, but still clear white and hot. The pilgrims were much more united in prayer and the Salve Regina that we sang at the end was pure and resonant with everything that happened that day.
I am so grateful. We ended tonight with the pilgrims getting a free evening to themselves and the coordinators went out for a beautiful dinner with the town coordinators, priests and bishops. I had the most delicious sangria and now I am writing from my hotel room, with a wedding happening in the restaurant below. A man is seranading the tiny street just below my window.
I am happy.
The language of the church...
We travelled to the town of Tudela today for a mass in a Cathedral with Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa who works at the Vatican and has preached to Blessed JPII and Pope Benedict. It was a rare occurrance that he is out of Vatican City, so naturally people would flock to hear him speak.
He spoke about the definition of conversion. It was interesting how he noted that the word conversion, before Christianity, meant to revert back to old ways -- to stick to a rigid schedule, and to take away any excess. After Jesus Christ, the new covenant brought forth a lot of hope and it now meant to enter into the Kingdom of God. Such a simple definition, both meaning to change ways, but in such a different light, began to have some meaning for me. The Catholic church stands in the light of Christ and helps us move forwards toward one another.
There was a moment during his talk where he sang Amazing Grace and the whole congregation politely sang along with him. I am not sure if it was because everyone was incredibly shy, or just the acoustics in the Cathedral, but a joyful whispering intonation filled the walls and as I joined in, I distinctly heard my own voice.
Mass was celebrated in Spanish, Italian, English, German, Polish and Latin!!! Six languages! All of which were easily decoded because everyone knew the order of the Mass in their hearts. My favourite part was first, the Our Father prayer, because among all the languages, I distinctly heard myself praying it as a vocal minority. The natural speaking tongue of all around me was distinct from my own and I was fully aware of the prayer I was making to God. My second favourite part of Mass is the Salve Regina. I have been singing the Salve Regina hym twice a day everyday for this entire pilgrimage. It is something I have kept close to my heart while at home, but have now attatched a deeper meaning to it. Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, has offered me so much comfort on this pilgrimage, the hymn just sits right within me.
I feel so much joy radiating from me... I feel like I am in love, but not with any specific person; it radiates from me in the form of love towards others, but I also feel like I am permanently smiling. My eyes are smiling, my heart is smiling, my feet, my fingers, my nose, my elbows, probably even my liver is smiling! Nothing in my life can match the source and summit of my joy as much as the Eucharistic Mass. Praise be to God!
He spoke about the definition of conversion. It was interesting how he noted that the word conversion, before Christianity, meant to revert back to old ways -- to stick to a rigid schedule, and to take away any excess. After Jesus Christ, the new covenant brought forth a lot of hope and it now meant to enter into the Kingdom of God. Such a simple definition, both meaning to change ways, but in such a different light, began to have some meaning for me. The Catholic church stands in the light of Christ and helps us move forwards toward one another.
There was a moment during his talk where he sang Amazing Grace and the whole congregation politely sang along with him. I am not sure if it was because everyone was incredibly shy, or just the acoustics in the Cathedral, but a joyful whispering intonation filled the walls and as I joined in, I distinctly heard my own voice.
Mass was celebrated in Spanish, Italian, English, German, Polish and Latin!!! Six languages! All of which were easily decoded because everyone knew the order of the Mass in their hearts. My favourite part was first, the Our Father prayer, because among all the languages, I distinctly heard myself praying it as a vocal minority. The natural speaking tongue of all around me was distinct from my own and I was fully aware of the prayer I was making to God. My second favourite part of Mass is the Salve Regina. I have been singing the Salve Regina hym twice a day everyday for this entire pilgrimage. It is something I have kept close to my heart while at home, but have now attatched a deeper meaning to it. Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, has offered me so much comfort on this pilgrimage, the hymn just sits right within me.
I feel so much joy radiating from me... I feel like I am in love, but not with any specific person; it radiates from me in the form of love towards others, but I also feel like I am permanently smiling. My eyes are smiling, my heart is smiling, my feet, my fingers, my nose, my elbows, probably even my liver is smiling! Nothing in my life can match the source and summit of my joy as much as the Eucharistic Mass. Praise be to God!
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Paradise
Warm tapioca mountains, lush green countryside, ancient church tradition, young raw voices, resounding inner peace, a flavor of generosity like no other.
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.
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.
Are We There Yet?...
I barely have any words to describe our adventure from Rome to Madrid to Cintruenigo (our Days in the Diocese town). Challenging doesn't begin to illustrate the emotional, physical, spiritual and social stress everyone experienced in the 22 hours it took us to complete.
The day began with our group of 96 departing on two flights from Rome to Madrid. The first group left at 6am and the 2nd group (my group) left at 11am. Both groups made it to the airport with luggages in tow unhitched, except with a minor 1hour delay in flights. Easy. I know that from my previous WYD experience, a 1hour delay is nothing to fret about.
When we have delays in flights, most of our schedule gets pushed further back in our destination spot. In Madrid, we were scheduled to arrive at 5 and meet the other group, and then have Mass nearby for 6pm, then take a 3.5h bus ride into our Days in the Diocese host town of Cintruenigo where our parish families prepared a welcoming fiesta for us. Arrival was expected at 11pm.
Unfortunately the airports were a mess that day and a few of our pilgrims had missing luggages. The pilgrims were hungry, and we advised them to bring a lot of snacks on the bus, but they wanted a real meal. We had to get to Cintruenigo, and we had to go to mass. We were still welcomed at St. Paulo Apostole parish in Madrid near the airport and we attended an authentic Spanish mass with Bishop McGrattan as the main celebrant (in spanish!!) and Fr. Edwin Galea provided a really beautiful and concise message in his homily about St. Laurence and what it means to die to onesself during pilgrimage in order to bear many fruits of the spirit.
Needless to say, many pilgrims were uncomfortable, most of them not realizing that their social outings the night before had a huge detriment to their physical exhaustion of the day and were not their usual selves. All of us were approaching our limits and needed to acquire that extra grace from God to get through it. Arriving at Cintruenigo after 2am, it was approx 2:30am.... we were uncertain as to whether the festivities were still going to happen. BBM messaging between the town coordinators and us ensured us that we would not go without homes. The families had the option of letting us sleep on the gym floor for tonight, but they insisted that they patiently keep vigil until we arrived. What a blessing!! Most of these families had to work this morning, and we were so grateful for their patience and generosity.
We arrived in Cintruenigo with the entire town waiting for us... a police escort to lead our busses in, a welcoming party when we unloaded our bags and the rest of the families waiting in the church square with tonnes of food, our WYD backpacks and open arms. It was a beautiful night under the stars, much joy and fiesta and yet, it was after 3am! All I can say is that the Lord God can move mountains and he certainly did after yesterday´s travels. My heart felt like a ballooon that was filling with air too quickly, like it was bursting with tears, and many other pilgrims felt the same way. Lots of rejoicing, hugs, celebration until we finally collapsed into our beds around 5am.
I am so grateful for the town of Cintruenigo... it is surreal to finally have arrived here, and I am certain things can only get better..... we have arrived at Days in the Diocese and Praise Be to God that we are all safe and healthy. I pray that the pilgrims take something away from yesterday´s struggles and cling to the joy we experienced so early this morning.
I am offering up all my struggles and joy for all who read this travel blog, and in Jesus´ name we will be reunited in a few weeks time. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You.
The day began with our group of 96 departing on two flights from Rome to Madrid. The first group left at 6am and the 2nd group (my group) left at 11am. Both groups made it to the airport with luggages in tow unhitched, except with a minor 1hour delay in flights. Easy. I know that from my previous WYD experience, a 1hour delay is nothing to fret about.
When we have delays in flights, most of our schedule gets pushed further back in our destination spot. In Madrid, we were scheduled to arrive at 5 and meet the other group, and then have Mass nearby for 6pm, then take a 3.5h bus ride into our Days in the Diocese host town of Cintruenigo where our parish families prepared a welcoming fiesta for us. Arrival was expected at 11pm.
Unfortunately the airports were a mess that day and a few of our pilgrims had missing luggages. The pilgrims were hungry, and we advised them to bring a lot of snacks on the bus, but they wanted a real meal. We had to get to Cintruenigo, and we had to go to mass. We were still welcomed at St. Paulo Apostole parish in Madrid near the airport and we attended an authentic Spanish mass with Bishop McGrattan as the main celebrant (in spanish!!) and Fr. Edwin Galea provided a really beautiful and concise message in his homily about St. Laurence and what it means to die to onesself during pilgrimage in order to bear many fruits of the spirit.
Needless to say, many pilgrims were uncomfortable, most of them not realizing that their social outings the night before had a huge detriment to their physical exhaustion of the day and were not their usual selves. All of us were approaching our limits and needed to acquire that extra grace from God to get through it. Arriving at Cintruenigo after 2am, it was approx 2:30am.... we were uncertain as to whether the festivities were still going to happen. BBM messaging between the town coordinators and us ensured us that we would not go without homes. The families had the option of letting us sleep on the gym floor for tonight, but they insisted that they patiently keep vigil until we arrived. What a blessing!! Most of these families had to work this morning, and we were so grateful for their patience and generosity.
We arrived in Cintruenigo with the entire town waiting for us... a police escort to lead our busses in, a welcoming party when we unloaded our bags and the rest of the families waiting in the church square with tonnes of food, our WYD backpacks and open arms. It was a beautiful night under the stars, much joy and fiesta and yet, it was after 3am! All I can say is that the Lord God can move mountains and he certainly did after yesterday´s travels. My heart felt like a ballooon that was filling with air too quickly, like it was bursting with tears, and many other pilgrims felt the same way. Lots of rejoicing, hugs, celebration until we finally collapsed into our beds around 5am.
I am so grateful for the town of Cintruenigo... it is surreal to finally have arrived here, and I am certain things can only get better..... we have arrived at Days in the Diocese and Praise Be to God that we are all safe and healthy. I pray that the pilgrims take something away from yesterday´s struggles and cling to the joy we experienced so early this morning.
I am offering up all my struggles and joy for all who read this travel blog, and in Jesus´ name we will be reunited in a few weeks time. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Message hits home...
I am amazed at how active the spirit has been. Praise be to Jesus for carrying us through this miraculous day.
We woke up at 5am because we were headed to the Vatican for a private mass in the San Giuserppe chapel. Walking into an empty Piazza San Pietro was too good to be true! Serene, unusual, and it felt as though the sun was rising just for us! On the busride in I was sharing with Fr Galea my WYD blog reflection I wrote a couple weeks back about out visit to Austrailia and the connection to the parable of the lost sheep.
Little did I know... But that was the very same Gospel reading that morning.. At St Peters Basilica... In the center of Rome.. On this perfect day! I was in awe.
I had no idea what the day would bring, but I was dancing with the Lord.
We proceeded with a tour of Vatican grounds including the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. The crowds started to grow at 930am and our group of 48 were on a guided tour. Can you imagine what that was like? Similar to a flock of sheep trying to stick together in a heard ten times its size!
I wish I could say we all had cell phones and only one or two lost their way... But what kind of test would that be from Jesus, the ultimate teacher?
We lost 8 of our pilgrims in the Basilica and they were missing for approx an hour and a half! During that time I felt really helpless. The rest of the group had questions I didn't really have the answers to, given the circumstances... When's lunch? How much free time do we get? When are we going back to the hotel?
We searched and searched the basilica again and again and I have never prayed the rosary so fervently in my life. Mother Mary provides so much comfort!
In that time 2 of our pilgrims showed up and I got word that another 2 found the other bus group! Praise the name of Mary!!!
It was only another half hour later that we got word from the final 4 and they met us at the Obelisk.
If that's not a spirit driven day, I don't know what is!! We were able to enjoy our afternoon in peace and I was overwhelmed to tears with joy and reverence with how challenging today's Gospel message appeared in action. It was miraculous that we all survived and thrived but also important that we trusted in the Lord before any complications arose!
I am truly grateful for this clear and present message and the gift of perseverance.
We woke up at 5am because we were headed to the Vatican for a private mass in the San Giuserppe chapel. Walking into an empty Piazza San Pietro was too good to be true! Serene, unusual, and it felt as though the sun was rising just for us! On the busride in I was sharing with Fr Galea my WYD blog reflection I wrote a couple weeks back about out visit to Austrailia and the connection to the parable of the lost sheep.
Little did I know... But that was the very same Gospel reading that morning.. At St Peters Basilica... In the center of Rome.. On this perfect day! I was in awe.
I had no idea what the day would bring, but I was dancing with the Lord.
We proceeded with a tour of Vatican grounds including the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. The crowds started to grow at 930am and our group of 48 were on a guided tour. Can you imagine what that was like? Similar to a flock of sheep trying to stick together in a heard ten times its size!
I wish I could say we all had cell phones and only one or two lost their way... But what kind of test would that be from Jesus, the ultimate teacher?
We lost 8 of our pilgrims in the Basilica and they were missing for approx an hour and a half! During that time I felt really helpless. The rest of the group had questions I didn't really have the answers to, given the circumstances... When's lunch? How much free time do we get? When are we going back to the hotel?
We searched and searched the basilica again and again and I have never prayed the rosary so fervently in my life. Mother Mary provides so much comfort!
In that time 2 of our pilgrims showed up and I got word that another 2 found the other bus group! Praise the name of Mary!!!
It was only another half hour later that we got word from the final 4 and they met us at the Obelisk.
If that's not a spirit driven day, I don't know what is!! We were able to enjoy our afternoon in peace and I was overwhelmed to tears with joy and reverence with how challenging today's Gospel message appeared in action. It was miraculous that we all survived and thrived but also important that we trusted in the Lord before any complications arose!
I am truly grateful for this clear and present message and the gift of perseverance.
Nada te turbe, nada te espante, quien a Dios tiene nada le falta! Nada te turbe nada te espante, solo Dios basta!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)