tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29701046555518917862024-03-12T21:54:38.018-05:00Imprisoned in my Bones"I say to myself, I will not mention His name, I will speak in His name no more. But then, it becomes like a fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones, I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it." Jeremiah 20:7-10Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.comBlogger802125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-92230040526615033062018-01-09T14:40:00.000-06:002018-01-10T12:38:57.292-06:00St. Dunstan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lighthouse mosaic made under the patronage of St. Dunstan</td></tr>
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Lately I've been feeling a little guilty about the extent to which my sea glass obsession has taken over my life. At the end of 2017 more often than not I would begin the day driving into the sunrise to daily Mass when the beauty of the morning would turn my thoughts to the beauty of nature and of Lake Michigan and I would steer my car in the opposite direction from the church and instead head to the beach. Now I know that private prayer on the beach is something that can lift my soul and please the Lord, but to give up the Eucharist for it, that I'm not so sure is an even trade. Could it be that sea glass has become a false God to me, I wondered? And how much sea glass does a person even need? I have become a borderline hoarder, I'm sure, as jars of sea glass and sea glass mosaics line every windowsill and nook and cranny in my home and are even starting to clutter up my office at work. Sea glass collecting is more than an obsession, I'm afraid. It's an addiction. </div>
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Recently, in addition to sea glass mosaics, I've begun to create sea glass jewelry from my better pieces and have opened an Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaofGlassbyAnnie?ref=search_shop_redirect">Sea of Glass by Annie</a>. The name of my shop is based upon Revelation 15:2 <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;">And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name." </span></span></div>
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Last January I played along with Jennifer Fulwiler's <a href="http://saintsnamegenerator.com/">Saint's Name Generator</a>. The saint who had chosen to companion me was St. Mark, patron saint of stained glass window makers, which is what started my new hobby of creating sea glass mosaics under his patronage. This year it's St. Dunstan whose name appeared to me. St. Dunstan, born in England in 924, became a Benedictine monk and later the Archbishop of Canterbury. He revived monastacism in England and reformed the church. He was a skilled musician and metalworker and had used his metalsmith tongs to attack the devil during a temptation, according to legend.</div>
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St. Dunstan, whose feast day is May 19th, is the patron saint of jewelers and lighthouse keepers. When I learned that fact I knew that God must not mind my sea glass addiction too much because he blessed me with a patron for the year who would surely understand and approve of my hobby.</div>
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St. Dunstan of Canterbury, pray for us!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Hear, O Lord, the supplications your people make under the patronage of your bishop St Dunstan,<br />and grant that they may rejoice in peace in this present life and find help for life eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. <a href="https://prayers4reparation.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/prayer-in-honour-of-st-dunstan-patron-of-blacksmiths/">(prayer source)</a></i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Dunstan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lighthouse mosaic at night with porch light behind it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan in January: a sea of glass</td></tr>
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<br />Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-91880123969844042792017-11-22T15:13:00.000-06:002017-11-23T11:40:20.221-06:00Blessed Solanus Casey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed Solanus Casey emoji</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How rare and difficult it is to be holy! How wonderful when we discover someone who really stands out in a crowd of faithful and is so well known for their spiritual strength that we all long to model our lives after them. Sanctity is so rare, in fact, that America can only boast of 15 saints and blesseds from our country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Saturday, November 18th, 2017, Fr. Solanus Casey, OFM, was beatified in Detroit, Michigan. Well known by many for his gifts of healing and prophesy, this man who was the sixth child in a family of sixteen, born in Prescott, Wisconsin and was not particularly gifted in educational skills, a man who was very humble and obedient, has become the latest American example of sanctity recognized by the Church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had first learned of Solanus Casey about 30 years ago. Fr. Jeff VandenHeuvel, a priest who had been assigned at my hometown parish of Holy Innocents in Manitowoc was so gifted in singing his homilies that he recorded several of them on tape as a fundraiser. I had purchased his tapes and listened to them over and over again until they completely wore out. One of his homily stories featured Fr. Solanus Casey whom Fr. Jeff described as the lowliest of the Capuchins who became the greatest of the Capuchins. Fr. Jeff's story so captivated me that I never forgot it and have been intrigued by Fr. Solanus ever since and have turned to him in prayer on many occasions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Born on November 25th, 1870, Fr. Solanus' vocational call came while witnessing a brutal murder of a woman in Superior, Wisconsin. Struggling through the academic rigors of seminary which was taught in German and Latin, Fr. Solanus was ordained a "simplex priest." He could not hear confessions or preach. His assignment was to become the porter at St. Bonaventure Friary in Detroit and several places in New York and Indiana. It was through this humble job that Fr. Solanus began to gain notoriety as an excellent listener and wonder-worker. People would come and share their trials with Fr. Solanus and, with his encouragement toward prayer, people would leave him healed of burdens and suffering. For those for whom healing would not be possible, Fr. Solanus would encourage them with a reminder that the "Good God" knows what is best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fr. Solanus was known to spend entire evenings in prayer in the church. He was so closely connected to God and in tune with his faith that he was an inspiration to his brother priests. He also loved to play the violin, although it's said that he played very poorly. Nobody could stand to listen to him play so he took his violin to the church to play in front of the tabernacle for Jesus and at Christmas would offer a gift of music to the Infant Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Above all, Fr. Solanus stressed the need for gratitude in all things. He would say "Thank God ahead of time." That way you put him on the spot and he will be more inclined to your desires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are thousands of stories of miracles and answered prayers through Fr. Casey's help while he was alive. He would always be sure to remind everyone that it was God who brought the healing and answered prayers, not him. When he died on July 31st, 1957, he was said to have sat straight up in bed with his arms out like a cross and said, "I give my soul to Jesus Christ." Nearly 2000 people came for his funeral. He truly was the least Capuchin who had become the greatest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Upon exhuming his body in 1987 to be moved from the cemetery to the Solanus Center, he was found to be incorrupt, an occurrence that is extremely rare among the saints.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was so blessed to personally attend Fr. Solanus' beatification Mass in Detroit. Making our way through a crowd of 70,000 in the cold, pouring rain only made the occasion more meaningful and memorable. The following day we paid a visit to the Casey Center to pray at his tomb. The experience was deeply moving and more than once I had tears in my eyes as I pondered the grace that I had been given.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of those teary-eyed moments came when Ms. Paula Medina Zarate, a teacher from Panama whose miraculous healing of her skin disease brought about the beatification, carried in Fr. Solanus' relics to be placed at the altar during Mass. The following description from the <a href="http://www.solanuscenter.org/home">Solanus Center</a> in Detroit offers a great explanation about both the relics and the reliquary in which they were contained.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer view of the relics</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">"Relics are an important part of our Catholic faith. They provide us with a physical, tangible connection to the Communion of Saints, and help us draw closer to God. A relic of Father Solanus Casey was presented during the Beatification Mass this past Saturday. This relic, a portion of bone removed from the arm of the Blessed Porter who reached out to so many people, was carried to the altar by Ms. Paula Medina Zarate of Panamá. Paula received a miraculous healing of a skin di</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline;">sease after praying for the intercession of Blessed Solanus. Brother Michael Sullivan, our Provincial Minister, and Brother Jozev Timmers, who has ministered in Panamá for many years, escorted Paula to the altar. Cardinal Amato later incensed the relic in a humble act of veneration.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The reliquary, or the vessel in which the relic is housed, was designed by Brother Mark Joseph Costello. It is a simple wooden cross that incorporates into its design a wooden dinner plate, which would have been used to feed both the Friars and the poor alike during the lifetime of Blessed Solanus. This provides yet another link to the Blessed Friar who served the poor and who was instrumental in the foundation of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. This relic will eventually come to reside at the St. Bonaventure Chapel at the Solanus Casey Center, where it can be venerated by the many pilgrims who visit the center." </i><a href="http://www.solanuscenter.org/home" style="font-size: 14px;">http://www.solanuscenter.org/home</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Please join me in praying for one more miracle so that our Blessed Solanus may soon become Saint Solanus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>CANONIZATION PRAYER</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">O God, I adore You. I give myself to You.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">May I be the person You want me to be,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and May Your will be done in my life today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I thank You for the gifts You gave Father Solanus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If it is Your Will, bless us with the Canonization of</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Father Solanus so that others may imitate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and carry on his love for all the poor and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">suffering of our world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As he joyfully accepted Your divine plans,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I ask You, according to Your Will,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to hear my prayer for… (your intention)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Blessed be God in all His Designs.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Imprimatur:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Archbishop of Detroit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">May 2017</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To learn more about Blessed Solanus including many fascinating stories of healings and other miraculous events of his life, visit <a href="http://www.themichigancatholic.org/special-sections/father-solanus-casey/">Michigan Catholic</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pictures from my visit to the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer items of Blessed Solanus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His sandals</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Habit and Violin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed Solanus' Prayer Intention Book</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The covering for his tomb before the beatification.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed Be God!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blessed Solanus Casey, pray for us</b>!</span></div>
Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-34114141329285615242017-09-22T10:32:00.002-05:002017-09-22T10:48:45.795-05:00South Dakota Spiritual Wonders<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fr. Jim, Paul, Mary and me at Mount Rushmore</td></tr>
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When Fr. Jim Kubicki told us that he would be moving from Milwaukee to South Dakota to work at <a href="https://www.sfmission.org/">St. Francis Mission</a> on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, Paul said, "I've always wanted to go to South Dakota!" So without giving Fr. Jim much time to settle into his new home, Paul, Mary and I took an adventurous road trip in my ancient yet economical Toyota Echo, to pay him a visit. Fr. Jim showed us the time of our lives, acting as our personal chauffeur and tour guide on an unforgettable three-day whirlwind experience.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNWv3afEMVgKKzoOuIH6wF-_oa6PTWyJyOERWMarxNXBNV_0tK0VPZDKDQ6KsAWobm1mWaIKuC0ZFZ9sDaBUOEYHdhpVPZhh7f31QyPjabUWk-qQmOuxpUHwyUmlI1zLgsKlJTg4vcpfZ/s1600/sunflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="960" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNWv3afEMVgKKzoOuIH6wF-_oa6PTWyJyOERWMarxNXBNV_0tK0VPZDKDQ6KsAWobm1mWaIKuC0ZFZ9sDaBUOEYHdhpVPZhh7f31QyPjabUWk-qQmOuxpUHwyUmlI1zLgsKlJTg4vcpfZ/s400/sunflowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We witnessed an endless expanse of prairies and sky, field after field of sunflowers, more grazing cattle than we could count, and majestic hills and waterfalls. The natural beauty of this state was something I didn't expect and will forever treasure.</div>
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Although we left home for South Dakota very early in the morning, the drive was longer than expected as we made several stops along the way. Finally, after nearly 16 hours, we turned off the interstate onto a long, desolate country road that seemed as though it would never end. It was a lonely drive as we passed only one or two other cars along the way and the only scenery we passed were fields and fields and fields. Still, we found that long stretch of road to be somehow very endearing and beautiful in it's endless expanse of plainness. </div>
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We were greatly rewarded at the end of the drive as we arrived at Fr. Jim's house and were warmly welcomed and then quickly whisked away to a guest house across from the Mission offices and main church, St. Charles Borromeo, where we worked together with Fr. Jacob Boddicker, SJ and some of Fr. Jim's friends from Minnesota who were also visiting, to make a delicious dinner that turned out to be my favorite of the trip despite having eaten at some fabulous restaurants in Rapid City. There's just nothing else that can compare to a meal made with family and friends. I think it's the love that goes into it that makes it so delicious!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Dakota sunset as seen from the guest house. <br />
So many of the trees we saw were bent to the north from years of standing in a strong south wind.</td></tr>
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The following day our real travels began as Fr. Jim drove us to see the other-worldy Badlands, Magnificent Mount Rushmore, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Needles Highway in Custer State Park where we saw buffalo, fed wild burros and did a little hiking in the majestic Black Hills, Rapid City, the second largest city in South Dakota which was remarkably clean and beautiful with a statue of a US president on every street corner, Terry Peak, the second highest point in South Dakota, and the historic Wild West town of Deadwood.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nqoJlE64RE7Y5Xp5WbJ2vneXC6wpz7LD3yH55-XKQShR3btBEV3yb_FZdXrvro4oe-C5RiPGRmneUOcTPAKJ4gxOzvhHEV-vL4gjeln9v7pKNh2i0vJ3o5nx3Z56s8LBnlTZdf2d0xhv/s1600/sd15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nqoJlE64RE7Y5Xp5WbJ2vneXC6wpz7LD3yH55-XKQShR3btBEV3yb_FZdXrvro4oe-C5RiPGRmneUOcTPAKJ4gxOzvhHEV-vL4gjeln9v7pKNh2i0vJ3o5nx3Z56s8LBnlTZdf2d0xhv/s400/sd15.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking on the edge!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Badlands</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Badlands</td></tr>
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In spite of seeing so many natural and man-made wonders in the beautiful state of South Dakota, nothing could compare to the spiritual wonders of daily Mass and learning a little bit about Catholicism from a Native American perspective. I found that Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Kateri Tekakwitha are largely beloved and almost everywhere! </div>
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The first church we visited, on the night we arrived in South Dakota, was by far the most beautiful and my favorite. <a href="http://jesuits.org/Parish-Center-Detail?TN=CODE-20130730020311#area_slides">St. Charles Borromeo</a>, next to the St. Francis Mission Offices, was one of three churches in South Dakota that was designated as a Holy Door during the Jubilee Year of Mercy and it will possibly be named a basilica. Although it's hard to see in my photo as night was beginning to fall under a cloudy sky, the outside of the church is painted lavender, a color chosen by the youth group of the parish. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ST. Charles Borromeo at dusk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Charles Borromeo interior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the painted trim in the church has a Native American influence. <br />
Pictured in the mural are the North American Jesuits and Our Lady.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXJ2R1uzbyiv-uQvjV_vuWzoq9ABl4-1sLxIIn2FshgAlnBunAd0H4lQ-ztwyePPztm3ATmbh3tblRt1KvvghkljZaw1Pc1payEsggE-Y2FTV3BSFvrJI9474hhmTivIjKE_ONb1WLS5X/s1600/sd38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXJ2R1uzbyiv-uQvjV_vuWzoq9ABl4-1sLxIIn2FshgAlnBunAd0H4lQ-ztwyePPztm3ATmbh3tblRt1KvvghkljZaw1Pc1payEsggE-Y2FTV3BSFvrJI9474hhmTivIjKE_ONb1WLS5X/s400/sd38.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGltq8v4oZTu_92wScLTDlb0ouMNP46HKQxn6aPU0vvQcAlAISAmc2krKYZx2u59L18cbunosaPis5lf_X60MI4YD7_IubasCBzdn7VoIyoqE8iJS2BF9y9IGqwQj85VMvvy4DYAYi8Oq/s1600/sd32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGltq8v4oZTu_92wScLTDlb0ouMNP46HKQxn6aPU0vvQcAlAISAmc2krKYZx2u59L18cbunosaPis5lf_X60MI4YD7_IubasCBzdn7VoIyoqE8iJS2BF9y9IGqwQj85VMvvy4DYAYi8Oq/s400/sd32.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroidered print of St. Kateri with a Sacred Heart image found in the narthex.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A most beautiful image of Our Lady of Guadalupe found in the small daily chapel.</td></tr>
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We spent our second night in South Dakota at the <a href="http://www.terrasancta.org/">Terra Sancta Retreat Center.</a> We were literally wrapped in prayer while we slept here as the quilts on the beds were handmade and we found a lovely inscription inside one of them. In the morning we awoke early so we had time to explore the grounds before Fr. Jim arrived for Mass in the chapel. Although we were surprised to find a sign on the door warning of mountain lions in the area, we were able to pray the outdoor Stations of the Cross and were not at all bothered by wildlife.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus falls the first time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus meets His mother.</td></tr>
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The following morning we had a private Mass at St. Isaac Jogues Church in Rapid City with just the four of us. When we arrived at the church we found a unique holy water font just inside the front door and many Native American touches such as a buffalo hide under the altar and quilts on the wall. Quilts were prominent in many of the churches in South Dakota.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKu4KoGxPrs8ap8ez6Of_GdWwxG0HYkR3nBI2KuzD5eZkKFAutfZ6xGCtQGSC0ZZIdE940o2pJFRh0W388-khZyGB4BPK5ORWRMFAr8Jv-bXqmHc0_TNi_see8omvHdCpdyDYS2jHazdF/s1600/sd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKu4KoGxPrs8ap8ez6Of_GdWwxG0HYkR3nBI2KuzD5eZkKFAutfZ6xGCtQGSC0ZZIdE940o2pJFRh0W388-khZyGB4BPK5ORWRMFAr8Jv-bXqmHc0_TNi_see8omvHdCpdyDYS2jHazdF/s400/sd6.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8snMJ9HgIHZ4d3AuR9_oh2G5Z76v62KGToOHr4up2AljNn_rfSX4JkwMzvx4C1VfXAflw6eu36JhMgaTrHeIjS7MYKlxe8lW5N5N-Ut2CeozNSEV5V2UUjYNDOddmqdMauVm16b4qhRQe/s1600/sd8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="404" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8snMJ9HgIHZ4d3AuR9_oh2G5Z76v62KGToOHr4up2AljNn_rfSX4JkwMzvx4C1VfXAflw6eu36JhMgaTrHeIjS7MYKlxe8lW5N5N-Ut2CeozNSEV5V2UUjYNDOddmqdMauVm16b4qhRQe/s400/sd8.jpg" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpIrpGKqlnqXEeeskeGyM0CG5nJpcfzT9_eyszNnvj018URm8o9B6kDOH9pGoWr67p59IMiBZQfdILq_FhA6ZmApd-CR105N7UXHsjEriQp0Pv-lrWORG-DPpe7Yc9WNYAZvDbzwLZivn/s1600/sd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="437" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpIrpGKqlnqXEeeskeGyM0CG5nJpcfzT9_eyszNnvj018URm8o9B6kDOH9pGoWr67p59IMiBZQfdILq_FhA6ZmApd-CR105N7UXHsjEriQp0Pv-lrWORG-DPpe7Yc9WNYAZvDbzwLZivn/s400/sd7.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lady of the Black Hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy24qiH7GLO4gaoWO6zKPWJBR_1dJktMN9wgri2OxxA-8-Gc6Tx1ZAsEpoMpe3iUPsxQxENSknMTsZULJ-Q_Uxz2RHKQLAfVY1gkTQpY8X9y51lBWe8BDMEKd7r6xTnecjXR4yV_3dP9D8/s1600/sd12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy24qiH7GLO4gaoWO6zKPWJBR_1dJktMN9wgri2OxxA-8-Gc6Tx1ZAsEpoMpe3iUPsxQxENSknMTsZULJ-Q_Uxz2RHKQLAfVY1gkTQpY8X9y51lBWe8BDMEKd7r6xTnecjXR4yV_3dP9D8/s400/sd12.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Isaac Jogues</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZT_jEoQ-nikZZB_4aqQAso2NzQ1V2ZzufVzbyB5QodlGeZ-l1HFVoWkYKRCtlfaQG7r7tXv8sq0C-hH_AnJdMoc8gADusjsijpumh9Rhcyq6YYNzPiu00v6mrYyq8YTqqlqLU3vU2qQs/s1600/sd10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZT_jEoQ-nikZZB_4aqQAso2NzQ1V2ZzufVzbyB5QodlGeZ-l1HFVoWkYKRCtlfaQG7r7tXv8sq0C-hH_AnJdMoc8gADusjsijpumh9Rhcyq6YYNzPiu00v6mrYyq8YTqqlqLU3vU2qQs/s400/sd10.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo hide under the altar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQX3R92vOgPM4vLa6bcjIh4efpxwz0g2tHaoxFnH-YrIrrL-SALZkA7WGRnvW7yaxwQ4Qrn4gcmjjVyIjd3rQuolE_x9HnPKo6BET4TVrhX-9ARvbW1fQzOuij942nCMjuZjgFeo3rS_q/s1600/sd11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQX3R92vOgPM4vLa6bcjIh4efpxwz0g2tHaoxFnH-YrIrrL-SALZkA7WGRnvW7yaxwQ4Qrn4gcmjjVyIjd3rQuolE_x9HnPKo6BET4TVrhX-9ARvbW1fQzOuij942nCMjuZjgFeo3rS_q/s400/sd11.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed Mother Mary</td></tr>
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We paid a short visit to the <a href="https://www.cathedralolph.org/">Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help</a> in Rapid City for a short time of Eucharistic Adoration in Our Lady's Adoration Chapel and a quick tour of the Mother Church of the Diocese. The Cathedral had also been designated a Holy Door during the Year of Mercy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyKY4LoFPXIedDaOc4C_vpUWSDkwuWJeXdmoCjcpwzUJQgIa_22xCRyk5aTAl8YARCtOJVARISfheMNo7yh2p9ADC4tB3F9neA7N0l8-aOSKFA-ZezP__p-0xVTPtoz0poZtfgiZ062Zu/s1600/sd20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyKY4LoFPXIedDaOc4C_vpUWSDkwuWJeXdmoCjcpwzUJQgIa_22xCRyk5aTAl8YARCtOJVARISfheMNo7yh2p9ADC4tB3F9neA7N0l8-aOSKFA-ZezP__p-0xVTPtoz0poZtfgiZ062Zu/s400/sd20.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA0MwE1ly6AKXhKkNxHNTDDlf5Zx3T_nhquYLX0wNViI9IKbliSuZucPwUHB_pNT3ycgMh78zbF_Y3TJUmZ1k6EJa_Azw25HoW5QAZ5yomHs4kpb77BD_Qf0pZezTz6xanW2HQ_LvPCd3/s1600/sd18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZA0MwE1ly6AKXhKkNxHNTDDlf5Zx3T_nhquYLX0wNViI9IKbliSuZucPwUHB_pNT3ycgMh78zbF_Y3TJUmZ1k6EJa_Azw25HoW5QAZ5yomHs4kpb77BD_Qf0pZezTz6xanW2HQ_LvPCd3/s400/sd18.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral altar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQH3iR6JHxMfC3mqMt2Dm1km6Vy1gK1nVcqWksDvaoS0ppsZHkAY8BhBCDjKuFTM6_tLlR46PWQybEjZ6ZIHl0aXJCAe8JoFEckTMgEly1RvUQeGbttWX0Abw8-z1en6T_PVJa1Pwl-9V5/s1600/sd19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQH3iR6JHxMfC3mqMt2Dm1km6Vy1gK1nVcqWksDvaoS0ppsZHkAY8BhBCDjKuFTM6_tLlR46PWQybEjZ6ZIHl0aXJCAe8JoFEckTMgEly1RvUQeGbttWX0Abw8-z1en6T_PVJa1Pwl-9V5/s400/sd19.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brick from the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">A short stop at <a href="http://www.walldrug.com/">Wall Drug</a> was required, after all, what trip to South Dakota would be complete without it? Having been blinded by the bright sun while in the Badlands, Mary and I made a mad dash for sunglasses and we purchased a toy drum for our grandson, Max, but overall found the highly-advertised commercial shopping center to be very underwhelming with one exception, the <a href="http://cannundrum.blogspot.com/2014/10/travelers-chapel-wall-drug-in-south.html">Traveler's Chapel</a>. Designed after New Melleray Cistercian Abbey in Iowa, the cool and quiet chapel was a perfect stop for a quick prayer in the midst of so much commercial. It was a great reminder that God is everywhere, even at Wall Drug! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nyK9bjkCpBJujvXXHk1df2e3W2_GKyLk9jaACDID7k82q0l1Kk29C1Swplem9x4CurkC-IAAzHdRSI88t_P9KHjiO6zCSagrIBq8So8WiBhnpvRT_ynVsYGF0ac2Udx2YnpM9KLTqZFV/s1600/sd25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nyK9bjkCpBJujvXXHk1df2e3W2_GKyLk9jaACDID7k82q0l1Kk29C1Swplem9x4CurkC-IAAzHdRSI88t_P9KHjiO6zCSagrIBq8So8WiBhnpvRT_ynVsYGF0ac2Udx2YnpM9KLTqZFV/s400/sd25.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel inside Wall Drug Store designed after New Melleray Abbey in Iowa</td></tr>
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One of the most fascinating stops of our trip was also one of our very first. We spent a little time exploring the <a href="https://www.sfmission.org/programs/museum/">Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum </a>at St. Francis Mission where we learned about the history of the Native Americans in South Dakota. The museum was named for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Buechel">Fr. Eugene Buechel, SJ</a>, a German priest who ministered to the Lakota in South Dakota in the early 1900's and began to collect and catalogue many ethnic artifacts and photos which were the origins of the museum. Perhaps the most interesting artifacts displayed were the Winter Counts, documents on which images had been drawn, first on animal hides and later on paper, depicting the major events of each year in the life of the tribe. The image below is from the public domain and is very similar to what we viewed..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Count <a href="https://collections.artsmia.org/art/63378/winter-count-lak-ota">(public domain)</a></td></tr>
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We also learned a little about <a href="http://catholicexchange.com/nicholas-black-elk-american-catechist">Nicholas Black Elk </a>whose cause for canonization is underway. Nicholas Black Elk was a medicine man who spent some time traveling Europe with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show and was also involved in the battle at Wounded Knee. After his conversion to Catholicism he spent his time as a catechist and is said to have brought 400 people to Christ. He used The Two Roads picture depicting the Good Red Road of Jesus and the Black Road of Difficulties to teach the faith. The picture reminded me a bit of Dante's Divine Comedy. I could have spent hours studying it. Upon his death the sky was filled with the lights of the Aurora Borealis, a sign of celebration that this holy man had gone on to his heavenly reward. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photo of Lacombe's ladder, 1874" src="http://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/News/spotlight/01-2009/MUA_ITS_00040.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="112" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Two Roads Picture Catechism depicting the Good Red Road of Jesus<br />
and the Black Road of Difficulties used by Nicholas Black Elk<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The spiritual wonders of South Dakota will remain with me always, inspiring me with the memory of God's natural wonders and beauties, the kindness of all of the people we met, and the stories of holiness among the Native Americans and religious in this vast state of infinite treasures. But most of all, the memory of my family and I spending time with Fr. Jim, a good and holy friend, and learning about his work with the Lakota on Rosebud Reservation, a community marked by deep poverty yet striving for holiness, will always bring me joy and inspire me to holiness as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Prayer for the Canonization of Nicholas Black Elk</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Grandfather! Great Spirit! Behold us, who stand before you, singing our song of thanksgiving for your beloved servant, Nicholas Black Elk. Faithfully he walked the Sacred Red Road and generously witnessed the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ among Native people. Grandfather, we humbly ask you, to hear the prayers we plead through his intercession. We ask Holy Mother Church to recognize his sanctity, by acknowledging his presence among the company of saints and as one to imitate in his zeal for the Gospel. Open our hearts to also recognize the Risen Christ in other cultures and peoples, to the glory and honor of God the Father. Amen.</i></span></div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, suit" height="400" src="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20246332_1960420687560809_8533965136137897764_n.jpg?oh=8143b048e18749623d4015a7a17d0be5&oe=5A47C818" style="text-align: start;" width="217" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nicholas Black Elk, pray for us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!</span></div>
Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-23923922431044376802017-07-25T13:58:00.000-05:002017-07-25T14:29:04.482-05:00Patroness for a Priest<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">"Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Whom are you looking for?" </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">She thought it was the gardener and said to him,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">"Sir, if you carried him away, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">tell me where you laid him, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">and I will take him." </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Jesus said to her, "Mary!" </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">She turned and said to him in Hebrew, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">"Rabbouni," which means Teacher. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Jesus said to her, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">"Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">But go to my brothers and tell them, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">'I am going to my Father and your Father, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">to my God and your God.'" </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">"I have seen the Lord," </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">and then reported what he told her." ~John 20:15-18</span></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A first priestly blessing for my family</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This past weekend my family was graced and blessed to attend a beautiful Holy Hour Vigil of Prayer, an Ordination Mass and the First Mass of Fr. John Baumgardner. The Ordination Mass happened to fall on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the beautiful holy hour vigil held at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary, the priest spoke to a full chapel about the Magdalene and how she will be the special patroness for Fr. John. He said, "As Jesus told Mary Magdalene not to cling to Him, so we, too, must not cling to Fr. John. We must let him go in freedom to serve the Lord as he has been called. Neither his family nor any future parishioners he may come to know should cling, so that he may be open to love all. And this is hard for a priest, too. But out of obedience the priest must go where he is sent."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In his homily at the ordination, Archbishop Listecki also spoke of Mary Magdalene. He said that she possessed two essential characteristics: faith and love. Because she had confidence in the person of Jesus she was faithful at the foot of the cross and her love for him opened her eyes upon hearing her name spoken in a loving manner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then, the Archbishop addressed the ordinand directly: "John, I know the same voice called your name. His invitation, framed in love, was to join the priesthood and become an apostle announcing His life, death and resurrection which is the only hope." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Holy Father, May Fr. John Baumgardner be blessed with a long and holy priesthood under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene! May she guide his every step with her faithful love. May he ever hear the voice of Jesus calling his name and leading him along the path to sanctity as he, himself, leads so many souls along that same path. Amen.</i></span></div>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-77128622001160179572017-07-18T20:13:00.001-05:002017-07-18T20:13:06.577-05:00Abandoned St. Ambrose Church in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">St. Ambrose church and monastery in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin</td></tr>
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There's something mysteriously romantic about old, abandoned buildings, and when that building happens to be a Catholic Church, the mystery and romance increase. So many questions come to mind: Who put their heart and soul into building it? How many thousands of faithful worshiped here, their prayers embedded within the walls like the smell of incense? How is it that this holy space is no longer used for worship? How many hearts were broken when the decision was made to close the church and no longer use it for the honor and glory of God? How could it be put to use today? These questions and more came to mind when my family and I recently visited St. Nazianz, Wisconsin and were able to venture inside the abandoned St. Ambrose Church on the old Salvatorian Seminary grounds.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fr. Ambrose Oschwald</td></tr>
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St. Nazianz in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin was founded in 1854 by Fr. Ambrose Oschwald, a German immigrant who brought a group of lay faithful with him from Germany. Together they lived a communal life and thrived in St. Nazianz (named for St. Gregory Nazianzen). Fr. Oschwald died in 1873 and the community he built fell apart shortly afterward. </div>
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The property was purchased by the Salvatorian Fathers in 1896, fifteen years after the order was founded in Italy. The Salvatorians built a beautiful seminary that was very successful. The property was continually built up through the 1920's and 30's to accommodate all of the seminarians who studied there. Then, in 1968 with enrollment at an all-time low, the seminary was converted to JFK Prep School, named for our only Catholic President. By 1982 enrollment at the high school was dwindling and the school closed. Unfortunately, all of the empty buildings were severely damaged by vandals throughout the years, and stories of ghosts haunting the building served as encouragement for curious youth to explore the property, now in dangerous condition due to the excessive vandalism.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Seminary Gate</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUOOstxguadKcn5DxsbwqSU4SfswPcl-yr5MtMGWbBR3U3SAFNYcnpSy25fRAOdO9yHLGjuzprLWSpZAavyQ95jJdKJR_YA95QhMRBn1P27rtwutvIeloq2z4c1poKh561jmqSva92cAK/s1600/st.+a+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUOOstxguadKcn5DxsbwqSU4SfswPcl-yr5MtMGWbBR3U3SAFNYcnpSy25fRAOdO9yHLGjuzprLWSpZAavyQ95jJdKJR_YA95QhMRBn1P27rtwutvIeloq2z4c1poKh561jmqSva92cAK/s400/st.+a+1.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Entrance to the Seminary/JFK Prep</td></tr>
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In 2008 the property was purchased by United Ministries which hopes to create a Christian summer camp program for troubled youths. To raise funds, United Ministries has opened a thrift store in the former gymnasium.</div>
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Having grown up in Manitowoc I was familiar with St. Nazianz but had never actually been there and only remembered vague stories about JFK Prep which closed two years before I graduated from high school. Nostalgia for my youthful days in the area of my hometown piqued my curiosity about this Catholic space with such an interesting history and so I was eager to visit.</div>
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On the day we arrived we happened to be the only visitors to the property and the only shoppers in the thrift store. After purchasing a few trinkets we noticed that the doors to St. Ambrose Church were open. A caretaker on the grounds told us that the church is open every day until 4 pm so those who want to stop inside and pray may do so. What we found inside the church was heartbreaking to see. A holy worship space that had obviously been stunningly beautiful at one time, and which still retained much of its beauty despite its long history of neglect, was in ruins. We were fascinated as we marveled at the beauty that still existed here and mourned what was no more. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The cornerstone of St. Ambrose Church<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyjBPrQNM-kYnGbIeOB5x7MYKDZW9Mw-sMErG-hFymXA8Giff7Ob_jZ_ZE6SKCLJpW8fu_IwzhMAuqc-VHQTugBrKsZT8TENuQIlnkMeIKDHengappBr7KQJUU-9KUJtvkUTPqWax6IyX/s1600/sn16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyjBPrQNM-kYnGbIeOB5x7MYKDZW9Mw-sMErG-hFymXA8Giff7Ob_jZ_ZE6SKCLJpW8fu_IwzhMAuqc-VHQTugBrKsZT8TENuQIlnkMeIKDHengappBr7KQJUU-9KUJtvkUTPqWax6IyX/s400/sn16.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An open door inviting us inside.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTbnN1Xduw0R9WBEMSgBzkqdDSAzUoWe2AympLoh1zudA1Ffx0mGQFgnnQWIN4jlmogQH38net36dJ8QWi7uriRUdu7-AjD_9sqj7v9sfaPJn8TEydnMIOd8_0PB8vMNBh10-yNSD47oc/s1600/sn14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTbnN1Xduw0R9WBEMSgBzkqdDSAzUoWe2AympLoh1zudA1Ffx0mGQFgnnQWIN4jlmogQH38net36dJ8QWi7uriRUdu7-AjD_9sqj7v9sfaPJn8TEydnMIOd8_0PB8vMNBh10-yNSD47oc/s400/sn14.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Notice the tree branch growing underneath the statue of St. Ambrose?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_9iNABAxc38poMaMpTOIm4oxpsQW8BEFzUarrIQWtpn4-ptLpfvwl5XGMjXEW5pSYbcdH5wpCmW90aS4LPBFsb7x6j9fO49kul_oBPSHYe5WTjN_o72Ff4pBpnQw-B1l7zj10bqbl2GS/s1600/sn20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_9iNABAxc38poMaMpTOIm4oxpsQW8BEFzUarrIQWtpn4-ptLpfvwl5XGMjXEW5pSYbcdH5wpCmW90aS4LPBFsb7x6j9fO49kul_oBPSHYe5WTjN_o72Ff4pBpnQw-B1l7zj10bqbl2GS/s400/sn20.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The pews were all covered with tarps<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUrOVWxhFV0NkqZQklHTO8ndXoug9m-WsZpSmJ6K1_lGxC0gybpFR7OHDw7yeJzSgvpljEAaFxc0vu2YAQ08lmqJ1k6v4Bi2Nzdg-4ojinShSULPMlolN8fhoIVji0Qy0x3n2qri6BSUr/s1600/sn17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="760" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUrOVWxhFV0NkqZQklHTO8ndXoug9m-WsZpSmJ6K1_lGxC0gybpFR7OHDw7yeJzSgvpljEAaFxc0vu2YAQ08lmqJ1k6v4Bi2Nzdg-4ojinShSULPMlolN8fhoIVji0Qy0x3n2qri6BSUr/s400/sn17.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Still beautiful even though it's crumbling<br />
<div>
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</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQfdvKn3pZeMJ1-dj9r_eTTqmTrWF0YtgBa_tv8V81UtiG7qPTIqB7awqdBV1Fah1c8YGmGmXIdU0A9rRsnFBZ6yZYNx_-ffjwKoUEJhzvjihqt2yMHoSDyECIiCgwd5cabNWIcv8Yh4e/s1600/sn18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="960" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQfdvKn3pZeMJ1-dj9r_eTTqmTrWF0YtgBa_tv8V81UtiG7qPTIqB7awqdBV1Fah1c8YGmGmXIdU0A9rRsnFBZ6yZYNx_-ffjwKoUEJhzvjihqt2yMHoSDyECIiCgwd5cabNWIcv8Yh4e/s320/sn18.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Agony in the Garden<br />
<div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Fbft0Sb8l7upWDv7pKyTndwNP_OyuysC6Rv-0EbEeAD6_kmoTT7Y-s6eaxH922t01E2dMK9Em5AczmBtjUj1etvS1J13TXAFKfEa1-d58UBa1sm1N070FbHoca7afcyaHxQ-vNutPlc7/s1600/sn21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="438" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Fbft0Sb8l7upWDv7pKyTndwNP_OyuysC6Rv-0EbEeAD6_kmoTT7Y-s6eaxH922t01E2dMK9Em5AczmBtjUj1etvS1J13TXAFKfEa1-d58UBa1sm1N070FbHoca7afcyaHxQ-vNutPlc7/s400/sn21.jpg" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">St. Michael the Archangel has a hole in his armor<br />
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</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkNjI7q8NYvBE-bXAHrZLFU5evVwRFXXUC9Shb61WpYRlQdJespNfYy0eVaJeLQEppB9ItD4jsgG29NdTR4Cyz_D-XyHvdNu81DauDJINeH66IgHmVwj-rglz9ey0cuGWbEJxh4GWOQlc/s1600/st.+a+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1188" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkNjI7q8NYvBE-bXAHrZLFU5evVwRFXXUC9Shb61WpYRlQdJespNfYy0eVaJeLQEppB9ItD4jsgG29NdTR4Cyz_D-XyHvdNu81DauDJINeH66IgHmVwj-rglz9ey0cuGWbEJxh4GWOQlc/s400/st.+a+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I have these same pictures in my living room! They were heirlooms from my parents and used to enthrone my family and home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I was so surprised to find these here!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibQQjndGis6rH_nkyonUfZBEYEnmiAX8L-tzVfLbZvxWpLPenMCeSYk5OIYZUnVI1_kjcoEr5zK33nGQOGj_wGQ1X8xtVIWizvoE9zN_x-2RKhJeuBiQCK4pvdW2FmN7R0d0OXJnRF6Sx/s1600/sn24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibQQjndGis6rH_nkyonUfZBEYEnmiAX8L-tzVfLbZvxWpLPenMCeSYk5OIYZUnVI1_kjcoEr5zK33nGQOGj_wGQ1X8xtVIWizvoE9zN_x-2RKhJeuBiQCK4pvdW2FmN7R0d0OXJnRF6Sx/s400/sn24.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7GXwr038UdBCGSa7o_xv9QNwLScB5VFEp66PoV030Ft0F_6kbZ0xaIw17KLPWH8cHZno0FXMvq4fxZ4M_XKfP5CFrkh6VWGPzOPMP1dzEhSJDsBODonRxLZB2epvajyFk_ANzOHkgaJx/s1600/sn31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="501" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7GXwr038UdBCGSa7o_xv9QNwLScB5VFEp66PoV030Ft0F_6kbZ0xaIw17KLPWH8cHZno0FXMvq4fxZ4M_XKfP5CFrkh6VWGPzOPMP1dzEhSJDsBODonRxLZB2epvajyFk_ANzOHkgaJx/s400/sn31.jpg" width="208" /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnR0vSF-lbbCC_wzKKRUeS5cRgbCgoMGLVGXJ29B3vodQlkVwI1yqnNyMzw_DFq08Kdw-nJ7bpRrV-Z17MG3Ai_y2_1UtX6cRga-o2e1zrNOjTvusqlfM-NaEe5wGmYa9_fheseYum7ZF/s1600/sn28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnR0vSF-lbbCC_wzKKRUeS5cRgbCgoMGLVGXJ29B3vodQlkVwI1yqnNyMzw_DFq08Kdw-nJ7bpRrV-Z17MG3Ai_y2_1UtX6cRga-o2e1zrNOjTvusqlfM-NaEe5wGmYa9_fheseYum7ZF/s400/sn28.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">We happened to visit on the Feast of St. Bonaventure<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mvYE5xKeVu0_lmpY-Jh-tlYS6Yc8UeCRorbDCI_x55grgML0vJWP9PHa_gSB__qs4AAxgidpCvBj7zmJGr4sIDh4RivZiE4SCnK-O4goJWoUGxdjkQ7mVTLnG7ZvH8H9EMBsrybFgW5-/s1600/sn29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mvYE5xKeVu0_lmpY-Jh-tlYS6Yc8UeCRorbDCI_x55grgML0vJWP9PHa_gSB__qs4AAxgidpCvBj7zmJGr4sIDh4RivZiE4SCnK-O4goJWoUGxdjkQ7mVTLnG7ZvH8H9EMBsrybFgW5-/s400/sn29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Leaving the church we wandered to the back of the property and found a very well-maintained cemetery for the Salvatorian Fathers. Some of the grave markers were dated as recently as last year. Just behind the cemetery we discovered the quaint little Loreto Shrine Chapel, the original church of Fr. Oschwald's community which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is maintained by the St Nazianz Historical Society.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgorhzfwSUZ5tIOfOxu4uot8Zn1TiY_jIBcJJ5XRWeKLCrU5vHKB0J30i7pwjir1W7cY_KJ4780A82C_t2Pka7g-cy4OR4hkLgbH7m89VC-FBYFw8mw89S4p2HKPoAwTqOxbc3mbJyIVK/s1600/st.+a+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="960" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgorhzfwSUZ5tIOfOxu4uot8Zn1TiY_jIBcJJ5XRWeKLCrU5vHKB0J30i7pwjir1W7cY_KJ4780A82C_t2Pka7g-cy4OR4hkLgbH7m89VC-FBYFw8mw89S4p2HKPoAwTqOxbc3mbJyIVK/s400/st.+a+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Part of the cemetery of Salvatorian Priests some buried here as recently as this past year.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwO5J47b4OtwMAyghe3aUPF8cOlQmmjndyRS8vtilg4y5MkrxYnsfIi6j5Z5L6mnmq9fi_NXutDfgf6a1vjUYSSR9gAmLcYSd54Bfuf7SngodShHDpHqbMuZmhoMTpwexnk5-_0ap6g6R/s1600/sn9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwO5J47b4OtwMAyghe3aUPF8cOlQmmjndyRS8vtilg4y5MkrxYnsfIi6j5Z5L6mnmq9fi_NXutDfgf6a1vjUYSSR9gAmLcYSd54Bfuf7SngodShHDpHqbMuZmhoMTpwexnk5-_0ap6g6R/s400/sn9.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mausoleum burial place of Fr. Ambrose Oschwald<br />
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<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMJ31GWYRS3VKk2NCSmeUoe2_8RbbmWCmrJh0qxbN_NIxsnrq9uSMUF1kj8lOawUzTW_oT056z3f1dPjr717z1fc8TtkapKDFf70vjmgxFv63UKChFXFMU1o2R_757N4zWMzD8XdcWPlF/s1600/sn10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="960" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMJ31GWYRS3VKk2NCSmeUoe2_8RbbmWCmrJh0qxbN_NIxsnrq9uSMUF1kj8lOawUzTW_oT056z3f1dPjr717z1fc8TtkapKDFf70vjmgxFv63UKChFXFMU1o2R_757N4zWMzD8XdcWPlF/s400/sn10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrcxcUvWE44nHR69f6ifEeehTGw_UVaMf0VYBfdUR-8ko_d_2H6TBybFpssVq6xKO-NVoGGSB-0rEVR4cf4qJM6WgTW3KJYfEiz1URteC5GkmMj8q5JqKyMUpe2FBphODs-cZqERDR1ml/s1600/st.+a+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrcxcUvWE44nHR69f6ifEeehTGw_UVaMf0VYBfdUR-8ko_d_2H6TBybFpssVq6xKO-NVoGGSB-0rEVR4cf4qJM6WgTW3KJYfEiz1URteC5GkmMj8q5JqKyMUpe2FBphODs-cZqERDR1ml/s400/st.+a+4.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Loreto Chapel<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJYxeEn-fjkcQvSKe65x6I2u31nmTg0YgBWVe7iFVBwVoVpABAW-8JW0EdPiCC7cAfbbazhQGuQQlmxvzMZK2wzZOx6McKCTXaZNwxN7G9xsSbeuJRPQhsE7cevU5WlT5ZdoLMF40FUke/s1600/st.+a+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJYxeEn-fjkcQvSKe65x6I2u31nmTg0YgBWVe7iFVBwVoVpABAW-8JW0EdPiCC7cAfbbazhQGuQQlmxvzMZK2wzZOx6McKCTXaZNwxN7G9xsSbeuJRPQhsE7cevU5WlT5ZdoLMF40FUke/s400/st.+a+5.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Inside the Loreto Chapel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEaTuQXVkheaYaSZnCNuMcNsw6y3aMYA90nNpPzKbqlYAKzgLSZ1xc1bTZKQlsLm8q7onHYvfmqGSnSYwcAOxXUQuzwzzaFHfEjCeqoLBA2M4HZg3V6sDr1JVV58AlfszIsm7vAjbmM_Q/s1600/st.+a+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEaTuQXVkheaYaSZnCNuMcNsw6y3aMYA90nNpPzKbqlYAKzgLSZ1xc1bTZKQlsLm8q7onHYvfmqGSnSYwcAOxXUQuzwzzaFHfEjCeqoLBA2M4HZg3V6sDr1JVV58AlfszIsm7vAjbmM_Q/s400/st.+a+3.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Inside the Loreto Chapel<br />
<div>
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</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU5JE-9eyUjyJAzTU2gJKhN4ARsFWo0hQgnvvNMJQDBs6kECpyA0MPyzabe3v5W3HXkh9H6_2NiLdv4V5cWCjDjwHzsikpB8OAUau2rcp9T2PtBH64t94eiMi7PYepW_chp6xxEhaPLb6/s1600/sn8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU5JE-9eyUjyJAzTU2gJKhN4ARsFWo0hQgnvvNMJQDBs6kECpyA0MPyzabe3v5W3HXkh9H6_2NiLdv4V5cWCjDjwHzsikpB8OAUau2rcp9T2PtBH64t94eiMi7PYepW_chp6xxEhaPLb6/s400/sn8.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Former Station of the Cross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycaBfoDygkRetuHyO-UaOnsgfet-PuTdr51f44-03Ap5hi-hGHE3vLACqgWeuAAlVWHc9MT7JZdef6o0u5jW9I2irOxV-Ga29OOVAqX0kj2sYsZOEsYMq7qb-zulfXacIvS85Mfqks-gA/s1600/sn+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycaBfoDygkRetuHyO-UaOnsgfet-PuTdr51f44-03Ap5hi-hGHE3vLACqgWeuAAlVWHc9MT7JZdef6o0u5jW9I2irOxV-Ga29OOVAqX0kj2sYsZOEsYMq7qb-zulfXacIvS85Mfqks-gA/s400/sn+6.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The only Station of the Cross that was still standing</td></tr>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyfwl3OH-4T1don4rWPD6MZ044E-HmgvXMs-e8MD5Y0COvFnRWUbJxVlVIyvdEE-uZNBvTy_n8aDwZfwl1uMRRxTwZAz8SMXHxIE7DLqG3uxDhXJ8iVPXuLqW_7NhIHT1VSXxdxggAiJZ/s1600/sn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="445" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyfwl3OH-4T1don4rWPD6MZ044E-HmgvXMs-e8MD5Y0COvFnRWUbJxVlVIyvdEE-uZNBvTy_n8aDwZfwl1uMRRxTwZAz8SMXHxIE7DLqG3uxDhXJ8iVPXuLqW_7NhIHT1VSXxdxggAiJZ/s400/sn5.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up, so beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGe_7FTASoBWew-TZEUCjmax2CRb92td1dUNQroquCh7SEcC5JkRt6PmoTVqTDWOkHHld8TZ-d4sg1t-6SENPlAOz7KG5ET1c7gaiSEDSWEGWsMwaHIYRIa91ElokyppBKaRBwxOHX1En/s1600/sn12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGe_7FTASoBWew-TZEUCjmax2CRb92td1dUNQroquCh7SEcC5JkRt6PmoTVqTDWOkHHld8TZ-d4sg1t-6SENPlAOz7KG5ET1c7gaiSEDSWEGWsMwaHIYRIa91ElokyppBKaRBwxOHX1En/s400/sn12.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does that say Boss on the bottom of the statue? The red sunlight rays are like Divine Mercy.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Today, </span><a href="http://www.stgregsparish.com/" style="text-align: left;">St. Gregory Parish</a><span style="text-align: left;">, not too far from the seminary, is the current church for St. Nazianz' Catholic Community, and a beautiful Orthodox monastery, </span><a href="http://hrmonline.org/" style="text-align: left;">Holy Resurrection</a><span style="text-align: left;">, can also be found in St. Nazianz.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiOgLukd6htQBXVW-QF_7S2f_FOSQE8eYjo7EN2NwNCvZPHm20Q6iKlGEOqPARGdjOryTCdEzE5zHO0mPD6hg1xCCT1wHEBZbNN9MqThJ34iLhDcUsmpzhu7CICekftsrkvr7PEWFJH4x/s1600/St.+Gregory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="644" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiOgLukd6htQBXVW-QF_7S2f_FOSQE8eYjo7EN2NwNCvZPHm20Q6iKlGEOqPARGdjOryTCdEzE5zHO0mPD6hg1xCCT1wHEBZbNN9MqThJ34iLhDcUsmpzhu7CICekftsrkvr7PEWFJH4x/s400/St.+Gregory.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Gregory Parish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuS2RNyGxGvyLmR3hCBZTxaytiOysfdwATpDbhARcjc0OeBZSxaIMlQE9FX-H4h-WWK5h8qj4WB5fUxIAca58NWcUgHsSplnj0vxUqSsAfrJ3-jlFnXFwc-DUrr3Xy2I5PKi0Eteq3KaY/s1600/St.+Gregory+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuS2RNyGxGvyLmR3hCBZTxaytiOysfdwATpDbhARcjc0OeBZSxaIMlQE9FX-H4h-WWK5h8qj4WB5fUxIAca58NWcUgHsSplnj0vxUqSsAfrJ3-jlFnXFwc-DUrr3Xy2I5PKi0Eteq3KaY/s400/St.+Gregory+2.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Gregory</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRuAaDg8vHun3vrHcokHZiYuybLBc4dX6mR23wT6awHPKAlowLVS1CMeptttp0Kfxcpesj7z7fLjOBtHZKrh8-_dZU5Uia85MULgBz9SnkPqXMuGHD_A6isR8sIEkli3uNrDBYErUBzLo/s1600/St.+Gregory+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRuAaDg8vHun3vrHcokHZiYuybLBc4dX6mR23wT6awHPKAlowLVS1CMeptttp0Kfxcpesj7z7fLjOBtHZKrh8-_dZU5Uia85MULgBz9SnkPqXMuGHD_A6isR8sIEkli3uNrDBYErUBzLo/s400/St.+Gregory+1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Gregory</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTzfmrqf9gMaOZX_83aJ4qso922CTOqr79_QJBLdTTP8PnzRoIxdp_4VMZNaO0cxi0roHYO_iAniLXg5L087xuWc6bh9Upph1gaWPWm4HFWAAUYksordJU5_aySsOwFxVf6oSub1VRtNh/s1600/St.+Gregory+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="670" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTzfmrqf9gMaOZX_83aJ4qso922CTOqr79_QJBLdTTP8PnzRoIxdp_4VMZNaO0cxi0roHYO_iAniLXg5L087xuWc6bh9Upph1gaWPWm4HFWAAUYksordJU5_aySsOwFxVf6oSub1VRtNh/s400/St.+Gregory+3.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Gregory</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-8190670244704641102017-05-09T11:19:00.002-05:002017-05-09T12:51:32.378-05:00Holy Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently heard of an astonishing religious experience that has been occurring regularly for thousands of years. I'm still scratching my head over how I had never before heard of this astounding occurrence but am so grateful to now be in the loop.</div>
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Each year on Holy Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Orthodox Patriarch enters the tomb of Christ where a mysterious fire ignites from the slab of the tomb and quickly is shared among the thousands of faithful both in and outside of the church. The church becomes alive with fire, excitement and joy! The flame is said to be warm, not hot, for the first thirty-three minutes (one minute for each year of Christ's life on earth). Men are shown holding the fire directly in their faces and yet their beards don't scorch. But, after thirty-three minutes the fire becomes naturally hot like any other fire. </div>
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But here's something even more miraculous. The fire isn't contained in the church building alone but it's shared around the world asking only for prayers for peace in Jerusalem in return. For the first time this year it came to America on board a Russian Airline. There is a facebook page, <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/447533648924556/">Come Receive the Holy Fire!</a></i>, that tracks the flames arrival in each destination, whether that be a church or a private home. Those posting share pictures and practical details such as how to safely travel with the fire and how to keep it burning in the home. The excitement of those posting the receipt of the Fire is palpable. This is truly a grace-filled gift of faith!</div>
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While there is much speculation that this annual ancient fire is a fraud and the fire could be produced with phosphorus, I believe that anything that comes from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, from the very place where Jesus was buried and rose from the dead, and is shared with the world, is miraculous in itself. </div>
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When my friend, Mary Anne, and her daughter Evanka, shared facebook posts about the Holy Fire that they had received from Abouna Moses, a monk at <a href="https://hrmonline.org/">Holy Resurrection Monastery</a> in St. Nazainz, Wisconsin, I was enthralled and eager to learn more about it. Mary Anne generously offered to share the flame with us so my daughter, Mary and I, took her up on that offer and drove out to her house where we very carefully transferred the fire in a lantern and in a Seven Day Our Lady of Guadalupe Candle that Mary Anne shared with us. I knew that I would only be able to keep the fire burning for that one evening in my home and would need to snuff it out for safety before bedtime so I decided to light every candle I had in the house with the Holy Fire. Now each time I re-light my candles I will remember that the wicks had burned with the Holy Fire and I will enjoy the graces all over again. </div>
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Imagine! Flames from the tomb of Christ burning in my humble home! If that isn't a miracle I don't know what is! </div>
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My family used this opportunity of having the Holy Fire in our home to relight our children's baptism candles and to renew our baptismal vows with this special Easter Holy Fire. Although not all of our children could be there, we lit all of their candles and prayed for them just as we did at their baptism. We found a beautiful handout with scripture readings, prayers and vows tucked inside each candle box and used those for our prayer.</div>
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I am so filled with excitement and joy over this grace-filled blessing from God. What a wonderful opportunity to learn something new, to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to grow more deeply into the faith! Alleluia! Christ is Risen!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDKEEcydZF2tsjdOcuS4N4NexJdvcIub8MI02vyqa34TgDbKCQ64T04AKIHS93201O4frdEWRx5kddyuvaQtVN89NfPsVqxnH8fzXBZq0WM78SXL3-nwStXOPs6yHf3WhrapY8TSkP6QS/s1600/holy+fire+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDKEEcydZF2tsjdOcuS4N4NexJdvcIub8MI02vyqa34TgDbKCQ64T04AKIHS93201O4frdEWRx5kddyuvaQtVN89NfPsVqxnH8fzXBZq0WM78SXL3-nwStXOPs6yHf3WhrapY8TSkP6QS/s400/holy+fire+1.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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I highly recommend that you spend a few minutes reading about and watching a video of the Holy Fire. You will be entranced! It is so amazing! Perhaps you can search out a source of the Holy Fire where you live and can bring the Flame to your own home. You can learn more about the Holy Fire at these links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.holyfire.org/eng/">http://www.holyfire.org/eng/</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/photos-of-the-holy-fire-at-church-of-the-holy-sepulchre-in-jerusalem/2017/04/15/9a9a97e2-2204-11e7-a0a7-8b2a45e3dc84_gallery.html?utm_term=.cb5750adba83">https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/photos-of-the-holy-fire-at-church-of-the-holy-sepulchre-in-jerusalem/2017/04/15/9a9a97e2-2204-11e7-a0a7-8b2a45e3dc84_gallery.html?utm_term=.cb5750adba83</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebCJM_72Pg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VebCJM_72Pg</a><br />
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Here's the prayer format that we used for our Baptismal Vow Renewal:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Renewal Celebration of Baptismal Vows</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Renewal Celebration of Baptismal Vows by </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Rev. Joseph Champlin</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Prior to the actual renewal of baptismal vows, parents or godparents might read one or two biblical passages to remind participants of the meaning of baptism and of God’s presence through these inspired words.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here are two excerpts which are commonly used at baptism:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you not aware that we who are baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Through baptism into his death we were buried with him, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life. If we have been united with him through likeness to his death, so shall we be through a like resurrection. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Romans 6:3-5).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A reading from the Gospel according to Mark:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the scribes came up, and when he heard them arguing he realized how skillfully Jesus answered the. He decided to ask him, “Which is the first of all the commandments” </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus replied: “This is the first: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone: Therefore you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the second: ‘‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him: “Excellent teacher! You are right in saying, ‘He is the One, there is no other than He.’ Yes,‘to love Him with all our heart, with all our thoughts and with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves’ is worth more than any burnt offering or sacrifice.” Jesus approved the insight of this answer and told him, “You are not far from the reign of God.” And no one had the courage to ask him any more questions.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Mark 12:28-34)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a period of silent reflection or group discussion on the readings, a parent or someone from the family next could explain the meaning of baptism for this child in these, or similar words, and lead all present in the renewal rite which follows.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some time ago we presented N…. for baptism. By water and the Holy Spirit he (she) received the gift of new life from God, who is love. On our part we have made it our constant care to bring N...up in the practice of the faith. We have tried to see that the divine life which God gave be kept from the poison of sin and might grow always stronger in N….’s heart. We share a common faith, the faith of the Church, and it was in this faith N….was baptized. At that time we rejected sin and professed our faith in Christ Jesus. Now that you, N...are older and your faith makes you ready to accept this responsibility, we ask you to renew the vows of your own baptism. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God’s children?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Child: I do.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: Do you reject the glamor of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Child: I do.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty,, creator of heaven and earth?</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Child: I do.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Child: I do.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Child: I do.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All: Amen.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: You have renewed the vows of your baptism. You are called a child of God, for so you are. In confirmation you will receive the fullness of God’s spirit. In holy communion you will share the banquet of Christ’s sacrifice calling God your Father in the midst of the Church. In your name, all of us, sharing a common sonship, now pray together in the words our Lord gave us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All: Lord’s Prayer</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: May God the almighty Father, who filled the world with joy by giving us the only Son, bless N...May he (she) grow to be more fully like Jesus Christ, our Lord.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All: Amen.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: May almighty God, who gives life on earth and in heaven, bless the parents of N...May they always show their gratitude for the gift of life and grace in N….by loving and caring for this child.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All: Amen.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: May almighty God, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, generously bless all of us who are his faithful children. May we always live as God’s people, and may the Lord bless all here present with his peace.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All: Amen.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leader: May almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All: Amen.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">s</span></span></div>
Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-4965101438120753132017-02-23T13:19:00.002-06:002017-02-23T15:18:11.919-06:00St. Joseph, My Hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This prayer is sometimes printed with the following information: This prayer was found in the fifteenth year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>or shall be burned in any fire,</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> or shall be overpowered in battle. Say for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for greenfield apartment building fire" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/f34da1fdf0652f3b62af7503a0e6c429a363fcdf/c=0-327-540-632&r=x324&c=600x321/local/-/media/2017/02/13/WIGroup/Milwaukee/636226222354795522-Greenfield-fire.jpg" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2017/02/13/greenfield-apartment-building-fire-displaces-dozens/97880986/">JS Online</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the middle of February I had been blessed to take a Monday off from work and planned on spending it with my daughter who was off from school that day. I'm usually up and dressed by 5 am but since I had the day off I was enjoying a leisurely morning and was still lounging in my pajamas at 6:30 am when the phone rang. My son, Joe, was on the other end and I listened, not quite believing what I was hearing, when he said, "Mom, my apartment is on fire and we're trapped on the balcony!" I took a second or two to absorb the obvious panic is his voice as he shared this horrific news and then asked him if he had called 911, which he had. I told him I was on my way. Mary and I quickly dressed and drove to Joe's apartment as fast as we safely could, praying all the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had to park three blocks away because the street was closed by the police. We ran most of those three blocks until I couldn't run anymore. There were multiple fire trucks on the scene when we arrived. We went to the back of the building where we expected to find Joe still on the balcony but all we found was a solitary police man. My panic was evident and he reassured me that everyone had gotten out of the building safely and that they were all re-located to the apartment building next door.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVka673bnTGbLIxUKlSV9pgJCtatjRj1oPJLyApK2haTyCpX6jldkL6CFGzctpYHFLuO2QUsXgpuNc4WdTb2bghrICbZDKKVBIfToEJxu3iu1r1H_mblwnbeaW7hIUvkoaUj5x4MFEM5f/s1600/ladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVka673bnTGbLIxUKlSV9pgJCtatjRj1oPJLyApK2haTyCpX6jldkL6CFGzctpYHFLuO2QUsXgpuNc4WdTb2bghrICbZDKKVBIfToEJxu3iu1r1H_mblwnbeaW7hIUvkoaUj5x4MFEM5f/s400/ladder.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ladder in back is leaning on Joe's balcony</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tears of relief were flowing from everyone's eyes as we found Joe and his girlfriend, Cici, and embraced them. We looked around and saw so many people looking completely dazed and many dogs and even a bird among the residents who had been displaced from their homes. Joe had said that he woke up when he smelled smoke and then woke Cici. They saw flames coming into their apartment door and the room was so smokey that they couldn't find the cats. Had they not had the balcony to escape to I don't think they would have survived. We were greatly relieved when the firefighters brought both of Cici's cats, one by one, safely back to her. The cats were shaking badly and needed a little oxygen and anti-nausea medication at the vets, but both are fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a blessing it was to be on the receiving end of other's generosity and kindness! Joe and Cici were showered with support that will be of great assistance to them as they work to rebuild a home and replace all of their belongings. But the greatest blessing of all was that they survived the fire physically unscathed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I completely credit St. Joseph with saving their lives. As we were driving home later that day </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> Mary said she was thinking about St. Joseph and how the angel woke him up so that he could take Mary and Jesus and escape from Herod to Egypt. She said she had a feeling that it was St. Joseph who woke Joey up so that he and Cici could escape the fire. I didn't realize the powerful providence behind Mary's gut feeling that day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">The following week as I was waiting to pick Mary up from work, I pulled one of my prayer books out of my purse and found the Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph</span><span class="m_-8982662228472125358gmail-m_7825279886970157793gmail-m_-1166176662091574993gmail-m_-5308332695376531577gmail-m_-7814908972252987772gmail-text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline;">. I don't know why I even looked at that prayer, what brought me to that page out of all the pages in the book at that time. Maybe it was St. Joseph who tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I want to show you something." </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Joe was still living at home he had this prayer taped to the wall by his bed and he prayed it every morning. But even if Joe might have forgotten about St. Joseph when he grew up and moved away, St. Joseph did not forget about him. When I read all the way down to the last sentence below the prayer and saw "nor be burned in any fire" I was stunned! Mary was right! St. Joseph obviously has a love for this young man named after him, this young man who had a youthful devotion to his patron saint. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will be thanking St. Joseph for saving Joe's and Cici's lives for all of my days. He truly is powerful with God and a perfect patron for Joe! I'd been neglecting St. Joseph and that prayer but I won't anymore! He is officially my hero!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="m_-8982662228472125358gmail-m_7825279886970157793gmail-m_-1166176662091574993gmail-m_-5308332695376531577gmail-m_-7814908972252987772gmail-text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PnmU2R4JwAsJP62VsmJH68Bc8EYqdyMddfWlRbPoCX58Wj8qwvRhjl6lQ3AHd_cwOoxS9DOUEafTfDAgD_ZgAdJVjefTngVQymSOScwFCBkexFeD359akvpMbidPx5GEUzkgwwAvJT2V/s1600/stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PnmU2R4JwAsJP62VsmJH68Bc8EYqdyMddfWlRbPoCX58Wj8qwvRhjl6lQ3AHd_cwOoxS9DOUEafTfDAgD_ZgAdJVjefTngVQymSOScwFCBkexFeD359akvpMbidPx5GEUzkgwwAvJT2V/s400/stairs.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">the stairs leading to their apartment after the fire</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-2441604292067909302017-02-09T09:14:00.001-06:002017-02-09T09:14:27.888-06:00Mother and Child in Sea Glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Working on this sea glass mosaic under the guidance of St. Mark and Our Lady brought me peaceful memories of warm and quiet days walking the beach to collect the bits of glass. I'm pleased with how this turned out and am ready to begin another mosaic. What a wonderful way to pray!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdbwdv5o1CfJyYD5Xt3XceWa6FAzfHIlwZT0MVkBMKrfeRMYklyAV7Yyn7R_7FInJeKFPH9gEZRO0eI5T5Q47iYaWhj0gBqFv0PonHPbEVEUIZRSLcRqQOOIPa55yw4BK6oCeYLzQTMpT/s1600/final+mosaic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdbwdv5o1CfJyYD5Xt3XceWa6FAzfHIlwZT0MVkBMKrfeRMYklyAV7Yyn7R_7FInJeKFPH9gEZRO0eI5T5Q47iYaWhj0gBqFv0PonHPbEVEUIZRSLcRqQOOIPa55yw4BK6oCeYLzQTMpT/s400/final+mosaic+1.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVJN0RgoI77opmEgMfOSnnJdcyBsID3ndxSWhdNHOI9Vep4MJozNoWH2reK8g-MfVua1dWtOfNSwKVFlUhRkJCaJFmfnoU42r0pA7x-2OWWHMgR0qLtMGLpj5ljoBWFx_J9SiRQK8XqKy/s1600/final+mosaic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVJN0RgoI77opmEgMfOSnnJdcyBsID3ndxSWhdNHOI9Vep4MJozNoWH2reK8g-MfVua1dWtOfNSwKVFlUhRkJCaJFmfnoU42r0pA7x-2OWWHMgR0qLtMGLpj5ljoBWFx_J9SiRQK8XqKy/s400/final+mosaic+2.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-69105006258681365662017-02-03T09:35:00.002-06:002017-02-03T11:25:42.696-06:00Year of St. Mark the Evangelist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each January for the past few years I have enjoyed participating in Jennifer Fulwiler's <a href="http://saintsnamegenerator.com/">Saint Name Generator </a>where, after saying a short prayer I click a button and a saint comes forward to accompany me for the coming year. This year St. Mark the Evangelist is my prayerful companion. I find it especially providential that the Gospel readings at daily Mass just happen to be from Mark so I have been paying extra close attention to them. I've also spent the past month reading and reflecting upon the Gospel of Mark, the shortest of the four Gospels to be written, in my daily prayer time. What a great way this has been to immerse myself in learning about my friendly saint and the Lord as well!<br />
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In researching St. Mark I found so many different stories and they all seemed to contradict each other. In the end I'm not sure what is really the truth of his life but will share what I found to be the most fascinating aspects about the saint.<br />
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St. Mark had traveled with Paul and Barnabas and was possibly a source of contention dividing the two in their evangelic travels. In the end, all made peace and Mark was known to be a great help in spreading the good news of Christ.<br />
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St. Mark was a close friend and possibly a relative of St. Peter during the early years of Christianity, and it was from Peter that St. Mark learned about the life of Jesus. St. Mark payed close attention to Peter's preaching and recorded everything that he learned from our first Pope, and that's where I feel that I just may have something in common with my 2017 patron. Most of the blog posts that I share here are taken from my notes written while listening to moving homilies or talks given by great priests. In addition, St. Mark is a patron of imprisoned people, so there's a connection with the title of this blog, too.<br />
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In St. Mark's Gospel he mentions a man with a water jug at whose house the disciples were to prepare the passover. That house may have belonged to Mark's mother, Mary. His Gospel also mentions a man who ran away naked from the Garden of Gethsemane. There is speculation that St. Mark may have been the man with the water jug and the man fleeing from the Garden. He is also mentioned as having been present at the wedding at Cana where water was changed to wine.<br />
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St. Mark is identified with a lion because he begins his Gospel with St. John the Baptist described as a "voice crying out in the wilderness." St. Mark was martyred in 68 AD when he was dragged through the city of Alexandria for two days until he died. His relics can be found in Alexandria and at St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice. St. Mark's Feast Day is April 25th.<br />
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St. Mark is the patron saint of stained glass window makers, although I haven't been able to make a connection as to why that might be so other than the fact that he painted pictures with his words. But with that patronage I've decided that this will be the year that I will work on making more sea glass mosaics under his guidance. From the time I started collecting sea glass ten years ago I had always thought that I'd like to make a mosaic of the Virgin Mary but never thought I would be up to the task and had no idea about how to begin on my own. So it must have been St. Mark's influence that caused me to discover a lovely mosaic of Mary and Jesus made by a woman from Helsinki that was shared in a sea glass group on facebook, and upon seeing it I knew that I, too, could piece together the same image. <br />
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My friend Christi of <a href="http://www.lumenchristiart.com/">Lumen Christi Art </a>who designed and helped me to make a <a href="http://annebender.blogspot.com/2015/02/tree-of-life-sea-glass-mosaic-final.html">Sea Glass Tree of Life </a>mosaic two years ago had sent her Milwaukee Journal Sentinel entry for Christmas Artwork, the icon of "Mother of God of Tenderness," as a Christmas card this past year. Of the icon she wrote: "Christ draws our attention to His mother and there is an additional detail of love where we see that Jesus' arm is around His mother's neck. The little face tenderly pressed against His mother's face is Christ Immanuel, the Glory of God and Creator of all." <br />
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Using Christi's icon and my new friend from Helsinki's art as examples I have begun the work under the patronage of St. Mark. Our Lady's face was certainly the most difficult part so far and I'm nervous about bringing Jesus' face to life after the difficulty I had with His mother's face. I'm sure that if I would try to replicate this mosaic I would make lots of changes the second time around to improve it, but for a first effort on my own I'd say it's going pretty well and I am learning a lot. I only have so much glass available to me so using limited supplies poses a challenge, as well. My mosaic definitely has more of a folk art feel than classic art but I am enjoying the work and the deep prayer that accompanies the task. The image below is my humble beginning. I'll be sure to share the finished project in a future post.<br />
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<em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“O glorious St Mark, through the grace of God our Father, you became a great Evangelist, preaching the Good News of Christ. Obtain for me I pray you, lively faith, firm hope and burning love; patience in adversity, humility in prosperity, recollection in prayer, purity of heart, a right intention in all my works, diligence in fulfilling the duties of my state of life, constancy in my resolutions, resignation to the will of God and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death. Through the same Christ Our Lord, Amen.”</em><br />
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Here's a nice reflection on St. Mark by my friend, Fr. James Kubicki, SJ from the <a href="http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org/">Apostleship of Prayer.</a><br />
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-1527799869757585342016-12-21T14:02:00.001-06:002016-12-21T15:19:36.510-06:00Ex Votos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ex votos at the Basilica of San Domenico in Sienna.</td></tr>
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When Paul and I went to Italy last summer I was so impressed by the silver Sacred Hearts that I saw displayed in so many of the churches that we visited. I had never seen displays like this in the United States and wondered what they were and wanted to know the meaning behind them. Our guide in Sienna told me that they were votives, offerings of thanksgiving to God. I was immediately fascinated and wanted to learn yet more about these offerings. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Ex votos found at the Cathedrale de Santa Maria, also known as the Duomo or Divine Beauty in Siena<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ex Votos at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia, <br />
also known as the Church of the Divine Mercy, in Rome</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While in Rome we found ex votos at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia,<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">also known as the Church of the Divine Mercy, which were <br />just dripping with colorful rosaries.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many rosaries!</td></tr>
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Arriving back home, I researched these votives a bit more and found that they are actually called ex votos. Ex votos are common in Europe and in South America. In Europe a framed silver heart is often left behind in a church in thanksgiving for a favor received or an answered prayer. Perhaps a loved one has been healed of an illness. Maybe the longed for beau finally appeared and marriage plans were on the way or a child was accepted to seminary to begin a life of service to God. Sometimes the ex voto is a silver body part such as a leg or a hand to signify the part of the body that was healed.</div>
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In South America the ex votos take on a different form. Rather than using a silver Sacred Heart in thanksgiving, a picture is painted of the actual incident which required prayer and then, in a corner of the painting, the saint to whom the thanksgiving was offered was portrayed.</div>
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The only example of ex votos that I have ever seen at home were a display of crutches at Holy Hill Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians in Hubertus, Wisconsin, which, although miraculously dramatic, aren't as beautiful as the hearts. I've been told that Americans are more practical and we usually give monetary offerings in thanksgiving for answered prayers.</div>
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I had become so enamored (obsessed, really) by the ex votos that I wanted to find some of my own. I searched everywhere on the internet and only found some antique ex votos for sale but the price was in the hundreds of dollars which was beyond my reach. I did find some reproductions of vintage ex votos on Etsy and purchased two that I found to be particularly charming, but none of those ex votos came with the oval frame that encased so many of the ex votos that I saw in Italy. I still have not been able to find the simple oval frames anywhere that I have looked.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW6L0H1oGA-LAvUTEkXas25mi-_NhA-nLfM3kVD_WzsfCsONqI7ApzzKM8X2VypJfwxIYoX44ediWTmTEJBan-toQ-lMBZoncFBR5gmjPFNf2lnbrErNBlNZU_O9qeHPDVj2qFlRxNbdH/s1600/ex+voto+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW6L0H1oGA-LAvUTEkXas25mi-_NhA-nLfM3kVD_WzsfCsONqI7ApzzKM8X2VypJfwxIYoX44ediWTmTEJBan-toQ-lMBZoncFBR5gmjPFNf2lnbrErNBlNZU_O9qeHPDVj2qFlRxNbdH/s400/ex+voto+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings of my ex voto collection. The two largest hearts were purchased on Etsy. The heart on the right was made with an embossed stamp. The ex votos in the middle are antique religious medals.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZLvLyckyb-7q865MtI7HYceAiC6o_Eb8PizPtFjVX0hatqwNWTRJncIGYslQPoXk_HEDFuqeMHe9Wg5cuMP0f34zjxqBtnLy_ENYmPGJ8Dvzz1cBXZJc-ttcuWcjTLqHR1isHyCIKIUI/s1600/ex+voto+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZLvLyckyb-7q865MtI7HYceAiC6o_Eb8PizPtFjVX0hatqwNWTRJncIGYslQPoXk_HEDFuqeMHe9Wg5cuMP0f34zjxqBtnLy_ENYmPGJ8Dvzz1cBXZJc-ttcuWcjTLqHR1isHyCIKIUI/s400/ex+voto+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This display includes two ex votos that I printed from images online and the <br />
ex voto in the middle was made from a heart that I purchased in the gift shop where I work. <br />
The little jar of sea glass and piece of pottery were found at the Adriatic Sea in Italy during a short stop there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzRC9A6KdyIfW35QGUdEC2BXqqUbxpc3oVdhKRFT9z1oZteAMAL7nEE_6iYwy0oLWGJ5pJNhErdXBQ8OeMktIIcQht7pEJQPl_om6ctmKbSCYu-3iP7m6_iqOKXX6a7Kt3fmRpo8vT8Pi/s1600/ex+voto+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzRC9A6KdyIfW35QGUdEC2BXqqUbxpc3oVdhKRFT9z1oZteAMAL7nEE_6iYwy0oLWGJ5pJNhErdXBQ8OeMktIIcQht7pEJQPl_om6ctmKbSCYu-3iP7m6_iqOKXX6a7Kt3fmRpo8vT8Pi/s400/ex+voto+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a bulletin board covered in velvet displaying a few more ex voto pictures, some wooden scrolled hearts, and a few framed holy cards. The Virgin with Child card was purchased in the Holy Land and given to Paul by a co-worker. <br />
Not Italian, but beautiful nonetheless.</td></tr>
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Paul suggested that I find an image of an ex voto and print it and frame it. I thought that was excellent advice so I did print a few pictures of some beautiful, antique ex votos. And then I thought, why not make my own? So I played around with stamps, holy cards and religious medals and found that they stood in quite well for authentic ex votos. And then, after much searching, I found a roll of heavy-duty craft aluminum and used it to make my own silver hearts which I glued onto red cardstock and this project has kept me busy for quite some time.</div>
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Then I came upon a silver, oval embroidery hoop at a thrift store that was run by the School Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Geraldine told me that I could have the hoop free of charge. It was such a simple thing but I was thrilled by it! I framed a piece of red velvet in the hoop and then searched through a jar of my mother's antique buttons looking for every silver button available. I used those buttons to sew an ex voto heart onto the velvet and am so delighted by my unique ex voto that reminds me of my beloved mother. Each pull of the needle and thread was a prayer for her soul and a sweet reminder of her love.</div>
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Now that three of our sons are out of the house we have a little more space so Paul and I have decided to decorate our spare room with mementoes from our pilgrimage. We're calling the room our Italy Room. My ex votos have filled the walls and shelves quite nicely and serve as a wonderful offering of thanksgiving for the miracle of being able to take that fantastic, life-changing trip.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu1X_YwjS3pUJCVAEAnuxvVInBQmY7fMiV5znu7WPRRArltYXA9PpO82gOUJNE_wD8W__29XgWL_psc88LN1V7PTvcq66VFhj6pinXpqwvvm-PjV2PGQ7NtehPwxgCI4uzUWlNTw1XPWk/s1600/ex+voto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu1X_YwjS3pUJCVAEAnuxvVInBQmY7fMiV5znu7WPRRArltYXA9PpO82gOUJNE_wD8W__29XgWL_psc88LN1V7PTvcq66VFhj6pinXpqwvvm-PjV2PGQ7NtehPwxgCI4uzUWlNTw1XPWk/s400/ex+voto.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A homemade ex voto using heavy-duty foil and cardstock. The "GR" stands for "Grace Received."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-b21mE3FuBvZQiJ9v6Io7eBftvmHVLP1fsIKaGlnNZBDiltksE7Il8VKNjgf2Qa2VowKMZkxoSWKq9ReiZuGViOk2DLUk0aB2xboerFgEuOErzkUdOEJlbXU97HurTIccqtqwiztm2Ve/s1600/ex+voto+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-b21mE3FuBvZQiJ9v6Io7eBftvmHVLP1fsIKaGlnNZBDiltksE7Il8VKNjgf2Qa2VowKMZkxoSWKq9ReiZuGViOk2DLUk0aB2xboerFgEuOErzkUdOEJlbXU97HurTIccqtqwiztm2Ve/s400/ex+voto+5.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "M" stands for our Mother Mary, of course!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4ajIKId0_g3-bYket3zmG1lLfng-emxFDiKzuGiJ-ggSoDvDOcA8xpYQ8OkwYR59BDnrpW1wpzPNCq-XmrM364YgELqqDXq9m7PQdH-d3MTkt5HDnBKdqHNxmf1QYUOwVygi_CWJapHc/s1600/ex+voto+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4ajIKId0_g3-bYket3zmG1lLfng-emxFDiKzuGiJ-ggSoDvDOcA8xpYQ8OkwYR59BDnrpW1wpzPNCq-XmrM364YgELqqDXq9m7PQdH-d3MTkt5HDnBKdqHNxmf1QYUOwVygi_CWJapHc/s400/ex+voto+6.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A mini ex voto tree to complement a sea glass tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The button ex voto underneath framed photos of the ex votos I found in Italy. <br />
I just had to add a few clusters of rosaries!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One-of-a-kind antique button ex voto.</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-23748581936460946922016-12-16T12:48:00.003-06:002016-12-17T11:37:24.241-06:00A Year of Daily Offerings by Fr. James Kubicki, SJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="A Year of Daily Offerings" height="400" src="https://www.avemariapress.com/size/files/eeae62c045ef4ffe7ca9715b62ef629d/9781594715709.jpg.232x.jpg" width="285" /> </div>
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Would you like to grow in your faith but feel that you can't make time for one more activity in your busy day? Do you want to gain a greater understanding of the church but feel that most of what's available to read is too hard to understand? Do you want to deepen your prayer life but don't know where to begin? Well here's the answer to all of those questions!<br />
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Fr. James Kubicki, SJ, National Director of the <a href="http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org/">Apostleship of Prayer</a> and author of the bestseller <i>A Heart on Fire</i>, has compiled his daily Relevant Radio Prayer Reflection recordings into a book format called <i>A Year of Daily Offerings</i>. Now those who aren't able to tune in to the radio to hear Fr. Jim share a few words for the day may read them over and pray with them at their leisure. What a great way to start the New Year and each day! <br />
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My preordered copy arrived last month and I have now been praying with and enjoying Fr. Jim's reflections every day. Fr. Jim's easy-to-understand explanations about the saint or feast of the day bring a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith to my often frazzled mind. Fr. Jim follows the explanation with a prayer for the day, just a few words to draw me closer to God. The prayer is followed by a "Word for the Day", a thought that I keep in the back of my mind throughout my busy day to help me stay connected to the offering of the day. He closes the reflection with an "Evening Review", a question to ponder in my daily examen. <i>A Year of Daily Offerings</i> has been a delight to begin my mornings with before rushing off to work. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to grow in my faith with Fr. Jim's words of wisdom and prayer to start each day! I'm sure that this book will soon be well-worn as it will be faithfully used each day for many years to come!<br />
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From Ave Maria Press: <i>"A Year of Daily Offerings is a prayerful 366-day experience immersed in the lives of the saints, the rhythm of the Church calendar, and the stories of ordinary people who lived the Eucharist in their daily lives. It will help you reorder not just your devotional life, but the entire way of looking at your day.<br /><br />This thoughtful, yearlong book of morning meditations from Rev. James Kubicki, S.J.—national director of the Apostleship of Prayer and bestselling author of A Heart on Fire—provides a rich array of reflections based on Ignatian spirituality that invite you to begin each day with a sincere offering of your life to God.<br /><br />Combining a contemporary tone with a strong Biblical understanding, Fr. Kubicki shows you how to live your Eucharistic offering each day. He provides a fresh perspective on the promise of connecting with God through the practice of morning prayer by using prayers of the saints, a word to carry throughout the day, and an evening reflection to reflect on the day you offered to God."</i><br />
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You can order A Year of Daily Offerings, as well as A Heart on Fire, from <a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/product/1-59471-570-X/A-Year-of-Daily-Offerings/">Ave Maria Press.</a></div>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-26390980672884655582016-12-14T15:22:00.002-06:002016-12-15T05:05:52.411-06:00Beguine Spirituality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"Anyone who has waded through Love's turbulent waters, now feeling hunger and now satiety is untouched by the seasons of withering or blooming. For in the deepest and most dangerous waters, on the highest peaks, Love is always the same." </i> ~Hadewijch of Brabant<br />
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<i>"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax."~ </i>Psalm 22:14<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Beguine_1489.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A drawing of a Beguine from <i style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left;">Des dodes dantz</i><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left;">, printed in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%BCbeck" style="background: none rgb(248, 249, 250); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" title="Lübeck">Lübeck</a><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left;"> in 1489. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beguines_and_Beghards">(source)</a></span></td></tr>
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At the most recent meeting of the <a href="https://www.sfs.edu/deChantal?docid=214935&">de Chantal Society </a>at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee we were treated to a topic on which I had never had any previous knowledge but found fascinating, Beguine Spirituality. The speaker was Fr. Dennis Saran from Christ King Parish in Wauwatosa. After a period of silent adoration Fr. Dennis began by telling the women gathered that we are very much like an ancient community of women called The Beguines. He told us that we occupy our time with caring for our families and friends, with serving the sick and the poor and we live very ordinary lives devoted to God. The Beguines, he said, were ordinary lay women, as well. They lived very normal lives and occupied their time with caring for the sick and the poor and yet they were deeply connected to God despite not being part of a religious community.<br />
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"The Beguine movement was a lay woman's movement that arose in the early 13th century. The Beguines did not follow any established rule, but lived lives of apostolic poverty and chastity, doing works of charity among the poor and sick.<br />
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This style of life led to a spirituality that was both in and out of this world, using rich and captivating imagery. They tried to capture the longing and love for the Other through their use of everyday experiences."<br />
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In the history of the Church there have been three types of spirituality. The first is Monastic, the kind that Church fathers said could only exist in the desert with proper time for prayer and contemplation. You could only get to God if your prayer was constant. The requirements promised union with God but only after years of constant devotion. The common person couldn't approach this difficult lifelong commitment.<br />
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The second type of spirituality is Scholastic Theology. This is the use of reason and philosophy to find your way to God. St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica is an example of this. We use reasons and proofs to experience God. Until the 1950's this was the primary theological source for anyone who wasn't monastic. The Baltimore Catechism was a product of this, as well as the theology of Fulton Sheen. Scholastic Theology was popular in a masculine dominated Church as it was a problem-solving approach. A personal relationship with God was not considered.<br />
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Vernacular or Common Spirituality is the third type of spirituality which accents personal relationship with God through our daily lives and sees nature as a sign of God's love for us. The fact that we can learn compassion and good acts is feminine in its foundation and is championed by most female mystics. It flourished in homes among spouses and in churches. Here we seek union with God through private piety.<br />
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Vernacular Spirituality offered the possibility of achieving spiritual union with God to anyone in any walk of life. This spirituality was supported by local clergy who saw a need for spirituality for the common people. This male-dominated society where women were to be obedient was now Christ dominated. A popular example of this was championed by St. Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century who added another dimension to our view and image of God. Here God was seen not as a King or a Judge but now a Lover and a Bridegroom. Sin was felt to be a betrayal. We are the Lover and Jesus is the Bride. You prepare yourself for the kiss of Christ. This nuptial mysticism was foreign to the clergy of that time.<br />
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At the same time this idea of God as a Lover and a Bridegroom was expressed in the Beguine Movement. Some people have thought of the Beguines as heretical. It was the first European women's lay religious movement incorporating a life of prayer to draw closer to Christ. Women could be married, widowed or single. No vows were taken with the exception of an informal vow to remain celibate but this had no obligation attached to it.<br />
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The Beguines originated in Germany and France. The women lived lives of charity and poverty and included both private prayer and corporate worship. Several women had a personal, mystical union with Christ. They did not write about God in an abstract sense; it was personal and much of the writing was romantic. Many of these mystics are totally unknown to us. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"God leads his chosen people along strange paths."</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~Mechtild of Magdeburg</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Mechtild of Magdeburg</td></tr>
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One of these mystics whose words have been passed down through the centuries was Mechtild of Magdeburg who wrote the book "The Flowing Light of the Godhead" on courtly love with common sense. Her book identifies daily tasks that can be used to serve God. She talks about God walking with us in our daily lives. It is often through suffering that love is defined and deepened. Our greatest joy in heaven will be the love of God's will. Here we will be one with God and will delight in his will. Everything you do can be transferred into joy. Suffering elevates you to God. We wear everyday work clothes when we're well but wear brides clothes when we are ill because our illness unites us to God.<br />
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Our longing for God is a hunger, thirst, ache, excitement. We are all made for union with God. Our nature is to be one with God. Suffering and love are intimately tied together as seen in childbirth and parenting. We are ever-longing in soul and ever-suffering in body. Small sins harm perfection. What often impedes our spiritual life is that we pay no attention to our small sins. But little daily efforts reveal the joys and love of God. We aren't asked to become cloistered but to do small things with joy as echoed by St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Teresa of Calcutta. Even small acts of compassion cleanse our souls. <br />
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Each day we should say, "Jesus, my love, what do you want of me today?" and then say it the next day and the day after that.<br />
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For more details about Mechtild of Magdeburg with links to some of her beautiful poetry visit <a href="http://www.poetseers.org/spiritual-and-devotional-poets/christian/mechthild-of-magdeburg/index.html">this website.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-lord-you-are-my-lover-my-longing-my-flowing-stream-my-sun-and-i-am-your-reflection-mechthild-of-magdeburg-91-85-39.jpg" height="187" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://www.azquotes.com/author/22331-Mechthild_of_Magdeburg">source</a><br />
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<br />Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-71529266603924801862016-11-14T16:17:00.003-06:002016-11-15T12:41:39.678-06:00Fr. Cliff Ermatinger's Homilies on Purgatory<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8XrwXCFlqYiUvi7nzmIQ-h8BU3TwmWM2NS6VbKQsOlyd8fKgJV0W4qO9wliXhxmzbIgnZ3FxrtN-z1_lnRH0Q4kNlW01AmON0YvT8l9TdGMaS_Un3kGpRFixqrgiJJeDndR3NKKFIGfG/s1600/dante+purgatory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8XrwXCFlqYiUvi7nzmIQ-h8BU3TwmWM2NS6VbKQsOlyd8fKgJV0W4qO9wliXhxmzbIgnZ3FxrtN-z1_lnRH0Q4kNlW01AmON0YvT8l9TdGMaS_Un3kGpRFixqrgiJJeDndR3NKKFIGfG/s400/dante+purgatory.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://histflorence.blogspot.com/2013/01/who-was-cimabue.html">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's been a great blessing to have Fr. Cliff Ermatinger presiding at some of the early morning Masses at Old St. Mary. He is a powerful homilist and so very reverent. Attending Mass when he is presiding keeps me from distraction and I'm always inspired. My pen flies when he begins his homily because I don't want to miss a thing he has to share! He recently gave two very engaging homilies on purgatory. During this month of prayer for Holy Souls, Fr. Cliff's words are encouraging for all of us who are striving to be saints and to spend as little time as possible in purgatory. Here you will find the Gospel reading and my notes on Fr. Cliff's homily.</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus
said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say
immediately that it is going to rain-and so it does; and when you notice that
the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot-and so it
is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of
the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Why
do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort
to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to
the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable
throw you into prison. I say to you, you
will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> ~ Luke 12:54-59<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the foundational text for belief in
purgatory. If we have the smallest speck
of disordered attachment in our heart we need purgatory. Purgatory is God’s mercy so we can see God’s
face without shame. Purgatory is painful
in its shame, yet souls are happy there because they know they are going to
heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our venial sins and attachments keep us from union
with God. We have a choice. We can have purgatory in this life or in the
next. The trials that come our way are
God’s mercy. It’s our chance to offer it
up without complaining and in doing so our hearts are re-ordered to see the
face of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Lord gives us opportunities to configure
ourselves with him; to suffer in a meritorious way. In purgatory suffering is passive. There is no possibility of any more
merit. The purpose of our trials in life
is for our own configuration with Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jesus passed through towns and villages, </span><span style="background-color: white;">teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Someone asked him, </span><span style="background-color: white;">“Lord, will only a few people be saved?” </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white;">He answered them, </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, </span><span style="background-color: white;">for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter </span></i><i><span style="background-color: white;">but will not be strong enough. </span><span style="background-color: white;">After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, </span><span style="background-color: white;">then will you stand outside knocking and saying, </span><span style="background-color: white;">‘Lord, open the door for us.’ </span><span style="background-color: white;">He will say to you in reply, </span><span style="background-color: white;">‘I do not know where you are from.’ </span><span style="background-color: white;">And you will say, </span><span style="background-color: white;">‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’ </span><span style="background-color: white;">Then he will say to you, </span><span style="background-color: white;">‘I do not know where you are from. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ </span><span style="background-color: white;">And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth </span><span style="background-color: white;">when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob </span><span style="background-color: white;">and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God </span><span style="background-color: white;">and you yourselves cast out.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">And people will come from the east and the west </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">and from the north and the south </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">For behold, some are last who will be first,</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><i>and some are first who will be last.” </i>~Luke 13:22-30</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pope Benedict looks at key scriptural words and
their use in other parts of scripture.
The mustard seed becoming a large bush is compared to the Kingdom of
God, but elsewhere he says if your faith is the size of a mustard seed you can
tell the mountains to move and they will.
Then “faith” and “kingdom” become interchangeable terms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Making an act of faith is the work of grace. It’s not from ourselves. It’s our will in cooperation with grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Knowing that new life comes when the seed dies we
see the truth of the ancient Christian saying that the blood of martyrs is the
seed of Christianity. We see martyrs
today in the Middle East and in France and their deaths strengthen the Kingdom
and our faith. They prove to us that
there are things worth dying for. The
martyrs don’t pass through purgatory.
Their martyrdom is their sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our sacrifices are powerful. When our faith is tried
and encroached upon as is occurring right now in this country, then our faith is
strengthened. In our trials and crosses
we’re given a chance to grow, to bear fruit and to be configured to Christ.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-55752271361403422572016-11-04T21:06:00.002-05:002016-11-06T06:22:37.219-06:00Italian Pilgrimage: Rome and Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Pope</td></tr>
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So here we are, we've come to the last day of this amazing pilgrimage. We had to be ready to go extra early for our big audience with Pope Francis. Once again Patrizia warned us about the crowds. She told us that we'd be surprised to see Catholics behaving so aggressively with pushing and shoving as people jostled for the best seats and she advised us to hold our ground, to stay close together and not to let anyone cut into our places. Let me tell you, following Patrizia's advice was challenging!<br />
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As we queued up to move through security the crowd was tight. I was pretty nervous about losing our group or losing Paul and getting lost in the shuffle so I asked my fellow pilgrim, Brandon, if I might hold onto the back of his shirt as we moved along and with my other hand I was firmly gripping the corner of Paul's jacket. I'm so glad that I was connected to both Brandon and Paul! As soon as we started moving forward a woman started pushing on Paul and I trying to separate us. She had an angry look on her face and although I'm certain she didn't speak English I kept telling her, "That's my husband! That's my husband!" hoping that she'd stop pushing and allow us to stay together. Thankfully she finally let us pass and stay together.</div>
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Once we got past security and were inside of the gate we quickly moved to our seats. We each had a ticket but I believe that was just to get in the gate, not necessarily for an assigned seat. But our Patrizia! She was amazing! She walked us to several rows of seats that were all right next to the fence where Pope Francis would pass in his popemobile! Before she left us she cautioned us once again not to let anyone come and try to take our seats away. Well, sure enough, several women did come and try to move to the fence in front of us but we were determined to hold our ground and several pilgrims in our group firmly told them to find another place to go, that we weren't going to let them get in front of us.</div>
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And then it happened! Pope Francis began his circuit around St. Peter's Square in the popemobile. He stopped right in front of us to kiss a baby and we were so close, right in the front row!!!! I was intent on capturing this momentous event on video and had my camera raised high moving along with the pope calling out "Papa, Papa!" along with everyone else around me. Tears of joy and amazement were welling up in my eyes. After he had passed I turned off my video and wanted to immediately watch what I had just filmed. But guess what? I actually had not turned the video on in the first place! I was just moving a turned-off camera along with Pope Francis. When I thought I had turned it off I had actually just turned it on and all that I captured were my fellowthe nearby pilgrims saying "Wow! That was amazing! I can't believe it!" Thankfully, my fellow pilgrim Rita, who was standing right next to me, shared her pictures of Pope Francis with me.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss Guard-this is how close I was to the pope!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss Guard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Papa!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viva Papa Francis!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's so close!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love you Pope Francis!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While giving his address-now we're so far away! <br />
Bishop Hying is somewhere in the group of bishops on the right.</td></tr>
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When Pope Francis had completed the rounds in his popemobile he climbed the steps of St. Peter's and took his seat in his chair. Now we sat in St. Peter's Square for at least an hour while an announcer shared the Pope's messages in multiple languages and called out the different groups that were at that day's audience. Finally he said "The Diocese of Gary, Indiana." Yay! That was us! </div>
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He said, "I greet all of those pilgrims from English speaking nations. In this Year of Mercy I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Father bestows his blessing upon you and upon your whole family. He especially blesses your children and those who are sick. He also intends to bless any religious articles you have brought with you."</div>
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When it was all over, feeling satisfactorily blessed and jubilant, our group scattered for some free time once again. Paul and I headed in a different direction than we had walked the day before and we came across a magnificent church that we had heard our fellow pilgrims, Steve and Marcia, talking about the previous day with much enthusiasm. I was ecstatic to be at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia: The Shrine of the Divine Mercy! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia: Shrine of the Divine Mercy</td></tr>
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This church was magnificent! I think I might even say that it was my favorite church in all of Rome! Not only was it beautiful but within it we found a shrine of Saint Pope John Paul II with his relic and a shrine of St. Faustina with her relic. Hanging along nearly every wall we found ex votos of all sizes and multiple colorful rosaries just dangling in bunches. I'd never seen anything like it. It was so beautiful! </div>
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The church was filling up quickly and Mass was about to begin but I just couldn't leave without praying a Divine Mercy Chaplet here. So I knelt in a back pew and quickly and silently prayed the Chaplet for all of my family and friends and for all priests. I couldn't let an opportunity to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet during the Year of Mercy inside the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Rome pass me by. This was too marvelous to be true!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofWJR89AY60yHT1JEXSkF0iWmifpxr6BK8mC08UhmKSc5wjcaYkw-p9LzyZm8qWa07ocr94qtx6y7RIwx7NAf__NUHjKRx5G1fETpbenph30hQb3QyqYQfAuaq8zGXo1feFVdM4Vs6Q0c/s1600/rome7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofWJR89AY60yHT1JEXSkF0iWmifpxr6BK8mC08UhmKSc5wjcaYkw-p9LzyZm8qWa07ocr94qtx6y7RIwx7NAf__NUHjKRx5G1fETpbenph30hQb3QyqYQfAuaq8zGXo1feFVdM4Vs6Q0c/s400/rome7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Pope John Paul II Shrine-the altarpiece was donated by Stanislaw Dziwisz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7_3hXly7BiW_yM1Y-i1BZY88Mij_CRz3qR6ZOuYaqbyUnafL24lu9puIJFsQiM0rtuj0GSQRPv18fnHGLNG70QtdLFZUM-SivWMEH94s3KdiSQyzHXoommf4iDPYsmiy7VQaQjob6maK/s1600/rome9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7_3hXly7BiW_yM1Y-i1BZY88Mij_CRz3qR6ZOuYaqbyUnafL24lu9puIJFsQiM0rtuj0GSQRPv18fnHGLNG70QtdLFZUM-SivWMEH94s3KdiSQyzHXoommf4iDPYsmiy7VQaQjob6maK/s400/rome9.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Pope John Paul II relic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowuwNQo4aqkKFiPRoE09sk5gqL7jl19jcUzGqZ7-2HawfKm-GK53GDaHzdfRBMs_hbj5iOoGpVdkevvn5-Q0L3ixQY8VJqZa0hy8C3Rp_iKh3loyCE_qdqNW1yo3edlzk2CTAJ1J6BFd-/s1600/rome16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowuwNQo4aqkKFiPRoE09sk5gqL7jl19jcUzGqZ7-2HawfKm-GK53GDaHzdfRBMs_hbj5iOoGpVdkevvn5-Q0L3ixQY8VJqZa0hy8C3Rp_iKh3loyCE_qdqNW1yo3edlzk2CTAJ1J6BFd-/s400/rome16.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus, I trust in thee!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xzPwDpJZiEsbWoXGD9vaAeAy6mxpfaesqifxOwtrAKYj3HBLyH3HIOovXSJtYW_m0-3FERv6rYqBUvut1ANzTsEkpiQ5KzBZzeBuiDRtD6ZTRfswednwGhe-znLq7oyObdLLjkR2hh-O/s1600/rome17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xzPwDpJZiEsbWoXGD9vaAeAy6mxpfaesqifxOwtrAKYj3HBLyH3HIOovXSJtYW_m0-3FERv6rYqBUvut1ANzTsEkpiQ5KzBZzeBuiDRtD6ZTRfswednwGhe-znLq7oyObdLLjkR2hh-O/s400/rome17.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Faustina Shrine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxVglsvCEQn5fkgTyXi1uIgQoTtRrh89iXA9FDe3PbDamz3XdloFUK_Jhkn244HfGTBsqnbzk43UWtY_9XQ4v3etzueI5Ie3W4x93sQJ4vnDeTvNigP0h3_06H_B1ey6tsc6_rOtAAN0F/s1600/rome19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxVglsvCEQn5fkgTyXi1uIgQoTtRrh89iXA9FDe3PbDamz3XdloFUK_Jhkn244HfGTBsqnbzk43UWtY_9XQ4v3etzueI5Ie3W4x93sQJ4vnDeTvNigP0h3_06H_B1ey6tsc6_rOtAAN0F/s400/rome19.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Faustina relic (see the Divine Mercy image on top?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAWHc_gY9FfrmCiiYVGEonbF-1toKUousiV_9iZpMvlXKj_AvVRUCqNAq-VyzxQZ0n7ptySJUGvc_VK7cv3UuGwierx36XcRcYJRz4IfcBzXy4u0piMvolmSMVaDOGWz9fUlNTJvR7aoz/s1600/rome12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAWHc_gY9FfrmCiiYVGEonbF-1toKUousiV_9iZpMvlXKj_AvVRUCqNAq-VyzxQZ0n7ptySJUGvc_VK7cv3UuGwierx36XcRcYJRz4IfcBzXy4u0piMvolmSMVaDOGWz9fUlNTJvR7aoz/s400/rome12.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ex votos- aren't these scrumptious?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6rfYb3WZou2bSZFjL8hkKFD1zLeVnfCJckZ9IFUpbdd7XwvNAwFZEp5EreTr6nmJ2aLL2OKcD2bqmPRP64HNz8u2QPD_DCcEM89njnyuC6IpOvc0pvZdw20YSCyyciP6jc0votGh9ajw/s1600/rome13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6rfYb3WZou2bSZFjL8hkKFD1zLeVnfCJckZ9IFUpbdd7XwvNAwFZEp5EreTr6nmJ2aLL2OKcD2bqmPRP64HNz8u2QPD_DCcEM89njnyuC6IpOvc0pvZdw20YSCyyciP6jc0votGh9ajw/s400/rome13.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ex votos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivG6ShIFp95E-amIF9beVobD5QYlMbxYCtpjnVPlotnZOrb4si4NLX2-0_MhO8zcn_KMcUz3VRLO_Nof-jLyE2PMbGSlXss2U04PgiSggAoPcrK2NwzzgqciRtj_VNZRQFApuErSna9kSg/s1600/rome14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivG6ShIFp95E-amIF9beVobD5QYlMbxYCtpjnVPlotnZOrb4si4NLX2-0_MhO8zcn_KMcUz3VRLO_Nof-jLyE2PMbGSlXss2U04PgiSggAoPcrK2NwzzgqciRtj_VNZRQFApuErSna9kSg/s400/rome14.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and more ex votos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrggI8YcgGmGYemuzs7HRrKM9qtoLmilqMcvKCpMVmuuFT5UVIRKTnqeBVK_zbsfHS1dKwLscr9Zm-sMKjUWII8JnNJiSHExtu4Sn8GUEUwpwfYeO7ODDBAgOQHpoFsRCU_xn7qBN4oAMo/s1600/rome15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrggI8YcgGmGYemuzs7HRrKM9qtoLmilqMcvKCpMVmuuFT5UVIRKTnqeBVK_zbsfHS1dKwLscr9Zm-sMKjUWII8JnNJiSHExtu4Sn8GUEUwpwfYeO7ODDBAgOQHpoFsRCU_xn7qBN4oAMo/s400/rome15.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these rosaries!</td></tr>
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As we headed back to meet our group for the visit to the Catacombs we passed an imposter Scala Sancta. I was excited for a minute and then scoffed and kept walking realizing that it wasn't the real deal that we had seen two days ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVCNmR3ejCie8Om76WMyOBRppiud5DsA71CWOcF3YzP3_2aFXXZsMzL4ryJ15eYGb-tFZIZhAy9hCU3mBiwf530s4raShBwtsWFGd3_TlPdg9izTARYU3KfM8w2lv5eoMChtXgLpMoudq/s1600/rome20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVCNmR3ejCie8Om76WMyOBRppiud5DsA71CWOcF3YzP3_2aFXXZsMzL4ryJ15eYGb-tFZIZhAy9hCU3mBiwf530s4raShBwtsWFGd3_TlPdg9izTARYU3KfM8w2lv5eoMChtXgLpMoudq/s400/rome20.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An imposter Scala Sancta outside St. Peter's Basilica</td></tr>
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We saw many newly married couples dressed in their wedding garments walking all around St. Peter's Square. The newlyweds receive a special blessing from Pope Francis if they attend the audience in their wedding clothes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupKQW3znYw-7jmuiK2IWSK3F51st-FnjDu_jEIMS35rjAtqYhBQfqluwZfK8DC-tCBOauIDPiK4UdaQv8-ffkHAMj7YQSCSz7AZKwGDRU8tkGZPy8kM-dQkp8TZxoc6jtFLAGOKcpPMcd/s1600/rome23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupKQW3znYw-7jmuiK2IWSK3F51st-FnjDu_jEIMS35rjAtqYhBQfqluwZfK8DC-tCBOauIDPiK4UdaQv8-ffkHAMj7YQSCSz7AZKwGDRU8tkGZPy8kM-dQkp8TZxoc6jtFLAGOKcpPMcd/s400/rome23.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly married couple</td></tr>
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We met up with our group once again and walked underground to the bus station. It was dark and a bit scary down here so I was glad to be with such a large group. We saw many homeless people sleeping on the ground and a young gypsy boy, maybe ten years old, playing <i>When the Saints Go Marching In</i> on an accordion. I thought the song rather appropriate for our group of (hopefully) saints-in-the-making. Our next stop was to visit the Catacombs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqk-s2U1_09ie6_5_8UDsDd7aYV9nuItCJ0Yg-W4VcqVygploZVnqqMf-0xPAX109jk1w_ZyARl7-SqIYoEFL9R6BbS0O9DvG0tZBQ209rVKjgsRSn8CMKle72H-TdBIjUvMJgN-OpCuc/s1600/rome25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqk-s2U1_09ie6_5_8UDsDd7aYV9nuItCJ0Yg-W4VcqVygploZVnqqMf-0xPAX109jk1w_ZyARl7-SqIYoEFL9R6BbS0O9DvG0tZBQ209rVKjgsRSn8CMKle72H-TdBIjUvMJgN-OpCuc/s400/rome25.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catacomb Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkXz2GNFzSKs5nwpyNrXIKxIv2CLR3W65oqLVP_wMEhDVENMHZGIH4T5Qr_XXf_g6kVPtq1z17Z3OypA1vlPx0AUdFZk61sIaWBv8Q4c-JVZwXiJwkao8kXBPXVj7N2Gw1v5cy5oRY6H1/s1600/rome57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkXz2GNFzSKs5nwpyNrXIKxIv2CLR3W65oqLVP_wMEhDVENMHZGIH4T5Qr_XXf_g6kVPtq1z17Z3OypA1vlPx0AUdFZk61sIaWBv8Q4c-JVZwXiJwkao8kXBPXVj7N2Gw1v5cy5oRY6H1/s400/rome57.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catacomb Chapel-photo courtesy of Ria Fink</td></tr>
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The thing that most impressed me about the Catacombs was learning that there are eleven miles of tunnels beneath Rome where early Romans had been buried. Eleven miles! And they run in a twisting labyrinth so it's very easy to get lost and to never be found again. Scary! So this is why we were told that we couldn't take pictures in the Catacombs, because if we fell behind we might not find our group again. Contrary to what many people believe, the Catacombs were not used as a hiding place for Christians but have simply always been a burial place. Many of the tombs had been pillaged by barbarians looking for jewels during the eighth and ninth centuries. Since most of the people buried here were poor Christians, very few jewels were found and the barbarians gave up, so there still are some tombs that have been left untouched after all these centuries. Our guide was wonderful, but truthfully, I felt a bit of pity for her. I think it would be very depressing to give tours at an underground cemetery all day long and rarely get to see the sunshine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7rYECLP0UqpTYxKm6vty0aT77yhIOku9nZNZpRd_VuYlq-BFSzMgqrfFyzvfQRlKWgys_iuCCIOt0jcRmdbzHuyFygNKOtAaJpcZTBIIcgTHFLizbS4aRjrYW98AxHtSu0onbo-Fvl-T/s1600/rome26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7rYECLP0UqpTYxKm6vty0aT77yhIOku9nZNZpRd_VuYlq-BFSzMgqrfFyzvfQRlKWgys_iuCCIOt0jcRmdbzHuyFygNKOtAaJpcZTBIIcgTHFLizbS4aRjrYW98AxHtSu0onbo-Fvl-T/s400/rome26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls</td></tr>
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Our last stop on our last day was to St. Paul Outside the Walls, so named because the church is in Italian territory but not within the Vatican City State. This is the church where Milwaukee's own Cardinal James Harvey lives along with Milwaukee priest Fr. Jacob Strand, both of whom we had a chance to meet. I had only met Cardinal Harvey once before and that was several years ago following a Cor Jesu Holy Hour and Mass so I was amazed when he told me that he remembered me. I'm sure I'm not that memorable, but Cardinal Harvey must have an amazing gift for recalling names and faces!<br />
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St. Paul Outside the Walls was amazingly large and beautiful! I was most impressed by the alabaster windows and the mosaics of all of the popes that are embedded along the entire ceiling of the church. Pope Francis is already up with his smiling face. Patrizia told us that there is room for six more popes so the world can't end just yet!<br />
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Paul and I felt very blessed to be at this church, to pray before the sarcophagus of St. Paul, his namesake. We held hands and prayed very intently for Paul trusting that St. Paul would be an inspiration for holiness in our lives.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20fLq_XOYW7se3osg-mM4KUUsISnidhzsaD4W7CaD2eY8iEHCkXgvdqllnRc_fKmGTxl-cmvX_AplaH_OXRPDhZekEPy7Eflzf987gZg7q84W_IUYdSDtv4lnP1tMSbLfXOiFDOWRo2uj/s1600/rome27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20fLq_XOYW7se3osg-mM4KUUsISnidhzsaD4W7CaD2eY8iEHCkXgvdqllnRc_fKmGTxl-cmvX_AplaH_OXRPDhZekEPy7Eflzf987gZg7q84W_IUYdSDtv4lnP1tMSbLfXOiFDOWRo2uj/s400/rome27.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KZgIUlys2PNo79W0DIx82fYb3qi7YxTEKzOC4_tGm4ROv5m9KetfaHIcn-zkWhsYdIP9puEQvgg6f81yweQ8luxw4viUxCsIjtxbJx04u5kVGk0KpFNr5ohYxDXh1yaVgU1ndpwEVdII/s1600/rome28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KZgIUlys2PNo79W0DIx82fYb3qi7YxTEKzOC4_tGm4ROv5m9KetfaHIcn-zkWhsYdIP9puEQvgg6f81yweQ8luxw4viUxCsIjtxbJx04u5kVGk0KpFNr5ohYxDXh1yaVgU1ndpwEVdII/s400/rome28.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxQk-VLt5CxsokuDndk7od6QzlpENYEdKoTOuxqexCO7Bno-HZWui_5wOPfgovQxUS9dPFeO85XA-vKv_98ukPsDnwpu5gM-pSBxjTnOoyGQhV1CUAWVwUt0cviYE6XdX4Eucptw2GlgE/s1600/rome30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxQk-VLt5CxsokuDndk7od6QzlpENYEdKoTOuxqexCO7Bno-HZWui_5wOPfgovQxUS9dPFeO85XA-vKv_98ukPsDnwpu5gM-pSBxjTnOoyGQhV1CUAWVwUt0cviYE6XdX4Eucptw2GlgE/s400/rome30.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls-I love the cross on the door!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJo14x9HqK7COlYlBvWNtTQN5Fo0JL4ipAMQuzCBCiUNXPtkxon59To6VvBT7LG_L0Dlc2Djzv1Abbp66Tp8hsRh-9nlSMmw24nV2_KM-ABq-Fzm6KtBI_bJa13fTYLflHXhvYOiVvuyv/s1600/rome32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJo14x9HqK7COlYlBvWNtTQN5Fo0JL4ipAMQuzCBCiUNXPtkxon59To6VvBT7LG_L0Dlc2Djzv1Abbp66Tp8hsRh-9nlSMmw24nV2_KM-ABq-Fzm6KtBI_bJa13fTYLflHXhvYOiVvuyv/s400/rome32.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqoGKaSudJCrL3Pd4QtkoH2bEY7B3jsBc2BdWHwt73lgW26L3UCrrmTwpIshCXSYDjrWi6jGIwAIRwS0Y6MDVFkVdvCHR_iMiNNlK51PnFHHUyTiYTf_OmyQgpMygq-ZcQYW3o3jAnCJ_/s1600/rome33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqoGKaSudJCrL3Pd4QtkoH2bEY7B3jsBc2BdWHwt73lgW26L3UCrrmTwpIshCXSYDjrWi6jGIwAIRwS0Y6MDVFkVdvCHR_iMiNNlK51PnFHHUyTiYTf_OmyQgpMygq-ZcQYW3o3jAnCJ_/s400/rome33.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls-The windows are alabaster!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbAne-b0aWdkE5NmhCi1p4BtGBdzCUP3GUJi022Fx1dP5vlGRUe3AfCnQi8oIhZFtEnJkCcVboebbYIRdVxlJmbFyQEYuxhtptGWQ7tBwWEDuWS2T5659GUv0M6n5VA6vm0PyZZhxTl5a/s1600/rome36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbAne-b0aWdkE5NmhCi1p4BtGBdzCUP3GUJi022Fx1dP5vlGRUe3AfCnQi8oIhZFtEnJkCcVboebbYIRdVxlJmbFyQEYuxhtptGWQ7tBwWEDuWS2T5659GUv0M6n5VA6vm0PyZZhxTl5a/s400/rome36.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And an even closer look at the alabaster window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJnzxs4Osnl4fX05TrUwV7tt2_esIcsIcuUsa6hGtfkj31HrcTLWKNfRgFz9WIOyuR2s8lNvqqvoQQ5LVli08TkcnOLrCHwAZyvHETsxAsXl43VQNIg9yfRoSzonEK98vPDu7e9PNlyDs/s1600/rome38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJnzxs4Osnl4fX05TrUwV7tt2_esIcsIcuUsa6hGtfkj31HrcTLWKNfRgFz9WIOyuR2s8lNvqqvoQQ5LVli08TkcnOLrCHwAZyvHETsxAsXl43VQNIg9yfRoSzonEK98vPDu7e9PNlyDs/s400/rome38.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaics of all of the popes surround the church ceiling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRKJsEtSF7epwYfsU_KQS2wjGK2eRmFNtNdmXFKtxAlXA_ITEKwmmzNosBLleARFFaX-ao25B9KfM6IDR0R6iBYP_cvp_JDcxu9pa0NKtj8thee7tQxc5JnuVyoQjsJifqznFXzz3b73Z/s1600/rome39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRKJsEtSF7epwYfsU_KQS2wjGK2eRmFNtNdmXFKtxAlXA_ITEKwmmzNosBLleARFFaX-ao25B9KfM6IDR0R6iBYP_cvp_JDcxu9pa0NKtj8thee7tQxc5JnuVyoQjsJifqznFXzz3b73Z/s400/rome39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the Pope Francis and Pope Benedict mosaics.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOHWD89xO2t7cPblW-kj4b96RGA66krt1u6RTYEPscHM0a-A5IJwYAShsCJgcqUAmQnEaIT2DIOWW4mNcnCuUqDHQE_JC8j4F3Xd8eW6f6Xl-aF3m3jKC6rha2IeU9W_66BCQmHGD38ps/s1600/rome41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOHWD89xO2t7cPblW-kj4b96RGA66krt1u6RTYEPscHM0a-A5IJwYAShsCJgcqUAmQnEaIT2DIOWW4mNcnCuUqDHQE_JC8j4F3Xd8eW6f6Xl-aF3m3jKC6rha2IeU9W_66BCQmHGD38ps/s400/rome41.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp4glCLcWmila2WtD6CVL6m80WPk6hfSvuPA4M__7hb7_Ll_nJx3W9lBLnRZ8WwRgV4KuPGPxa_rVFrK8VV1QkXf2FCBoiCU59MIJGF3PL8TU1LDDR_Vxd1OuWe57HCLPyguIPJSBtnSu/s1600/rome42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQp4glCLcWmila2WtD6CVL6m80WPk6hfSvuPA4M__7hb7_Ll_nJx3W9lBLnRZ8WwRgV4KuPGPxa_rVFrK8VV1QkXf2FCBoiCU59MIJGF3PL8TU1LDDR_Vxd1OuWe57HCLPyguIPJSBtnSu/s400/rome42.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul Outside the Walls</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjjSQm1qfUKKOU5WQNAxEEep42cMNCltJEY1DcxFNjbeDDvf3nMmpEAkqPhw6myvLAf__COQ5Wf5lbyJLqYT0wocuUqGS4XbdqzUZldJiH63UHuRHhgdMTjSh7tnvlu-xoywDXFfZdv2f/s1600/rome45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjjSQm1qfUKKOU5WQNAxEEep42cMNCltJEY1DcxFNjbeDDvf3nMmpEAkqPhw6myvLAf__COQ5Wf5lbyJLqYT0wocuUqGS4XbdqzUZldJiH63UHuRHhgdMTjSh7tnvlu-xoywDXFfZdv2f/s400/rome45.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know the significance of this but isn't it interesting?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH0HUETqX7rDxGUZ5RcSRRRGNpC-Bd9ByIhaO8qqVr_tl18KNoyDy99uYr1beXNKlB4lMJbdjONzPcW9j7OejnOgAM8Yoxl6zFHdPGOnZAERv7jGCsFKZcvSCITAstr3m_IkCIOxibKOo/s1600/rome46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH0HUETqX7rDxGUZ5RcSRRRGNpC-Bd9ByIhaO8qqVr_tl18KNoyDy99uYr1beXNKlB4lMJbdjONzPcW9j7OejnOgAM8Yoxl6zFHdPGOnZAERv7jGCsFKZcvSCITAstr3m_IkCIOxibKOo/s400/rome46.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The foot of the pillar above. Fascinating!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zI-g-EsajiWfTIchvpsnvAs9fdRRUZDUiOrQ63OLWbT2Erki142Gkl9o1PoiTnv44gE3pzIrxw5vzKYQykM8_dSeyaNGx7EWij9zOFwifomxNulhu7zNubVkuup_vn-hABf9YYVcvZXB/s1600/rome48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zI-g-EsajiWfTIchvpsnvAs9fdRRUZDUiOrQ63OLWbT2Erki142Gkl9o1PoiTnv44gE3pzIrxw5vzKYQykM8_dSeyaNGx7EWij9zOFwifomxNulhu7zNubVkuup_vn-hABf9YYVcvZXB/s400/rome48.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sarcophagus of St. Paul (it's hard to see, I know, but it's there)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoX3yBhd4iBvGkIb0eOlQSYUUcmcKmAhz-814ZqFDfN2csLC8FVehGA1iSwxr48y-k_ph7rz2G-cazTMqw5HfWfSP8sqdm-IHFH5kYq_MttH-jL-z_b8ger3Jd1q1zA2pr_KzUj_jzSd7/s1600/rome50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoX3yBhd4iBvGkIb0eOlQSYUUcmcKmAhz-814ZqFDfN2csLC8FVehGA1iSwxr48y-k_ph7rz2G-cazTMqw5HfWfSP8sqdm-IHFH5kYq_MttH-jL-z_b8ger3Jd1q1zA2pr_KzUj_jzSd7/s400/rome50.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chain that held St. Paul in prison</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0BSro2fxZXop_SooGgItPT-yy3wcIZ6mBCpJM0nEF4rp3Et-py-d0vuZck_-xVZnxlc76pEPx4lMQtoxxap6IAExmsiuUPbWZrJ0Y5NjdsBjJaUeD_0kTYLmJVDZoykfyxQk05c-cxb5/s1600/rome51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0BSro2fxZXop_SooGgItPT-yy3wcIZ6mBCpJM0nEF4rp3Et-py-d0vuZck_-xVZnxlc76pEPx4lMQtoxxap6IAExmsiuUPbWZrJ0Y5NjdsBjJaUeD_0kTYLmJVDZoykfyxQk05c-cxb5/s400/rome51.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at the chain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvKnZeDDFxHOxEnZerNnFUaxwGOSOWaxc8nEU7F0s6vIrx26QY1Kg4LxuYpLj2qVZojWv8BVJqF5iHe6kUNPgAHIoVxQuV2xjsgKR9DdC2qjkQtfDoqpKKbuu20SmlKWV510JI5jPhgVg/s1600/rome61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvKnZeDDFxHOxEnZerNnFUaxwGOSOWaxc8nEU7F0s6vIrx26QY1Kg4LxuYpLj2qVZojWv8BVJqF5iHe6kUNPgAHIoVxQuV2xjsgKR9DdC2qjkQtfDoqpKKbuu20SmlKWV510JI5jPhgVg/s400/rome61.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mass in the side chapel at St. Paul Outside the Walls -photo courtesy of Michael Wick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8H5CpcEDEYdBXYuC1y8siO9jNDm8iT87eax2eFHfwvhurFqzMbzBasiVJLzUevxPhzg2chBOINjtAAbqtU0CjDY-k2erwjcuBJuVUh9YfQS4HP4fdRyuF5klbOqi3Bxr-5lkYG7Pbhi/s1600/rome40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8H5CpcEDEYdBXYuC1y8siO9jNDm8iT87eax2eFHfwvhurFqzMbzBasiVJLzUevxPhzg2chBOINjtAAbqtU0CjDY-k2erwjcuBJuVUh9YfQS4HP4fdRyuF5klbOqi3Bxr-5lkYG7Pbhi/s400/rome40.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The stalls inside the side chapel.<br />
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We were blessed to have our last Mass in a side chapel of this magnificent church. <br />
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From Bishop Hying's homily at St. Paul Outside the Walls:<br />
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<i>"St. Paul is a living example of what happens when someone moves from living the law to living the heart of Christ. Jesus says to Paul, why are you persecuting me? He doesn't ask why are you persecuting my Church, but why are you persecuting me? Jesus identifies himself with the Church, with us. Once you taste Jesus Christ and experience his infinite love for you, the law doesn't mean enough. Once you give your life to Christ he dares you to go farther than you thought possible, to fall so much in love with Christ that you become a new creation.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It's a blessing to do a pilgrimage in the Year of Mercy and to go through so many Holy Doors and taste the mercy of Christ. When the soldier pierced the side of Christ what came out was the blood and water of mercy. What didn't come out was vengeance, hatred, or wrath. What comes out is a torrent of mercy.</i><br />
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<i>I know you are all feeling tired on this last day of pilgrimage. Your tiredness means that you've had a great pilgrimage, you've given of yourself. The challenge will come now when you go back to your regular life, when life takes on its normal hum and rhythm, when we don't see extraordinary churches or come downstairs to find breakfast already prepared. But we will still find grace and mercy hidden in what is ordinary."</i><br />
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All in all we walked through seven Holy Doors in this Year of Mercy. It's impossible to express how incredibly blessed I feel to be Catholic and to have had such an amazing opportunity to visit Italy with such a lovely group of pilgrims from Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and California during this special holy year. This pilgrimage was made extra special because of the lovely people we traveled with who befriended and inspired us so easily. Thanks be to God for His amazing goodness and mercy!<br />
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When we returned to the hotel it was quite late and we had very little time to grab some dinner before packing and preparing to leave the hotel at three am to catch our plane so Paul and I made a quick run to, yes, I'm cringing as I write this, the McDonalds that was three blocks away from our hotel. The Italian Big Macs and fries taste just like at home.</div>
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When we finally arrived in Chicago the following day dripping with graces and with souls soaring, we were greeted by my beautiful sister-in-law Laura and her boyfriend Paul "T". When we had first told Laura and T that we were going to Italy and leaving from Chicago they told us that we couldn't leave O'Hare without having someone to see us off so they generously took vacation days from work to take us there (along with my sweet mother-in-law) and to meet us when we came home. What a gift that was! Laura sure knew how to make us feel loved with signs and all! It's so good to be home! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66NHjeyXGPEEYW1HeaZLbb_U6Zu7clsutB7_TfMsaOvrW78ZKIf9HstM1UgP0oIaX7mGsh-XrdiVuNS-nblcwjfNIzlu1no49LnuvJXOqjSFLTl2yYpjY-1Qw-G1ukcGceJvq4S_zN6fd/s1600/rome52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66NHjeyXGPEEYW1HeaZLbb_U6Zu7clsutB7_TfMsaOvrW78ZKIf9HstM1UgP0oIaX7mGsh-XrdiVuNS-nblcwjfNIzlu1no49LnuvJXOqjSFLTl2yYpjY-1Qw-G1ukcGceJvq4S_zN6fd/s400/rome52.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Welcome home sign from Paul's sister Laura!<br />
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I couldn't wait to get busy making my own ex votos once we got re-settled. Along with some framed pictures of Italian windows and doors and my Italian sea glass these will all be displayed in our new Italian Room, the room that Paul and I are remodeling now that three of our sons have moved away from home. The nest is getting emptier of people but fuller of wonderful memories!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my homemade ex votos in thanksgiving for an amazing pilgrimage</td></tr>
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Thank you for virtually traveling with me! It was a joy to relive this amazing experience through writing these posts and sharing these pictures! Ciao!</div>
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A final thought about Italy: It was just about a month before we left for our pilgrimage when an earthquake struck the country causing the loss of about 300 lives. One of the cities that was affected was Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict. Norcia had been on our itinerary but because of the earthquake we didn't visit there. After we returned home, Norcia was the site of two more earthquakes which, thankfully, didn't bring about the loss of life but did cause thousands of people to lose their homes and the complete devastation of every church in that city including the Basilica of St. Benedict which was built over his birthplace. Also affected was St. Paul Outside the Walls which suffered a large crack to the outer wall. The Benedictine Monks of Norcia will rebuild and a wonderful film has been made to highlight their order, their church and their need for financial assistance. You can read more <a href="http://aleteia.org/2016/10/31/norcias-churches-are-no-more/?utm_campaign=NL_en&utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=mail&utm_content=NL_en">here</a> and view their magnificent film <a href="https://en.nursia.org/discover/">here. </a> Please keep the beautiful people of Italy in your hearts and in your prayers as they work to rebuild and restore.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crack in St. Paul Outside the Wall (<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/italy-earthquake-today-rome-vatican-tourism-safety-pope-francis-st-paul-basilica-a7387861.html">source</a>)</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-81743156216312451282016-11-03T16:24:00.002-05:002016-11-04T09:16:52.663-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: Rome, Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fountain outside the Vatican Museum-the pine cone represents eternal life. </td></tr>
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Our second day in Rome was filled with excursions to view exquisite art work. We began bright and early with a stop at the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. The security here was very tight and the crowds were very large. Our guides were sure to warn us multiple times about the importance of staying close together and not getting lost. As Patrizia would say, we should be as close as the fingers on a hand.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the Vatican Museum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vatican gardens.</td></tr>
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The Vatican Museums were absolutely stunning! For some reason I can't understand I was worried about the battery on my phone and I kept turning it off so I didn't have it at the ready for many pictures which was unfortunate since we were allowed to take pictures at the Vatican Museum but not at the Sistine Chapel. I think we only saw a small portion of the museum, I'm sure that it might have taken days to get through it all, but what we saw was gorgeous. My favorite of all the rooms was the Tapestry Hall. Here the ceiling appeared to have white marble carvings covering the entire room. I was busy marveling at how someone could carve marble into a ceiling so perfectly when our guide told us that it wasn't marble at all, but was a trompe l'oeil painting! It was impossible to tell that it wasn't real marble which made the ceiling even more amazing! The tapestries that hung on the walls were made between the fifth and the seventeenth centuries and are painstakingly maintained.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RQ5SIXpT4ZD2rsQqF-NPR-ARaDnuN2s20QnrbOjYVsM-TOVbeLAeH-8dLSNK_N0ObU6Yr-MYJgybR8OZbSFTaOwkALy5EPoH82DyrMbpU7GmmC-TmxKiw4Cr7rp8F-UQfmpNn__ajrT4/s1600/tap+ceil+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RQ5SIXpT4ZD2rsQqF-NPR-ARaDnuN2s20QnrbOjYVsM-TOVbeLAeH-8dLSNK_N0ObU6Yr-MYJgybR8OZbSFTaOwkALy5EPoH82DyrMbpU7GmmC-TmxKiw4Cr7rp8F-UQfmpNn__ajrT4/s400/tap+ceil+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hall of Tapestries <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g187793-d191000-i79404601-Vatican_Museums-Vatican_City_Lazio.html">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Ceiling detail <a href="http://www.cambridge2000.com/gallery/html/PC1617798e.html">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Holy Family Tapestry <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tapestry_by_unknown_weaver_-_the_holy_family_-_wga24177.jpg">source</a></td></tr>
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In the hall of maps we found maps of Italy that were created by Antoni Denti between 1580 and 1583. These maps were astonishingly accurate despite being painted before any modern conveniences were available to ease the job. The perfection found in the world of art is astounding! The last stop of the Vatican Museum tour was the Sistine Chapel. We were given thirty minutes to admire the artwork of Michelangelo while standing elbow to elbow with thousands of other visitors. I almost feel like a heel admitting this but after all of the art that we had already seen in so many churches and museums I wasn't as enamored of the Sistine Chapel as I should have been knowing the amount of painstaking work that Michelangelo put into it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling in the Hall of Maps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Hall of Maps.</td></tr>
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Next we stood with the crowds in St. Peter's Basilica and took in the immensity of it all. Patrizia told us, "This is your home." Tears welled up in my eyes and my heart raced with joy. I couldn't believe I was actually standing inside of the main worship space of the worldwide Catholic Church! I didn't think anything could be better than this, but believe it or not, there was something even more spectacular in store for us! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Peter's Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The balcony where each new pope greeted the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and Child </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Peter's Basilica</td></tr>
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Patrizia told us that Bishop Don had received special permission from the Sacristan to say Mass at the tomb of Saint Pope John Paul II! Bishop Don said it's extremely difficult to receive this permission and it's very rare to be allowed to say Mass there. We felt like we were really important processing behind the bishop from the sacristy across St. Peter's to the tomb for Mass. I couldn't contain my tears during Mass, it was so moving! There were the 80 of us pilgrims kneeling, sitting and standing around the altar that was corded off with ropes, and as soon as Mass started all of the people who were passing by crowded around behind us to join in the Mass. It was heaven right here on earth! I prayed for my children here in a special way, especially for my son, John Paul, who carries such a tremendous name, and for all priests and bishops who follow in Saint Pope John Paul's footsteps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn4alaP9tl3gzXgUO-ND2wk7zxKrRkI3PSE2yS9ab4U8U26OPWyxBvtPO9WrYPxCl7TwDcayWcwZW176_RsjgOCYi8dpQos3pKT5RgHx4s9SwwUhL-BennOuzjc6LHC4eUfVAxJxilwOz/s1600/rome+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn4alaP9tl3gzXgUO-ND2wk7zxKrRkI3PSE2yS9ab4U8U26OPWyxBvtPO9WrYPxCl7TwDcayWcwZW176_RsjgOCYi8dpQos3pKT5RgHx4s9SwwUhL-BennOuzjc6LHC4eUfVAxJxilwOz/s400/rome+14.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Pope John Paul's tomb</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mass at the tomb-the picture above the altar isn't a painting at all but a mosaic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Y82uJGRutJ-N8fCiAA9vyXLGLKWUYJgpZ_w8DJwSipxAE38xWugcu5TfueKXXH_9Ae4xGbsWzoYTVoOwkz-37vXIC8hrKQWTge6VeYsXGylv5UpZN8HQUOyNW7plM5Y4J-GRpsJ0Qhyphenhyphen_/s1600/rome+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Y82uJGRutJ-N8fCiAA9vyXLGLKWUYJgpZ_w8DJwSipxAE38xWugcu5TfueKXXH_9Ae4xGbsWzoYTVoOwkz-37vXIC8hrKQWTge6VeYsXGylv5UpZN8HQUOyNW7plM5Y4J-GRpsJ0Qhyphenhyphen_/s400/rome+16.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mass at the tomb of Saint Pope John Paul II</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elevation of Our Lord's Body...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the elevation of the Chalice</td></tr>
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Following our time at the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica we had some free time for lunch and adventure on our own. Paul and I spent that time walking the nearby streets, visiting some gift shops and, just as it started to rain, stopping in a restaurant for lunch. Something that we found to be amusing in every city we visited, including Rome, was seeing the waiters standing outside of the restaurants inviting those who were passing by to stop and have lunch at their establishment. They were quite the salesmen!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come and get it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quaint door at the restaurant where we had lunch.</td></tr>
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That evening Patrizia took our group of pilgrims to a local restaurant with which she was familiar and she showed us the time of our lives. It was truly a farewell dinner to remember! The food was delicious, the wine was flowing and the company of our fellow pilgrims couldn't be beat! We were surprised when Patrizia introduced some musicians who would entertain us during dinner. Both the guitar player and the singer had us all laughing and singing and really enjoying ourselves. To cap off the meal, Patrizia had arranged for all to have a delicious sample of Limoncello. I don't think there were many sober pilgrims in our group by the time we headed back to the bus for the hotel. What a wonderful night!<br />
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Next-Our last day in Rome and we see Pope Francis!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VZAhVdGvFgZ98awyt9koqE-AkvHpi_tEbRhFKOZAyxr_JpMCqoSX1B49GxMfDrScMJJ5yT9-LTdUX4tXTSov_IPxVFateJhioZINbQxTmLsfldWKDKEPE6WeO1NAp4z1Fds8FXgQREQH/s1600/rome+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VZAhVdGvFgZ98awyt9koqE-AkvHpi_tEbRhFKOZAyxr_JpMCqoSX1B49GxMfDrScMJJ5yT9-LTdUX4tXTSov_IPxVFateJhioZINbQxTmLsfldWKDKEPE6WeO1NAp4z1Fds8FXgQREQH/s400/rome+27.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chefs in the kitchen. Paul and I loved how they almost looked like a portrait on the wall!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXPRtEGwTt9L-2xvE0PTWwXtK2cY0AhxeGQqvGAskfbKTvELdudMi0zARKEqO0zl37rc2rZOHnvfN_A3Uo1uI1bGNGB91EMFhBJLyEvRcjryK19cOoymsn7i0wBRE6qZmpLF7ppXJsAEy/s1600/singer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXPRtEGwTt9L-2xvE0PTWwXtK2cY0AhxeGQqvGAskfbKTvELdudMi0zARKEqO0zl37rc2rZOHnvfN_A3Uo1uI1bGNGB91EMFhBJLyEvRcjryK19cOoymsn7i0wBRE6qZmpLF7ppXJsAEy/s400/singer+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful entertainer-photo courtesy Rita Fink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYid66WGusnklXEtK2yIGdPqPx11ltjy-hfY1bdQpmbmhBN7SI4AoQ2kLnMWv-Zu7BCsu6qKQLwzElA3MSzEKUy3iGaIthWlNU5DM2PW0GGhYktrs-wZ7PWZMF9NtOkgnCY-qO3RGFRqqN/s1600/singer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYid66WGusnklXEtK2yIGdPqPx11ltjy-hfY1bdQpmbmhBN7SI4AoQ2kLnMWv-Zu7BCsu6qKQLwzElA3MSzEKUy3iGaIthWlNU5DM2PW0GGhYktrs-wZ7PWZMF9NtOkgnCY-qO3RGFRqqN/s1600/singer+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the hilarious and talented guitar player-photo courtesy Rita Fink</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsmyE7eh5Cnz0hMhI5EKSeBT_-F1M7mPr6eYZxrIF4hHn56WAK5Ch_vQKl-QxuEwN_3aZF0uoa6d1iq6K6Ta_71ELpuDuAnYtKfxYmFJ1yhsXe3NTaff8RhxqtBM0Z7jZd6N21J3iCBTG/s1600/rome+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsmyE7eh5Cnz0hMhI5EKSeBT_-F1M7mPr6eYZxrIF4hHn56WAK5Ch_vQKl-QxuEwN_3aZF0uoa6d1iq6K6Ta_71ELpuDuAnYtKfxYmFJ1yhsXe3NTaff8RhxqtBM0Z7jZd6N21J3iCBTG/s400/rome+28.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful guide, Patrizia!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best spinach ravioli I have ever had in my life! It simply melted in my mouth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPptWDcI0LLiw7ThgBKO8RVdnke7MlFi_RsaN15ftTfA6zUCqrdASu9OPcC2ibw3qcCudKxWQfktwtOH4rhVVECdz6AFTuwG_MJGkU9SYn8rcfopyfNF2khuRiPSJXL1owLwzVQkOCYJQ/s1600/rome+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPptWDcI0LLiw7ThgBKO8RVdnke7MlFi_RsaN15ftTfA6zUCqrdASu9OPcC2ibw3qcCudKxWQfktwtOH4rhVVECdz6AFTuwG_MJGkU9SYn8rcfopyfNF2khuRiPSJXL1owLwzVQkOCYJQ/s400/rome+29.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light and fluffy cake for dessert.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwReC-lYxidJDSLzmpmvVSRRBDvVCJb38iUVyI7_qwyhQM1vl4MnjrXjuEJW3sRzfRKeGOPurSlaXc1MrbZVChCe3j32G0YrZ4LPa_wMNj-TFrpezarazYnhstIkziMULH0iyF1GHYBCB/s1600/rome+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwReC-lYxidJDSLzmpmvVSRRBDvVCJb38iUVyI7_qwyhQM1vl4MnjrXjuEJW3sRzfRKeGOPurSlaXc1MrbZVChCe3j32G0YrZ4LPa_wMNj-TFrpezarazYnhstIkziMULH0iyF1GHYBCB/s400/rome+30.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop Don took a picture of our table. What a wonderful, holy and fun group!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limoncello!</td></tr>
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Each time we'd board the bus, our guide, Patrizia, would tell us stories about the history of Italy, about Italian saints and about the customs of the country she deeply loves. She even shared her own recipe for making homemade Limoncello with us! Limoncello is an after dinner drink that is meant to be slowly sipped and enjoyed.</div>
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<b>Patrizia's Limoncello Recipe</b></div>
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Start with six pounds organic lemons. Peel the lemons and remove the yellow rind only, not the white pith. Immerse the peels in one liter grain alcohol or vodka. Put it in a glass container and close. Place it in a dark corner or room for a few months and then filter. Dissolve 3-1/2 to 4 cups sugar in a liter of water and combine with 1 liter of the alcohol. Place the mixture back in a dark corner or room for a few more months and then drink! </div>
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(Or, you could just go the liquor store and buy some Limoncello but I'm sure Patrizia's recipe or the Limoncello bought in Italy is much better than what can be found here.)</div>
Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-90984469582900371512016-11-02T16:09:00.001-05:002016-11-05T19:26:08.968-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: Rome, Day 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3UypZiyRJpmVcDqAf_IlGRE3UA41znFrH0MIvvDl3Df2oKcn0p3tvQx_NU0KF925KjRozBhDmqbey0J3QQBC2v2y4QRKYbylRZUMNJzb1G4_nBDfOU3rL8IMzxy3Dnyvh9WRScMFLhdN/s1600/rome+3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3UypZiyRJpmVcDqAf_IlGRE3UA41znFrH0MIvvDl3Df2oKcn0p3tvQx_NU0KF925KjRozBhDmqbey0J3QQBC2v2y4QRKYbylRZUMNJzb1G4_nBDfOU3rL8IMzxy3Dnyvh9WRScMFLhdN/s400/rome+3.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiber River Art by William Kentridge <a href="http://www.italytraveller.com/en/e/contemporary-art-italy-2016">(source)</a></td></tr>
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When we arrived in Rome it was already dark outside and our first glimpse of the city took us past the train station in a neighborhood riddled with graffiti. We had seen lots of graffiti in all of the previous cities we had visited and had heard that there was even more graffiti in Rome, but really, nothing could have prepared us for the large amount of it that we found by the train station. It made me sad to see such a beautiful country with so many historic buildings covered with so much spray paint. Yet, amazing art abounded in Rome despite the graffiti. Later during our visit, while riding past the Tiber River, we spotted an entire wall of art made by erasing the dirt that had built up over the years. It was just fantastic!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Trying to make my pinky appear dainty-no luck.<br />
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Moving past the train station we arrived at our beautiful hotel, the International Eurostar Palace where we settled in for the night. The following morning after a big breakfast buffet where Paul and I practiced daintily raising our pinkies while drinking cappuccino without much success at appearing dainty, we piled back onto the bus and were off for our Roman adventure. I was so excited, I felt like a child again!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vegetables for breakfast-my favorite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tiramisu-delicious!</td></tr>
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Paul and I nabbed the front seat on the bus, not wanting to miss a single moment of this dream-come-true opportunity to see the city I'd long imagined visiting. Once again, Massimo, our expert driver, amazed us with his skill. Traffic in Rome was unlike anything we'd ever seen before! Cars seemed to be going every which way without any sense of organized direction. Scooters would cut right in front of the bus and pass on both sides of cars not seeming to care that they were driving on the wrong side of the road. Sirens were constantly blaring but nobody ever pulled over to let the emergency vehicles pass. It's remarkable that we didn't see any accidents! This was so unlike the traffic that we're used to in the United States, at least in our smaller Wisconsin cities!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. John Lateran Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldacchino which houses the skulls of St. Peter and St. Paul</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. John Lateran Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. John Lateran Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Processional Vara in St. John Lateran</td></tr>
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Soon we arrived at St. John Lateran Basilica and all thoughts of crazy traffic were removed from our minds as we were immersed in the beauty and opulence of this church which is the Cathedral of Pope Francis. Here we were fascinated by the baldacchino which holds the skulls of St. Peter and St. Paul. I personally was delighted to find a highly decorated vara used in processions since I have had a bit of experience organizing Marian processions. I also enjoyed seeing my sweet, holy, hardworking and brilliant friend, Erin Berghouse along with her son, Jordan, and her company, <a href="http://www.ahavaproductions.com/#home">Ahava Productions</a>, film Bishop Don for his latest <a href="http://www.ahavaproductions.com/echo/">Echo Catechism Series</a>. If you aren't familiar with <a href="http://www.ahavaproductions.com/#home">Ahava Productions</a> I highly recommend that you visit their website here and view all of their short and excellent films.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filming for Ahava Productions Echo Catechism Series</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filming for Ahava Productions Echo Catechism Series</td></tr>
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Leaving St. John Lateran we walked across the street to the Sancta Scala, the Holy Stairs. This was one of the sites on our itinerary that I was greatly looking forward to! Tradition holds that the stairs that Jesus climbed to Pontius Pilate's praetorium were moved to Rome by St. Helena. These marble stairs have been covered with wood to protect them and pilgrims climb them on their knees while praying the rosary. I wanted to do this so badly that I had been practicing climbing the stairs on my knees at home just to see what it would be like. My daughter Mary thought this was extremely funny and even made a videotape of me practicing. My life is very comical to my children, I'm afraid, but I'm glad that I am able to offer them wholesome entertainment every now and then. Unfortunately we were told that we wouldn't have time to climb the stairs on our knees since this would take over an hour and we had to climb the side-stairs on our feet instead. I did, however, take a few minutes to just kneel on the very bottom step and offer a prayer and I'm very grateful to have had that opportunity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sancta Scala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of the Sancta Scala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ceiling above the stairs that are climbed on foot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A painting along the stairway of Jonah and the whale. Our guide explained that the artist<br />
had never seen a whale before and this is what he imagined a whale to look like.</td></tr>
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What I didn't know was that at the top of the stairs we would find the Sancta Sanctorum, the Holy of Holies, which houses many precious relics including one that was not made by human hands called the Uronica, an image begun by St. Luke and finished by angels. Although I did join the other pilgrims in kneeling and praying before this image I had no idea why exactly I was praying there. I had thought that the stairs were the only attraction in the building. I didn't realize that there was a purpose of climbing to the top other than to pray on the stairs. It wasn't until we had left the building that I heard one of the other pilgrims commenting on the Holy of Holies that I began to realize exactly what it was that I had seen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FE4SsIYEmE2BVbt9Hoxi5F-uRYK7nq5_wv2KsjA6DL6JXHMdBzhdTBuVpHuoId5MkVW-70o3csxxVP9nq0dbmi3Zf7__NXeEw9xvad4Nyzy1t7YVCp7q2prp2xl5KVJchtMGcf1Spvj2/s1600/1280px-Acheropita_lateranense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FE4SsIYEmE2BVbt9Hoxi5F-uRYK7nq5_wv2KsjA6DL6JXHMdBzhdTBuVpHuoId5MkVW-70o3csxxVP9nq0dbmi3Zf7__NXeEw9xvad4Nyzy1t7YVCp7q2prp2xl5KVJchtMGcf1Spvj2/s400/1280px-Acheropita_lateranense.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uronica, the Sancta Sanctorum or Holy of Holies <a href="https://www.blogger.com/By%20antmoose%20-%20http://www.flickr.com/photos/antmoose/42275707/sizes/o/,%20CC%20BY%202.0,%20https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8323950">(source)</a></td></tr>
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Our next stop was St. Mary Major, the church where Pope Francis always goes when he returns to Rome from his travels. Here he pays homage to the Blessed Mother under the image of Madonna Salus Populi Romani. It was such a blessing and grace to pray with the relics of the manger where Jesus was laid after birth, as part of the manger was brought here from the Holy Land in the seventh century.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSe-E9s7WTtKm5Bxmg1YN0PKm_3rOaQFBZ3LI3Al_dZEnNO3U5HCs4CNh4b_FLXWPm_LepPZH6jeZA_KIrXzWXK2ojMQY7ur1xrzWnePFG2XvnXv1edA3PkUe3-Gel1Wr8GUolCiU5jcM/s1600/rome+1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSe-E9s7WTtKm5Bxmg1YN0PKm_3rOaQFBZ3LI3Al_dZEnNO3U5HCs4CNh4b_FLXWPm_LepPZH6jeZA_KIrXzWXK2ojMQY7ur1xrzWnePFG2XvnXv1edA3PkUe3-Gel1Wr8GUolCiU5jcM/s400/rome+1+-+Copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mary Major</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT7HdmqtmV_tfn2qJqMVBfglr-PWj-A4s6rLHfwxNlHrGZ-aEBjlHHYP5rZ_Wh97Liw67L-BhreLsCj91hmM9YRPnh2Sm6IRe7vUlDI0u-jAe0fJxafbK2dgr2USdGBU29toF5lTk6TXi/s1600/rome+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT7HdmqtmV_tfn2qJqMVBfglr-PWj-A4s6rLHfwxNlHrGZ-aEBjlHHYP5rZ_Wh97Liw67L-BhreLsCj91hmM9YRPnh2Sm6IRe7vUlDI0u-jAe0fJxafbK2dgr2USdGBU29toF5lTk6TXi/s400/rome+10.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mary Major</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzW5J58-6BfrbSwcNkfwVzeScBhLChlvBaAV5kFGdqZUXca8-hw-lqInAssfVq-uzXuPW1lDc9AoVaMTOf2pO4a7J9tBbzI6tJ1JtRE9oqrrnK_MCix_yr2p3TMXFfAQbIthWhCHig9zB/s1600/rome+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzW5J58-6BfrbSwcNkfwVzeScBhLChlvBaAV5kFGdqZUXca8-hw-lqInAssfVq-uzXuPW1lDc9AoVaMTOf2pO4a7J9tBbzI6tJ1JtRE9oqrrnK_MCix_yr2p3TMXFfAQbIthWhCHig9zB/s400/rome+9.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">St. Mary Major</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NSBA6gcTKUNZnxxUHTCmSQB_qme7eNV_zV54DUB38Dy6UEAXl-2141Ktq_EyDLSncgRPO_zZ374pXx7wb8Z28U9GhcZfD7d4TW85nQ21dGfFiLY7DoQNGW5OhHE9xXsh-IJE5weUkcmt/s1600/rome+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NSBA6gcTKUNZnxxUHTCmSQB_qme7eNV_zV54DUB38Dy6UEAXl-2141Ktq_EyDLSncgRPO_zZ374pXx7wb8Z28U9GhcZfD7d4TW85nQ21dGfFiLY7DoQNGW5OhHE9xXsh-IJE5weUkcmt/s400/rome+24.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madonna Salus Populi Romani</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI55tip-0FbXny6xXmvMgWilI0BqHCD9i_nG3QxVT2QRn5H9R2MBFPZF9WLoUDeMWOtWET0Vres5opunM_bX0CxtbR77_LA3FyRApzLU9mxTv31eaV2n2FufvaN8JeKSwQHq4qPRtbG5AH/s1600/manger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI55tip-0FbXny6xXmvMgWilI0BqHCD9i_nG3QxVT2QRn5H9R2MBFPZF9WLoUDeMWOtWET0Vres5opunM_bX0CxtbR77_LA3FyRApzLU9mxTv31eaV2n2FufvaN8JeKSwQHq4qPRtbG5AH/s400/manger.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reliquary of the Holy Crib (my image)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPhbYqrOi3rQFq8Aaaw5ijHAuDpRf34fifkUdTlC0FLG8ZGrvTa3xuJd-Ho0Sp6wGGPhs-xD1U7K0KyVoKrq4sJOjH3Z2oGz_rgwSr9dZuIneGDWbsp2Wb217I1Jf46sj5wRS3wrFHLzU/s1600/1280px-Sacra_culla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPhbYqrOi3rQFq8Aaaw5ijHAuDpRf34fifkUdTlC0FLG8ZGrvTa3xuJd-Ho0Sp6wGGPhs-xD1U7K0KyVoKrq4sJOjH3Z2oGz_rgwSr9dZuIneGDWbsp2Wb217I1Jf46sj5wRS3wrFHLzU/s400/1280px-Sacra_culla.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A better image of the Reliquary of the Holy Crib <a href="https://www.blogger.com/By%20it:Utente:Riccardov%20-%20Own%20work,%20Public%20Domain,%20https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1142949">(source)</a><br />
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Following St. Mary Major we went to St. Praxedes Church where we found the pillar upon which Christ was scourged. It's a good thing the pillar was encased in glass or I'm sure you would have had to pull me away to prevent me from clinging to and crying over and kissing the pillar, and I bet I'm not the only one who would have had such a strong reaction to the place of Our Lord's great suffering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnkG1v5-3GMWmG7PaqkyiX1bJtgqKy6W-7wz2L829OjXVZr3joHeDdYjIsxg7uCv9wiwCQlwwiX2d9Om4Z2RORDmowITHwpOyufYZn1p4z2TcNcy9K6jn0eT_TTYHwWwV68fGbus7h4FM/s1600/rome+2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnkG1v5-3GMWmG7PaqkyiX1bJtgqKy6W-7wz2L829OjXVZr3joHeDdYjIsxg7uCv9wiwCQlwwiX2d9Om4Z2RORDmowITHwpOyufYZn1p4z2TcNcy9K6jn0eT_TTYHwWwV68fGbus7h4FM/s400/rome+2+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica of St. Praxedes (note the huge door!)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrZZxUxFC4BiNFg-NF5MwgbUVvq_AETBGKvke8a14WJe-A2IyGvabLdRT6A2PY_6X3XE99Ywa_trfTjdLureOFia5IVcRep2wf4gOwlwTrZQQ3g7Z-SddF1vZzuLEVY2yAkcmA7A6rjNt/s1600/rome+3+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrZZxUxFC4BiNFg-NF5MwgbUVvq_AETBGKvke8a14WJe-A2IyGvabLdRT6A2PY_6X3XE99Ywa_trfTjdLureOFia5IVcRep2wf4gOwlwTrZQQ3g7Z-SddF1vZzuLEVY2yAkcmA7A6rjNt/s400/rome+3+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic ceiling at Basilica of St. Praxedes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv8Ca1sgwsVYU9USrWpJnYlEVyl5Tw7dpYTdjUtSoyq5RzejnBybY-KRpg4SyODa75Y__GMPiB_EtpCLRBsRjJNfZACckxeXJzFFrdmDQGYXN0sp9VNA6MPpb1Xs865pAbCK238oWrqvz/s1600/rome+5+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVv8Ca1sgwsVYU9USrWpJnYlEVyl5Tw7dpYTdjUtSoyq5RzejnBybY-KRpg4SyODa75Y__GMPiB_EtpCLRBsRjJNfZACckxeXJzFFrdmDQGYXN0sp9VNA6MPpb1Xs865pAbCK238oWrqvz/s400/rome+5+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angel in the mosaic ceiling is being supported by an actual pillar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc44L8Lj8UoPG6VaPDQoenWIacAeEzpuxmGutEsooleQHuJ3fsOONjp3Dy-6GeEGw3RoE9k_SCpyezn_KTVDapRiEb0zyQsxNb6VxsHpiB8XETAwupPPssyaNuranqzu5wYMPlZL_BUEh/s1600/rome+6+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc44L8Lj8UoPG6VaPDQoenWIacAeEzpuxmGutEsooleQHuJ3fsOONjp3Dy-6GeEGw3RoE9k_SCpyezn_KTVDapRiEb0zyQsxNb6VxsHpiB8XETAwupPPssyaNuranqzu5wYMPlZL_BUEh/s400/rome+6+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The column upon which Christ was scourged.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjT2FHYvB1D9ZXP8ENzIcH0MgZMVg-PNGRt1VOHOwWJlC-sZKE0ICkOCaSqECHZvzmifRJ0EYpMWs4nCZ80mGIXNc5jamt2zTGAUgCdhQ2do2aF-9lQYJh8o3DGrdeJi764z_UxeYcYLe/s1600/rome+7+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjT2FHYvB1D9ZXP8ENzIcH0MgZMVg-PNGRt1VOHOwWJlC-sZKE0ICkOCaSqECHZvzmifRJ0EYpMWs4nCZ80mGIXNc5jamt2zTGAUgCdhQ2do2aF-9lQYJh8o3DGrdeJi764z_UxeYcYLe/s400/rome+7+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer view of the column of flagellation.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28imNe-PveeRlZDM0U6Q4z6nRkEMUMvdMwweHcHV4opQj9DEMy__eup7MPMHxb2LC6KhcXTVHIuQc28FMv8yhPmuZfQKyGYg-HqehSl9sN_uywgZbgpeKcaK62l-5lUR95r0ijgBgMMdh/s1600/rome+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28imNe-PveeRlZDM0U6Q4z6nRkEMUMvdMwweHcHV4opQj9DEMy__eup7MPMHxb2LC6KhcXTVHIuQc28FMv8yhPmuZfQKyGYg-HqehSl9sN_uywgZbgpeKcaK62l-5lUR95r0ijgBgMMdh/s400/rome+8.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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Our quick photo stop outside of the Colosseum revealed some interesting facts. The gladiators had trained at gladiator school. The losers in the battle would be fed to the lions at intermission along with the Christians who would be martyred for their faith. It wasn't only the gladiators who had to be trained but the wild animals as well, because they weren't naturally accustomed to human flesh and had to be trained to desire it. What a gruesome pastime!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triumphal Arch of Constantine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzdyqmkI1YID8ugX7svuACI-HAAllSl0FJ5-XMSoKRt1cCg0jgcZWQH8fAwA7XnNwEa5rVgMEwjz7-af-Ucbdz3CJsDeEMAtkfId-BLUYM_Xm2MQk2kcCh_XFdBeNxw3ADyIWuOTz7VWG/s1600/col.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzdyqmkI1YID8ugX7svuACI-HAAllSl0FJ5-XMSoKRt1cCg0jgcZWQH8fAwA7XnNwEa5rVgMEwjz7-af-Ucbdz3CJsDeEMAtkfId-BLUYM_Xm2MQk2kcCh_XFdBeNxw3ADyIWuOTz7VWG/s400/col.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colosseum</td></tr>
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After what was a seriously busy morning we arrived at the Piazza Navona where we were given time to explore and eat lunch. I was wondering which might be the best restaurant in the Piazza but after walking around Paul and I thought that every restaurant looked exactly the same including the items on the menu! We couldn't resist purchasing some roasted chestnuts from a vendor. Neither of us had ever tasted chestnuts before and we thought they had a warm and comforting appeal and flavor. When we finally decided upon a restaurant for our lunch we were entertained by a gypsy playing the accordion and I was delighted by the floral arrangement on our table that included chili peppers with the carnations-it really doesn't take much to amuse me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piazza Navona Fountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted chestnuts from a street vendor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming floral arrangement.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFizJ9ayx5zCO_4D814leZ1Ftv-i7dqTppIknnwicEzttgCcCduhgyZ0g6HgTw4cG2jq5BMv7qSaB72XtjpYaD8-y1PvnFrQfVDI_FvKNes1uj9Qgmw_aqfgQE43N8LnBJPGzcepuI9s81/s1600/rome+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFizJ9ayx5zCO_4D814leZ1Ftv-i7dqTppIknnwicEzttgCcCduhgyZ0g6HgTw4cG2jq5BMv7qSaB72XtjpYaD8-y1PvnFrQfVDI_FvKNes1uj9Qgmw_aqfgQE43N8LnBJPGzcepuI9s81/s400/rome+15.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serenaded by a gypsy.</td></tr>
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Following lunch we paid a visit to the Pantheon, now known as the Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs. At 2000 years old it's the oldest church in the world! The dome is completely made of unsupported concrete. Light enters the church through the oculus on the top of the dome. The rain that comes in through the uncovered hole collects in a drain at the center of the church. I found the oculus to be the most amazing thing about the Pantheon. I marveled at how the church is continuously left open to the elements and yet remains in great condition.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everywhere we went we were reminded to be silent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oculus of the Pantheon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon interior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and Child</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As in other churches, the size of the door is impressive!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-2HtvYhrTXtK1UF2hKbYIxBWVf6w1hKOB3nFI4DM3i6D0gVeaAHpArrvHzGAKa9B9q6xK91d3aaNMKvCDFIvpYojS_cGjLtenoXObO2Yuw5OgUrVq1ea2elmNQtuex0qVjAlW_AQ2o-T/s1600/rome+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-2HtvYhrTXtK1UF2hKbYIxBWVf6w1hKOB3nFI4DM3i6D0gVeaAHpArrvHzGAKa9B9q6xK91d3aaNMKvCDFIvpYojS_cGjLtenoXObO2Yuw5OgUrVq1ea2elmNQtuex0qVjAlW_AQ2o-T/s400/rome+23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Honestly, I don't remember when or where we saw the vestment store but I thought the window dressings were very interesting and photo-worthy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8AqSbYW-wnDZSf1-2o0Jjw6isQNxcm25iUMdhn-LHlKCDYLGxbsqByh6cQM_zbzQA2_zznNDgpkwfN9j4xZBG11HBNesMWV3BlbQdOjFTEq9LWp1XHfiEbMgnULDyfrFD6ByijfmeO89/s1600/rome+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8AqSbYW-wnDZSf1-2o0Jjw6isQNxcm25iUMdhn-LHlKCDYLGxbsqByh6cQM_zbzQA2_zznNDgpkwfN9j4xZBG11HBNesMWV3BlbQdOjFTEq9LWp1XHfiEbMgnULDyfrFD6ByijfmeO89/s400/rome+2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUaz8KDBpjwazQJiIoiiKqmr2w_jfMnD-xeOF4S1KTW6j7XJLWlKcacaxMutWk4CuXCJ_9s9DVVHzf-l0gLfTPN71dvgMwFIzt8ubQnnKYNC8xofzpl6aL0UfPxMxH7aYyyVlzE72XMol/s1600/rome+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUaz8KDBpjwazQJiIoiiKqmr2w_jfMnD-xeOF4S1KTW6j7XJLWlKcacaxMutWk4CuXCJ_9s9DVVHzf-l0gLfTPN71dvgMwFIzt8ubQnnKYNC8xofzpl6aL0UfPxMxH7aYyyVlzE72XMol/s400/rome+3.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Earlier in this series I had touched on the fact that many pilgrims suffer while on their journeys, some walking the entire way on their bloody knees or dealing with hunger or lack of sleep and other such difficulties, but for me this journey had been nothing but joy and peace. But now, on our first day in Rome, I hit a wall and felt the first real taste of weariness and sorrow, not suffering exactly, but still something that felt less than pleasant. Perhaps it was because we had been away from home for a full week, the longest I have ever been away, and I was feeling a bit lonely and homesick for my family and my ordinary life, even though my husband was right by my side. Perhaps I was just exhausted from constantly being on the go and overwhelmed with trying to take in so much beauty and fascinating information. Whatever the reason, by the time we reached The Church of the Gesu for Mass I was edgy, tearful and tired-definitely not my best self. In fact, after Mass, when I knelt to pray before the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I found myself kneeling next to a man who had been openly sobbing and I felt like crying right along with him. Regardless of the reasons for my less than perfect mood, I was certain that because I was out-of-sorts my prayers here were all the more powerful. I was sure to pray for my Jesuit friends at the Church of the Gesu, especially for my friend, Fr. James Kubicki, who has been instrumental in bringing about my devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. </div>
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As our first day in Rome came to an end, I was tired, yes, but still very grateful to be living out my dream of spending time in the Eternal City. God has been so good! I couldn't wait to see what the next day would bring!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJwgUJzeGkZlT2lvR6i8midtufcZdXubSTXTDjjoesjwgzUaLUv2bBF3tH9MdNQp-D1V9dVojHbFi81htBPR75_ZOX_MOEMBrY9-pm63gtmsoKGPID0z3gWRYUAcqM7vZULqrGHQLRute/s1600/rome+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJwgUJzeGkZlT2lvR6i8midtufcZdXubSTXTDjjoesjwgzUaLUv2bBF3tH9MdNQp-D1V9dVojHbFi81htBPR75_ZOX_MOEMBrY9-pm63gtmsoKGPID0z3gWRYUAcqM7vZULqrGHQLRute/s400/rome+5.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Gesu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mass at The Church of the Gesu (photo credit: Michael Wick)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Gesu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Gesu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Gesu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF8lzWHYDB9DGpm_lIYBED-sMnFtQ-uKikMOh9AhYyQKzcNdeapVOpdBsVft5SiKLaAbChQZYOL6XcR3wsDQoIFL5O7b3pb4uiF7ghVOn1zKJmbMh_-R9MA9sM_ypxyJtMbSo4T1EuB0e/s1600/sacred+heart+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF8lzWHYDB9DGpm_lIYBED-sMnFtQ-uKikMOh9AhYyQKzcNdeapVOpdBsVft5SiKLaAbChQZYOL6XcR3wsDQoIFL5O7b3pb4uiF7ghVOn1zKJmbMh_-R9MA9sM_ypxyJtMbSo4T1EuB0e/s320/sacred+heart+1.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Heart Shrine <a href="http://jesuitrestoration2014.tumblr.com/post/40331562912/see-also-david-morgans-essay-rhetoric-of-the">(source)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr54hNpbQvYDcscVFaPNV9xXTHifsGW3Ec-KlpOQfjVWN_k1LUTgAW_L0Yc07F7nGbm5hOm-jPvkF_f45XWWgSWWpsWmZK9sXj62pI3H2kPuVHO2mT23fpQWHbwC1iz4z13sGAHDYj3PM/s1600/sacred+heart+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr54hNpbQvYDcscVFaPNV9xXTHifsGW3Ec-KlpOQfjVWN_k1LUTgAW_L0Yc07F7nGbm5hOm-jPvkF_f45XWWgSWWpsWmZK9sXj62pI3H2kPuVHO2mT23fpQWHbwC1iz4z13sGAHDYj3PM/s400/sacred+heart+2.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the Sacred Heart Shrine <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">(source)<span id="goog_1200208490"></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Dmzm7JPvRJFbcCrAaacPS8caEc4Q8li2Vv13pODVzfwTtuMfxWX5VbhUg96UYzv9gpsLFYMZJlMuMzS4KVaxAhflPH3QH780W27qBQ4KfO-w9cs-F-hQ5RHzsMhZT87qu0jllFqVnfy/s1600/rome+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Dmzm7JPvRJFbcCrAaacPS8caEc4Q8li2Vv13pODVzfwTtuMfxWX5VbhUg96UYzv9gpsLFYMZJlMuMzS4KVaxAhflPH3QH780W27qBQ4KfO-w9cs-F-hQ5RHzsMhZT87qu0jllFqVnfy/s400/rome+16.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reliquary containing the right arm of St. Francis Xavier</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer view of St. Francis Xavier's arm-Bishop Hying said that it was this arm that <br />
drew thousands of souls to Christ in the Far East.</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-42389828713202857942016-11-01T14:29:00.001-05:002016-11-01T17:03:11.352-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: Subiaco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Benedict's Monastery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnllaM9C5C47O93rsJaCim1QSe69nqwgUpQAtvu34bu5U5LP7SuxFi4CSfSmzeAZF1VQDYBViE-XKVSGSfvmcfCsscQ82VcFuMfHc-9ug7cziBbDFxBXRF-mPvkAu4xbcqIWaS6SlTYDLa/s1600/s6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnllaM9C5C47O93rsJaCim1QSe69nqwgUpQAtvu34bu5U5LP7SuxFi4CSfSmzeAZF1VQDYBViE-XKVSGSfvmcfCsscQ82VcFuMfHc-9ug7cziBbDFxBXRF-mPvkAu4xbcqIWaS6SlTYDLa/s400/s6.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Benedict's Monastery</td></tr>
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St. Benedict's Monastery in Subiaco felt like heaven, literally. Spending time here was truly a mountaintop experience! Just as we suffer and struggle to reach the ultimate goal of heaven, reaching St. Benedict's Monastery was also a mighty challenge, at least it seemed so to me. Massimo, our skillful driver, took us on a harrowing ride up a narrow, one-lane, winding road with deep drop-offs to reach the monastery which was at the top of the mountain. Every once in a while a car would come from the opposite direction and Massimo would have to pull over and let them pass. How those cars were able to pass on that narrow road was truly a miracle. Despite Massimo's skill, we passengers were overly fearful. Seriously, there were a few screams and calls to Fr. Bill to offer general absolution to everyone on the bus in case we fell over the side and never reached the monastery. Massimo was probably laughing at the foolishness of his passengers who were lacking trust both in his skill and the providence of God.<br />
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At the bottom of the mountain, as we were beginning our ascent, we passed the ruins of Nero's Villa, a place where the Roman emperor went for rest and relaxation. The Villa had been completely built by slaves during Nero's rule between 54 and 68 AD. Further up the mountain we passed the Abbey of St. Scholastica, named for St. Benedict's twin sister, the only one of St. Benedict's monasteries which had not been destroyed by earthquakes but which had been partially destroyed by bombs during World War II only to be reconstructed once again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWcA21W08f3DGrhoHN9DXGtjFUySRHK9e1yPKv24PUrTSwA3jt0rVkh8wjWBCK9nF-K0qdKSpel1jQcGPteedZphDNnQI4aVu4EITFJyfmieIPebBlsQXa-WUvQZu5v4098mCqdusQoXL/s1600/st.+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWcA21W08f3DGrhoHN9DXGtjFUySRHK9e1yPKv24PUrTSwA3jt0rVkh8wjWBCK9nF-K0qdKSpel1jQcGPteedZphDNnQI4aVu4EITFJyfmieIPebBlsQXa-WUvQZu5v4098mCqdusQoXL/s400/st.+s.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abbey of St. Scholastica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruins of Nero's Villa at the bottom of the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdg0xfuKerWaMCeIlibOz3JcHeMFZ7HKzg-7zucJDHpKdqNFELiE1cLilwn6KaNXAlQG39FHT81k7jy2w6b6zMpPDWVkvTPgvS00Fp7j6Au5OXr-7UrdbWzOGIe4oMiUcswV8ti_8EYEi/s1600/nero+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdg0xfuKerWaMCeIlibOz3JcHeMFZ7HKzg-7zucJDHpKdqNFELiE1cLilwn6KaNXAlQG39FHT81k7jy2w6b6zMpPDWVkvTPgvS00Fp7j6Au5OXr-7UrdbWzOGIe4oMiUcswV8ti_8EYEi/s400/nero+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruins of Nero's Villa at the bottom of the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps outside the monastery</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H-_3SBgBxbg-xOTCl27Aa2I2Bsk7m97v_PlMjeXkY6pphNciF-6bCBkScZyLb0OwilHILA4XjCU_pzhhGuNfok5SKVdrQeCeNL4Nmi_EwLhB4lr0_LxX6dMMsazNWvAjmie9-nwPoXPS/s1600/s23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H-_3SBgBxbg-xOTCl27Aa2I2Bsk7m97v_PlMjeXkY6pphNciF-6bCBkScZyLb0OwilHILA4XjCU_pzhhGuNfok5SKVdrQeCeNL4Nmi_EwLhB4lr0_LxX6dMMsazNWvAjmie9-nwPoXPS/s400/s23.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTfB68do1lSd9DNt0Vr2wc8YI1b2XiRkVR9lMiBUhdA1HA1HGZcKRtqd6w7ruMqY6lg6Q8BWxXxZm4cj2tlKvf9RCl3bEW6OOi-UeaUOJnfiXCCLytvrV6vMk1p8om-Jxw373yaptb7h5/s1600/s22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTfB68do1lSd9DNt0Vr2wc8YI1b2XiRkVR9lMiBUhdA1HA1HGZcKRtqd6w7ruMqY6lg6Q8BWxXxZm4cj2tlKvf9RCl3bEW6OOi-UeaUOJnfiXCCLytvrV6vMk1p8om-Jxw373yaptb7h5/s400/s22.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Arriving at the monastery we were overjoyed, not only that the thrilling ride was over, but mostly because the mountaintop monastery was so exquisitely beautiful! The monastery was built right into the side of the mountain and encompasses the Sacro Speco, the cave where St. Benedict spent three years as a hermit. Our time of prayer and discovery here was very fruitful and, I would add, it was my favorite stop on our entire itinerary. It was definitely hard to top our visit to this serene place of prayer! </div>
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St. Benedict was born in Norcia to a Patrician family in the fifth century. He studied the liberal arts in Rome but was put off by the immorality of the city and left for solitude in the mountains in what is now a National Park in Subiaco. He met some monks living in the remains of the Villa of Nero who told him that if he wanted to be a hermit he would have to live in a cave. For three years he lived the life of a hermit in a cave. Baskets of food were occasionally lifted up to him by a local monk using an unreliable rope system. The monk would fill a basket with food and ring a bell to let Benedict know that the food was there. Then Benedict would throw down a rope by which he'd lift the basket of food up to his cave. When he finally left his cave he went down to the valley and started his monastic rule.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble image of St. Benedict in his cave by Antonio Raggi</td></tr>
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St. Benedict's death occurred forty days after the death of his twin sister, St. Scholastica. T<span style="text-align: center;">he twins, St. Benedict and St. Scholastica only saw each other once each year. On their last visit St. Scholastica begged St. Benedict to stay longer but he said no. So she prayed about it and God immediately sent a thunderstorm requiring the two saintly siblings to remain together for the remainder of the night. St. Scholastica died three days later. Could it be that she knew she didn't have much longer to live when she begged to remain with her brother for a longer period of time? Forty days after that St. Benedict died </span>at one of the twelve monasteries that he founded, Montecassino, where he is buried. The year was 547.</div>
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The Monastery of St. Benedict is built over the Sacro Speco, the cave where he lived for three years. Interestingly, St. Benedict did not found this particular monastery. St. Benedict is the founder of monasticism and the patron of Europe and of exorcists. His medal is found within every crucifix that is used for exorcisms.</div>
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We were so blessed to spend time exploring the monastery and to have Mass in the beautiful upper church. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw19lWDxK2SlSkQjykfvkzXNad8KDA0WLivjyvlWOBYh58wpP_-90eGx3DHYeutGNKLdk4WfGN7MpHTaJL16GECew8xRtCieT6mA8XVbWIKU2WrPhoC2R4UDKUM-FrAuxd8BsG9cbGCbX/s1600/s58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLw19lWDxK2SlSkQjykfvkzXNad8KDA0WLivjyvlWOBYh58wpP_-90eGx3DHYeutGNKLdk4WfGN7MpHTaJL16GECew8xRtCieT6mA8XVbWIKU2WrPhoC2R4UDKUM-FrAuxd8BsG9cbGCbX/s400/s58.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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Bishop Don told us that monasticism emerges as a way for people to really grab hold of the fundamental teachings of life. It reminds us that God calls us to be holy because he wants our holiness to bless, sanctify and lead others to the kingdom of heaven. He wants us to become overflowing fountains of grace to sanctify other people, not just ourselves. Through the saints we've journeyed with-Francis, Clare, Catherine, Benedict-we discover our own identity and purpose.<br />
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In his homily on Luke 17:11-19 regarding the ten lepers that were healed yet only one returned to give thanks, he said "Gratitude is the most foundational virtue along with humility. Everything else hinges on that. Entitlement and pride are never satisfied, they are always looking for a higher place. Gratitude takes a lower place because it knows that it has already been given so much. When you think of everything you've been given by God you'll want to give to others. Think of the hands of Adam and Eve reaching out like claws to grasp the fruit. Then think of Jesus on the cross hands open and giving completely, handing himself over as a gift for the sake of the world. Thanksgiving isn't a day on the calendar, it's a way of life."<br />
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I can honestly say that I am very thankful that I was given the opportunity to visit this amazingly beautiful and holy place. I've never seen anything like it! I hope you enjoy the many pictures below of the mountain area and of the monastery. The pictures aren't the best quality but I just wanted to share everything! I wish everyone could visit here in person! Next, on to Rome!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Way down the mountain I spied a goat and captured him on zoom. <br />
This almost looks like a painting, doesn't it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from a monastery window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Benedict and St. Scholastica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Martyrdom of St. Placid by beheading including a monk having his tongue ripped out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairway leading to the Sacro Speco</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skeleton depicts death</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the three-dimensional aspect of many of the halos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patricia, our guide, calling to us from an upper window telling us that it was time to go.</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-28478872841436029952016-10-27T11:04:00.001-05:002016-11-06T06:24:07.150-06:00Italian Pilgrimage: The Veil of Manopello<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"Seek the Lord and his strength: seek his face evermore."</i> ~Psalms 105:4</div>
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<i>"My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!'" Your face, Lord, I will seek."</i> ~Psalm 27:8</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The altar of the Church of Volto Santo di Manopello</td></tr>
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An experience of resurrection, that's what Fr. Crispin, a Capuchin Monk who greeted us at the door of the Church of Volto Santo di Manopello, promised us as he shared a brief history of the shrine. He said, "Look for the face of Jesus and impress it in your soul and your heart." He told us that an image on the door of the church represents a soul holding a precious pearl which is the indulgence we gain from visiting here, but to us the precious pearl is Jesus Christ. St. Therese of Lisieux, who had a great devotion to the Holy Face, said upon her visit here, "If I put in my heart the face of Jesus, God will look on me as he looks in His mirror." </div>
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Fr. Crispin told us that it's believed that the veil of Manopello was originally kept in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and was stolen from the church in the 1500's. Shortly after this a Dr. Leonelli was approached by an unknown pilgrim in the Manopello square who handed him a package that contained the Holy Face. When Dr. Leonelli turned to thank the pilgrim he was nowhere to be found!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Church of Volto Santo di Manopello</td></tr>
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Once we were inside of the church, German Sister Petra-Maria Steiner who guides pilgrims who have come to see the Holy Face, greeted us as we walked up the stairs behind the altar to venerate the holy cloth and she pointed out its transparency to us. You can see through it! And, no matter which side you are on the face always looks at you, it doesn't have a front and a back but the face can be seen from either side. On one side the mouth is open, showing the teeth, and the other side his mouth is closed in a slight smile. It's a mystery, she said. She also told us that the face seems to be older than the time of icons.What a blessing it was to stand face to face with an image of Christ! Words can't describe how unbelievable it was! Like the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, it was hard for me to tear myself away.</div>
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Then Sister followed us to a separate room where all of the scientific information about the veil is kept. She told us that the veil was made of byssus which is an ancient fabric made from shells. The fabric was mainly used by Kings and nobility. She said that Byssus is so old and rare that it can't be touched without breaking it. Today pollution is killing the shells and there is only one woman in the world, living in Sardinia, who continues to make this fabric today.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The byssus shells and fabric</td></tr>
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Many people believe that the Face of Manopello is Veronica's Veil but the face is really that of the resurrected Jesus, not of Christ as he was suffering. The veil is actually the cloth that covered Jesus' face in the tomb, directly under the burial shroud and is the image of that moment when Jesus arose from the dead. Sister further said that when St. John and St. Peter ran to the tomb on Easter Sunday John stayed behind because he was part of a religious class that could not enter tombs due to the impurity of a dead body. Then he entered after St. Peter had already found the burial cloths because he knew that he wouldn't find a dead body in the tomb but that Jesus had really risen from the dead.</div>
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Sister Petra-Maria showed us an image of the Shroud of Turin and pointed out that their faces were an exact match. Everyone in our group was fascinated and enthralled by the information that Sister shared with us.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture of the veil from the explanation area</td></tr>
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When we were told that we had a short time to spend on our own in the church before leaving, I went back to take pictures of the veil from the church. Sister came and stood beside me and once again pointed out its transparency and the fact that He was watching me. Just wow! It was so amazing!</div>
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Leaving Manopello we traveled to Subiaco to the Monastery of St. Benedict. Like Loreto, I had no idea of the treasures that were in store for us in Subiaco. The drive through the Apennine Mountains was magnificent and the monastery unbelievably gorgeous and fascinating. I think I took more pictures at the monastery than anywhere else on the pilgrimage, so that's a head up that the next post will be very picture heavy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Veil from the church-can you see its transparency through the blur?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a closer angle of the veil (sorry for the blurriness)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">even closer (sorry for the blurriness)</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-79077588952579017602016-10-26T13:05:00.000-05:002016-11-06T06:23:25.452-06:00Italian Pilgrimage: The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1c9C3FiZ-zprVkFxsapbLtxryLRO1BAR_TH2-CJGme5zkXBC1pEs0Ywc60zeNr57cE-6LcGVu4BTqwUC8s090VTxPbxuPyKho-uLiMgrqX96tBS9nXxcG1A1meDuRYQuaou1XYjrAfBH/s1600/lanc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1c9C3FiZ-zprVkFxsapbLtxryLRO1BAR_TH2-CJGme5zkXBC1pEs0Ywc60zeNr57cE-6LcGVu4BTqwUC8s090VTxPbxuPyKho-uLiMgrqX96tBS9nXxcG1A1meDuRYQuaou1XYjrAfBH/s400/lanc5.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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Of all of the locations on our itinerary, seeing the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano was the one I most looked forward to and was most excited about. The Eucharistic Miracle happened in the year 750 when a Basilian Monk was offering Mass with doubt in his heart about the Catholic belief regarding the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As he was praying the prayer of consecration, the host started bleeding in his hands. Many tests have been performed over the centuries, the most recent done in 1973, and it has been determined that the host consists of muscular tissue of the heart and the wine is five globules of blood which represent the five wounds of Christ on the cross. The globules weigh the same separately as they do collectively. The blood type is AB. To this day the Eucharistic species has remained exactly the same as it appeared twelve centuries ago despite the effects of time and elements.</div>
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I've often wondered about that Basilian Monk to whom the miracle occurred, the miracle which undoubtedly removed all of his questions about the reality of Christ's flesh and blood present in the Eucharist. What happened to him after the miracle? Did he become a celebrity? Did he spend every day for the rest of his life performing penances in atonement for his doubt? Did he quietly leave his community to maintain some sort of privacy and solitude in his life? Is he now a saint in heaven to whom we should pray? And why is it that his name has remained anonymous and he is simply known as "a Basilian Monk"?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side door of The Church of San Francesco </td></tr>
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We arrived in the small city of Lanciano with just a small amount of time for our visit to the Church of Lagontial, a very unassuming building which houses the monstrance that contains the flesh and blood of Jesus. We were allowed a few minutes to reverence the Eucharistic Miracle up close before we were shown a video showing the history of the Miracle and then we were given a short time, about half an hour, to spend in adoration or to explore the church and gift shop before Mass would begin. </div>
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I darted right back to the small room behind the altar to spend time alone with Jesus. When I arrived there were two other people adoring the Lord, and soon after a small group of musicians came into the room to practice the music for the upcoming Mass. I thought that was a very odd place for the musicians to practice, and then realized that this was the area where they played for the Mass that was now beginning. I quickly left that area out of respect for the Mass and so that I could have more solitude in my prayer. I found that there wasn't anybody in the small space on the back side of the altar where we first reverenced the Eucharist and there I stood, face to face with the Body and Blood of Jesus. I reached out my hand and touched the glass that protected the monstrance, not sure whether it was allowed or not, but unable to resist. Standing and praying there was the most amazing experience of my life! I wanted it to last forever, I never wanted to leave! But, all too soon it was time to go. </div>
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I found Paul in the lobby area and just as we were leaving for the bus, some of the members of our group told us that they found the original chapel where the miracle occurred. We followed them to a basement chapel and quickly took photos and offered another prayer of thanksgiving before we left. We journeyed to a nearby restaurant for dinner. It felt strange to be conversing normally with others and to be enjoying a meal when not more than an hour ago I was in the Presence of the Lord up close and personal. I didn't want the spell of that amazing moment to be diminished by ordinary life. Yet, aren't we called to take our faith out into the world? And so I heartily enjoyed that evening's meal but held the memory of that moment deeply within my heart. Little did I understand that my faith was about to be further deepened the following morning when we visited Manopello to see the veil that covered our Lord's face in the tomb.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original altar where the miracle occurred</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVhNADDwSUz_kst5S-t7MBu46FieCBLeNaB2GHan7VkllgvA-Q625SS0s1ufvaBY36FL0w8SljQADMj-TkXxIVfY5E9eCz8ttDlSG7njnUuoiBNdVJgBQJpIrNGgcFT5WhAnRjL__5aHn/s1600/lanc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVhNADDwSUz_kst5S-t7MBu46FieCBLeNaB2GHan7VkllgvA-Q625SS0s1ufvaBY36FL0w8SljQADMj-TkXxIVfY5E9eCz8ttDlSG7njnUuoiBNdVJgBQJpIrNGgcFT5WhAnRjL__5aHn/s400/lanc4.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original chapel where the miracle occurred</td></tr>
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While those questions of mine about the Basilian Monk may never have an answer in this lifetime, what has been answered for all of humanity is the actuality of the Real Presence in the Eucharist and truly, that's all that matters. Seeing with the eyes of faith is a beautiful thing, but to actually see the flesh and blood of God in reality, well words simply cannot capture the immensity of joy that filled my heart to be there in Lanciano, and forever after, whether I am at daily Mass or spending time in adoration, my faith in Christ's presence has been deepened and will never be altered. I pray that everyone may one day share this same belief in the Real Presence of Christ's body and blood in the Most Holy Eucharist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3QY_TnvLz6AlyzRSEMsmuj9TRgrWOQW3_q39lpfMhsR1AGxhiGfHxp0VccJXfWcSz3dqcPoFzkGw4IIyQR9OQhxOhQIfnhKyWPBCTQdffQrZ-hKijvXPkHKm_gXAiASTCWc4FRalRfxW/s1600/lanciano+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3QY_TnvLz6AlyzRSEMsmuj9TRgrWOQW3_q39lpfMhsR1AGxhiGfHxp0VccJXfWcSz3dqcPoFzkGw4IIyQR9OQhxOhQIfnhKyWPBCTQdffQrZ-hKijvXPkHKm_gXAiASTCWc4FRalRfxW/s400/lanciano+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://speramus-hope.blogspot.com/2014/11/feast-of-christ-king-and-his-reign.html">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1sttabernacle.com/blog/?p=1431">source</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-51412866543915121012016-10-25T15:30:00.000-05:002016-10-25T21:17:37.342-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: The Adriatic Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Could it be that our guide, Patrizia, suspected that we might be getting weary of the long bus rides and non-stop visits to churches on our pilgrimage and might be ready to enjoy a brief respite with a bit of nature? Or did she just enjoy the seaside so much that she wanted to share it with us? Whatever the reason behind it might have been, our brilliant guide suggested that we stop for just fifteen minutes to visit the Adriatic Sea. She said that we couldn't leave Italy without dipping our toes in the waters of the sea. Needless to say this sea-glass-obsessed beachcomber was thrilled with this news! I had secretly been hoping that I might be able to bring home some Italian sea glass but hadn't dared to mention that selfish desire to anyone, so visiting the Adriatic Sea was really a dream come true.</div>
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But, before we visited the sea, we stopped for lunch at a delightful restaurant, Cafe Soriano in San Benedetto del Tronto, the largest seaport on the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Italian Riviera. Patrizia has many family connections throughout Italy and the owner of the restaurant was a relative of hers who was able to help Massimo, our skillful bus driver, find his way around this town that was perhaps a bit unfamiliar to him.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A toast with Fr. Bill Miller from Peoria, Illinois, a most kind and holy priest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our entire group waiting for the bus to take us from the restaurant to the sea.</td></tr>
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Shortly after we finished our delicious lunch we were off to the sea! When the bus stopped by the beach I nearly ran to the shore to begin my search. While others took their shoes off to step into the warm water, I satisfied myself with just quickly dipping my hand in and then began my search in earnest. I found many beautiful shells, a few interesting rocks, a piece of pottery and yes, a few pieces of sea glass! Paul was sure to rib me about this being real "sea" glass and not the "lake" glass that I find in Wisconsin on the Lake Michigan shores. I always feel that searching for sea glass is a meditative prayer and this experience was no different. My eyes were on the shoreline but my heart was on God.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz99lz6vhu4t8DDDLxLMIqAt3hT6-4V9HnWJVlrRWFTBGmxCJ3tJgFcH8Krao_rPQ8Tz0n9rXxNHYvRWvyAajflJ8niPVyagcVb3zNVyHKpvEZseQyS52fnyhJvk4AyP4_T2huBjLPVXkb/s1600/a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz99lz6vhu4t8DDDLxLMIqAt3hT6-4V9HnWJVlrRWFTBGmxCJ3tJgFcH8Krao_rPQ8Tz0n9rXxNHYvRWvyAajflJ8niPVyagcVb3zNVyHKpvEZseQyS52fnyhJvk4AyP4_T2huBjLPVXkb/s400/a5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful Adriatic Sea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umbrellas abandoned on this weekday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpiIjPBxXCsXNbf9gvETQj95ftNl9f2IOREHfP4GlZjWv04M7brdoa9ab0eOwgpPvn9KJrDOYdRj77KtKEOREYM-OfMyMiSG5IqNeueACCfbN6BcVQWiv749AnqkudBLMJkJhYjSrpvdQ/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpiIjPBxXCsXNbf9gvETQj95ftNl9f2IOREHfP4GlZjWv04M7brdoa9ab0eOwgpPvn9KJrDOYdRj77KtKEOREYM-OfMyMiSG5IqNeueACCfbN6BcVQWiv749AnqkudBLMJkJhYjSrpvdQ/s400/a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very satisfied sea glass searcher.</td></tr>
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After our visit to the sea we left for Lanciano and at the end of narrow road, trying to make a turn, our bus got stuck! Traffic was backing up and no matter how many times Massimo tried to back up and start again it just was not going to work. I was praying to the Blessed Mother to see us out of this jam and she did not let us down. Massimo finally decided that the only way out of this was to back out and so the bus rode backwards all the way down the street we had just come from. Patrizia said, "Don't worry. We'll go backwards to Lanciano. Everything is possible in life! And now we're going to Abbruzi, and you know what they have in Abbruzi? The best food!" Patrizia was always upbeat, hardworking and confident, a truly wonderful guide!<br />
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Just when I thought this day couldn't get any better it was about to become absolutely magnificent. We were now on our way (driving forward not backward) to Lanciano to see the Eucharistic Miracle, my most anticipated visit of the pilgrimage!<br />
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-66188459497544866992016-10-24T16:10:00.001-05:002016-10-26T08:12:21.119-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: The Holy House of Loreto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQEbvLKUQ7N6amYMCGxZlQGvuLuEEIAqUSyM79-sBAKl5tMT3KfVpuiouZpHi761nTyuSHNprqC4_-XZRr8BhBQHUIjmnKr6tl-udka-9yTw8TOqKkrh9P_aXdBhmKIA2xG7W-U2mrMW-/s1600/l2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQEbvLKUQ7N6amYMCGxZlQGvuLuEEIAqUSyM79-sBAKl5tMT3KfVpuiouZpHi761nTyuSHNprqC4_-XZRr8BhBQHUIjmnKr6tl-udka-9yTw8TOqKkrh9P_aXdBhmKIA2xG7W-U2mrMW-/s400/l2.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our first view of the Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In preparing for this Italian Pilgrimage, I spent some time researching our destinations and the lives of the saints we would learn about but I hadn’t
done much research on the Holy House of Loreto and knew very little about it, so I wasn't greatly looking forward to visiting there and didn't have any expectations. And as it happens sometimes in life, we receive
our greatest graces when we least expect them.
The Holy House of Loreto was certainly a source of great grace and as it
turned out, was one of my favorite stops on our pilgrimage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bishop Don says that the Italians have a saying, “If
it isn’t true, it ought to be!” That
saying is often applied to the Holy House of Loreto. The belief is that the very house where the
Blessed Mother Mary was born and raised, and also the house where the angel
Gabriel visited her and the Word was made Flesh, was this very house in
Loreto. The story is that angels carried
the Holy House from Nazareth to Croatia in 1291 and then across the Adriatic
Sea to Loreto in 1295 where it has remained ever since. Later documents show that the stones of the house were transported by a family with the name of Angelo or de Angelis in the 13th century. But because of the angel legend Pope Benedict the XV has
declared Our Lady of Loreto to be the patroness of aviation and you can bet I was relying heavily upon her
intercession during our airline travels as they filled me with anxiety and
fear. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8rTNygEq3UNU8T-DlaA9CaxD33BjI3CKdukPbaXGICK5OlSl1H985qij3kGNNxQAKUauQgw1k9DrgEVlD7FEiTHk7Qnwpq_sQrYxXpkOJBVe2ZulqQKTn_6sWV814qH2qpreW3w_cIx5/s1600/holy+house+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8rTNygEq3UNU8T-DlaA9CaxD33BjI3CKdukPbaXGICK5OlSl1H985qij3kGNNxQAKUauQgw1k9DrgEVlD7FEiTHk7Qnwpq_sQrYxXpkOJBVe2ZulqQKTn_6sWV814qH2qpreW3w_cIx5/s400/holy+house+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't allowed pictures inside but I found this online <a href="http://www.ibosj.ca/2013/08/loreto-bound-experience-of-pilgrimage.html">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were given time to enter the Holy House and
pray before the image of Our Lady of Loreto or Black Madonna, so called because
over time soot from candles colored the wood from which she was carved into a
soft black. The original statue was
damaged in a 1921 fire and when a new statue was made the carver used a dark olive wood from
the very beginning to maintain her black image. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3iwlWdeCqx4KVWWbHTWKd8EZ8DnZSLVHR0mtTkC2LrzF9TGSZ9bkUulqHyjy7ZK79V0nTq6ADON5WQ73uNLsLRYdi3ESXAkEBGQEREm7-a5_g3IrHL5NkxZH6xi78BWe9jdYMIDTh7yu/s1600/our+lady+of+loreto+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3iwlWdeCqx4KVWWbHTWKd8EZ8DnZSLVHR0mtTkC2LrzF9TGSZ9bkUulqHyjy7ZK79V0nTq6ADON5WQ73uNLsLRYdi3ESXAkEBGQEREm7-a5_g3IrHL5NkxZH6xi78BWe9jdYMIDTh7yu/s400/our+lady+of+loreto+1.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lady of Loreto, the Black Madonna <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/119626933822469877/">(source)</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was deeply moved to stand in the very place where
Mary gave her yes. I touched and kissed
the walls, wanting to feel the graces that they carry. Then we were given a real
treat! Patrizia, our fabulous guide,
stood near the exit, where, in a very small and dark niche, rested a dish from which our Lord Jesus himself was fed. She lit
the niche with her cell phone light so that we could better see the dish as we
paused to reverence this amazing relic.
After this astounding event I had to stop and write out the prayer that
was spilling from my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Dear Jesus, from this vessel you took nourishment
for your earthly body which has now become spiritual food for the world. How blessed we are to consider this and pray
about it here. Blessed Mother, thank you
for your yes, for allowing the Word to become Flesh within you. Teach me to follow your example and to always
say yes to the will and desires of God.
Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo87Cvdvl0-cSg0CLXlcviOr7Bm5WiN4CeCDeLw_ft2WMzoF17AM1Fc6VsEe9oWfPvBOOqbJa4Bz_coNNnKDX_a_AJqpMcZGcXS4znV3Vz60rvmxAzEYim3SH_z1JmkNbXb9c9PVbL0dYv/s1600/l9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo87Cvdvl0-cSg0CLXlcviOr7Bm5WiN4CeCDeLw_ft2WMzoF17AM1Fc6VsEe9oWfPvBOOqbJa4Bz_coNNnKDX_a_AJqpMcZGcXS4znV3Vz60rvmxAzEYim3SH_z1JmkNbXb9c9PVbL0dYv/s400/l9.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Holy House</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Holy House is encased in marble walls which depict the life of the Blessed Mother and the
entire house is inside of the Basilica della Santa Casa that was built around it in 1469. Something that moved me deeply is that over
the many centuries people would pray the rosary on their knees on the marble
floor outside of the Holy House and after time they wore two grooves into the
marble from their knees. That’s powerful
prayer! Although we didn’t have time to
pray a full rosary there, Paul and I knelt in the grooves and prayed a Hail
Mary together for our family. How I
would have loved to pray the whole rosary there, though! Can you imagine how mighty that rosary
would have been?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grooves in the marble floor.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">After we all had a chance to visit the Holy House,
we went downstairs to a lower chapel for Mass.
Prior to Mass, a guide shared a little information with us. She told us that the little house is like a
treasure. People come to this place and
go out different, changed. Many miracles
have occurred here and many saints, including St. Francis de Sales, St. Therese
of Lisieux, Pope St. John XXIII and Pope
St. John Paul II all spent time praying here. In fact, Pope St. John Paul II
considers this holy house like a house of family. This is the place to pray for families, for
all of the fighting we have to do for our sanctity. There is a little candle inside the house
that is lit every morning at 7:30 am for Italy and for families. Before we left the holy house we were given
the opportunity to leave a donation and receive blessed oil from the lamps that
had been kept in the holy house all night.
Many families have reported miracles from this oil. I requested ten bottles but wish I had asked
for many more. I wish every family could have a bottle of this precious oil in their homes!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aBqrCzBws17PtIF277jlM8CYhYmB2-Y9JETOImyF1tJK3Op-4JnuYLDpJJ-i0Pd7WsED-m69PbCuRHbKSrHfbIs9nn5V9Uvwx-7L3nvOi7xuYCtTmUjKWp00faVeuClMH6ze2RqqZBa7/s1600/oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aBqrCzBws17PtIF277jlM8CYhYmB2-Y9JETOImyF1tJK3Op-4JnuYLDpJJ-i0Pd7WsED-m69PbCuRHbKSrHfbIs9nn5V9Uvwx-7L3nvOi7xuYCtTmUjKWp00faVeuClMH6ze2RqqZBa7/s400/oil.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olio S. Casa Loreto and Relic of the Veil which covers the statue<br />
of Our Lady of Loreto on Good Friday and Holy Saturday</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The guide also told us that the gift shop offers
blue ribbons for families that cannot conceive children. Miracles have happened with these light blue
ribbons that have been prayed over by nuns.
The recipient wears the ribbon all the time and then brings it back to
the Holy House when they have conceived a child. Many blue ribbons have been returned!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Following the guide’s talk, Mass commenced and Fr.
Dennis Dirkx, one of the Milwaukee priests who traveled with us, gave a beautiful
homily on the day’s Gospel passage from Luke:
“<span style="background: white; color: #333333;">While Jesus was speaking,</span> a woman from the crowd
called out and said to him,</span> “Blessed is the womb that carried you <span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background: white;">and the breasts at which you nursed.” He
replied, “Rather, blessed are those</span> who hear the word of God and observe
it.”</span> Fr. Dennis
said that the Word of God speaks of home.
We can interpret the command of Jesus, “Blessed are those who observe
the Word of God and keep it” to mean that the Word of God has to be “at home”
within us. Jesus invites us to take the
Word and allow it to be at home within us and then we have the ability to live
that Word in our daily lives. That’s the
invitation that Jesus gives us in this passage, we allow ourselves to become
that Living Word of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After the homily, Bishop Don invited all of the
married couples to stand up and renew their wedding vows and offered a special
prayer for those who were widowed or traveling without their spouses. This truly was a beautiful, holy and
life-changing place! </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Our Lady of Loreto, pray for us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our next visit is a short stop at the Adriatic Sea with a special gift!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sidewalk drawing outside the Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sidewalk drawing outside the Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sidewalk drawing outside the Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from side chapel dedicated to American flight (see the angels carrying the holy house?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel of the Cruxifix</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel of the Crucifix</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vows renewed and ready for 25 more years of marriage!</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-17587867679676895362016-10-22T21:51:00.000-05:002016-11-03T10:44:36.728-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: Siena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEp4a8mz1ypPXVEIzr6Fz3dymxdjlKJgojuDyNKgCLL8PfAfmCbS6blAjrg6_MKJtri5WlW-sxZwRRkkwEVpN-497y7YLiYpDScKPt2kPwucHMwJlm3z0DleMIRCh3VIDKy_hUfT12yPWM/s1600/s1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEp4a8mz1ypPXVEIzr6Fz3dymxdjlKJgojuDyNKgCLL8PfAfmCbS6blAjrg6_MKJtri5WlW-sxZwRRkkwEVpN-497y7YLiYpDScKPt2kPwucHMwJlm3z0DleMIRCh3VIDKy_hUfT12yPWM/s400/s1+-+Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siena city wall that now surrounds a soccer field</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Sienna's City Wall</td></tr>
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When we arrived in Siena our first stop was at The Basilica of San Domenico where St. Catherine of Siena's relics of her head and finger can be found. I have to say that this was the only church in all of Italy that I was disappointed in. Compared to all of the beautiful churches we had just seen in Assisi, it was very plain with modern windows that were from the 1980's. Our guide explained that the church had been modernized to suit decorative tastes over the years and many of the frescoes were covered over with plain paint and the new windows replaced former windows that were damaged. What a pity. St. Catherine is such a powerful and amazing saint that her relics deserve to be stored in a magnificent setting. Despite the appearance of the church, it was extremely powerful to pray before the skull and finger of St. Catherine. I asked her to pray for my daughter and I, and for all women, that we may model her strength and wisdom in seeking after the Lord.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleX6a7Sa9_aGtZJ9kZnrxtPsolwCAy7NcdC4h3PIUFhDMl-SKO54cVt7nIPupIVvkc_GREm7yTXwADRHH27LlgHLXc7bC5GvLONUyLjvlC3Iypic92cTZ6dEXP1iTQaUUIzrfkijU2MH5/s1600/St.+Catherine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleX6a7Sa9_aGtZJ9kZnrxtPsolwCAy7NcdC4h3PIUFhDMl-SKO54cVt7nIPupIVvkc_GREm7yTXwADRHH27LlgHLXc7bC5GvLONUyLjvlC3Iypic92cTZ6dEXP1iTQaUUIzrfkijU2MH5/s400/St.+Catherine.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The head of St. Catherine <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/st-dominics-basilica">(source)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finger of St. Catherine <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/st-dominics-basilica">(source)</a></td></tr>
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Here at the Basilica we discovered a beautiful display of small, framed hearts and other assorted objects and pictures. We learned that these are called ex votos. They represent a vow completed or a prayer answered. In thanksgiving, the faithful would purchase an ex voto to leave at the church. These are similar to someone leaving crutches behind at a church if they were healed of an injury or the modern practice of donating money to the church in thanksgiving for answered prayers. I just couldn't get these ex votos out of my mind during the remainder of the pilgrimage! I found them to be absolutely exquisite, and from the moment I saw them I looked for them in every gift shop we visited, but sadly, they were no where to be found.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ex votos<br />
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Following the Basilica of San Domenico we began a walking tour of the city which led us to the childhood home of St. Catherine. If you visit <a href="http://www.italyguides.it/en/tuscany/siena/house-of-st-catherine-of-siena">this link</a> and click on the pictures you will find some wonderful panoramic views of her home which is now a church. When we left St. Catherine's childhood home we enjoyed a lovely walk through the charming streets of Siena to the Duomo. I couldn't help but be impressed by the skill of the Sienese drivers as they navigated narrow, hilly, winding streets, turning blind corners and passing pedestrians with ease. Such expertise I could never hope to have!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just outside of St. Catherine's childhood home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The courtyard near St. Catherine's childhood home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of The Basilica of San Domenico from the courtyard <br />
of St. Catherine's childhood home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow streets with cars and pedestrians sharing the space</td></tr>
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The following images show some of the charming scenes we found as we walked the streets of Siena. It was hard to keep up with our group because I kept stopping to take pictures! Although much larger and very different from Assisi in many ways, Siena was equal in its beauty. And at the end of the journey through the streets we arrived at the Duomo which was such a beautiful church that I had to keep picking my chin up off the floor, I couldn't believe such beauty could be real!<br />
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The Cathedrale de Santa Maria, usually just referred to as the Duomo or Divine Beauty, was built during the 13th and 14th centuries and has been so well cared for that everything within it is absolutely perfect. As I marveled at the amount of work that went into building this majestic work of art for the Lord, especially at a time when there wasn't the convenience of modern machinery, Bishop Hying furthered my astonishment when he told me that many of the people who worked on this church never lived to see its completion. Can you imagine giving your whole life to working on something that you would never see in your lifetime? What a gift! What great love!<br />
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The pictures below are just a small sampling of all of the photos I took. Of course none of my pictures do the Duomo adequate justice. It's one of those places you just have to see to truly appreciate.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo exterior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo exterior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo exterior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo interior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo interior</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo interior<br />
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The floor of the Duomo is usually covered to protect its delicate and beautiful inlaid marble mosaics, but we were fortunate to be visiting at one of the short times of year when we could view the mosaics uncovered. It's absolutely amazing to think about the creativity and talent of the artists who created these masterpieces. The mosaic below is the story of Fortune. The nude woman is standing on a sphere and a boat to show the instablility of life. Wisdom sits in the top and jewels and riches are being thrown away by Crates to show that the things of this world are not lasting. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Story of Fortune</td></tr>
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The worship space in the Duomo wasn't the only thing that was specatucular. The Piccolomini Library, which is inside of the Duomo and houses a collection of music books, was absolutely astounding! I couldn'tt believe that a church could have such an amazing library! I wasn't sure how much more my senses could handle!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ceiling of the library</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The libray with a statue of The Three Graces in the center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A music book in the library.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It was here at the Duomo that the most heart-racing experience of our pilgrimage happened to Paul and I. Toward the end of the tour, our guide allowed us some quiet time for silent prayer in a side chapel. After kneeling in silent prayer for a short time, Paul and I stopped to light a candle. When we were through we turned around and found that our entire group was gone! We went outside and couldn't see anyone from our group among the hundreds of people walking about! We didn't know where the next destination was so we couldn't even ask for help in finding it. We were lost! Because our group was so large, there were 80 people all together on our pilgrimage, we were divided into two groups-red and green. As we stood outside the church wondering what to do we noticed some of the red group members moving toward the side chapel so we followed them and found that the red group was just finishing their tour. So we stayed with them and when their tour of the Duomo was complete we followed them to the Piazza del Campo, the city square, where we found our green group as they were splitting up for lunch and free time. What a relief! </span></div>
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The Piazza del Campo was encircled with restaurants and we enjoyed a very relaxing meal after being frazzled by our experience of being lost. We were treated to a beautiful impromptu concert by one of the waiters during our lunch. The waiter's voice was angelic as he sang an traditional Italian song, but we were so surprised to turn around and see that this singer with an Italian voice was actually Asian! Italy it seems, is a melting pot much like the United States.</div>
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Many of the restaurants we visited had a large television sharing world wide news. This restaurant also had a television, but instead of showing the news, we viewed scenes of the famous Palio de Siena, a famous horse race that is held twice each year in the Piazza, once on the Feast of the Visitation and the other on the Feast of the Assumption. The entire Piazza is covered with sand for this popular race which is so treacherous that many of the bareback riders are thrown from their horses. Each horse represents a contrade, or district, of Siena.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mA_Pe5R8FXntlxAqVtBDIbRIPe89O4WfcwGBJ3R8COIZuGAi3ePXgVRNBmE5iUp0ktiaPtsXHm7UktJ91Lueu2o56PmQ5mO7RA34cn5uf5YgV3bJvzeCvzulFlQHagcdE5fEOSX6tZ3B/s1600/s46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mA_Pe5R8FXntlxAqVtBDIbRIPe89O4WfcwGBJ3R8COIZuGAi3ePXgVRNBmE5iUp0ktiaPtsXHm7UktJ91Lueu2o56PmQ5mO7RA34cn5uf5YgV3bJvzeCvzulFlQHagcdE5fEOSX6tZ3B/s400/s46.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piazza del Campo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piazza del Campo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lunch at the Piazza del Campo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fonte Gaia-Fountain of the World</td></tr>
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After lunch we had some time to wander around the Piazza, relax in the sun and visit some shops. Paul and I stopped in a quaint little grocery store. It truly was little consisting of only three rows of food but included what looked like an amazing butcher shop and bakery. We had been looking for a restroom but couldn't find one anywhere so I asked the baker if he could help me. He led me to this display of pastas and grains and told me that it was the bathroom. I was a bit confused but soon discovered that the wall opens to reveal a bathroom! It was the most interesting and amusing experience we had in Siena! </div>
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From Siena we travel to Loreto, one of my favorite spots on the itinerary!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bathroom door!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul, exiting the bathroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Chefs</td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-33843317092706826382016-10-20T15:53:00.002-05:002016-10-21T08:20:16.167-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: Assisi<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitazPNLpwD8YVOHkJN3uB6IXR31DsDrPc1ddkcVTsewp-P355z14V-4W28L0yfX4X9PzZTKx_OkBIxL6gVUi09MBMwpQUyNl0qooOo95D_S7qf_m16K2JjwWLwTyhr3jG6HFRhnl8vcIBU/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitazPNLpwD8YVOHkJN3uB6IXR31DsDrPc1ddkcVTsewp-P355z14V-4W28L0yfX4X9PzZTKx_OkBIxL6gVUi09MBMwpQUyNl0qooOo95D_S7qf_m16K2JjwWLwTyhr3jG6HFRhnl8vcIBU/s400/a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mountain mists of Assisi</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o5er08kpu6m8_P0Pg9Srzs-ZQ-QvQqx7gTHEQaxLv_Yzb2aUbtWTcLqeJfSyYaxX3brcWazRatdU5Ykar8AMLqS1HO1r9u9Eic4_9rfecQBHKJkPRVWBATeXbcHPV46-HehHVacPxC-v/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4o5er08kpu6m8_P0Pg9Srzs-ZQ-QvQqx7gTHEQaxLv_Yzb2aUbtWTcLqeJfSyYaxX3brcWazRatdU5Ykar8AMLqS1HO1r9u9Eic4_9rfecQBHKJkPRVWBATeXbcHPV46-HehHVacPxC-v/s400/a1.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Assisi was instant love. Who wouldn't love it? Not only were its churches magnificent and it's religious history profound but the city had an old-world charm with winding and steep cobblestone streets, buildings covered with flowers and plants, and windows and doors that captivated my heart. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our stay in Assisi felt like a step back in time and was much too short.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My deepest prayer in Assisi was for peace, especially for peace in my hometown of Milwaukee which has been so beleaguered by violence in recent months, and for my pastor, Fr. Tim Kitzke, who has been named the Vicar General for Urban Ministry in Milwaukee and is working so hard to bring peace to our city. I know that my prayer for peace, united to the prayers of St. Francis, was very strong here in the saint's hometown. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtqqUW6IrWmopS6CwYCO_fwXSelUP_oNkXWpTtytDiiBoZ_lkFDDTJlh7cR1q5Virbf25vN37Pn0DP9nsdEyhgvwgrL-MvGhN9QuqcbY7LK747GzQvT0SUTu2F9Eej1JwO_JnI6WCDZ1y/s1600/a15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtqqUW6IrWmopS6CwYCO_fwXSelUP_oNkXWpTtytDiiBoZ_lkFDDTJlh7cR1q5Virbf25vN37Pn0DP9nsdEyhgvwgrL-MvGhN9QuqcbY7LK747GzQvT0SUTu2F9Eej1JwO_JnI6WCDZ1y/s400/a15.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMluYUuHBTvEEuMSjB9OBsWEa3MZ9bHPUBLTHWz0bpHEoNBUrNWs0eiQ8nCEOlNE0djQjTjuEjOqQUasyObKSB3sKFD7QPEiVgHEpjZGdjdpTKF2El5p9i5hBZ_5b1pT0Fy-9v3yuQQBEe/s1600/porziuncula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMluYUuHBTvEEuMSjB9OBsWEa3MZ9bHPUBLTHWz0bpHEoNBUrNWs0eiQ8nCEOlNE0djQjTjuEjOqQUasyObKSB3sKFD7QPEiVgHEpjZGdjdpTKF2El5p9i5hBZ_5b1pT0Fy-9v3yuQQBEe/s400/porziuncula.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Portiuncula of St. Francis <a href="https://www.blogger.com/By%20Starlight%20-%20Own%20work,%20Public%20Domain,%20https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=736271">(source)</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was late in the day when we arrived. Our first stop was a quick visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels at the bottom of the hill of Assisi which holds St. Francis' Portiuncula and the Transito where St. Francis died. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside of the Basilica and, because Mass was going on, we had to move quickly and quietly through the church so I don't have a lot of memories of what it looked like inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, there is one particular memory of the Basilica that will live in my memory forever. Just as we were moving toward the end of the tour and getting ready to leave, Patrizia, our fabulous guide, told us to turn around so we could see a miracle. And there, on the pillar ledge, sat two white doves. Patrizia told us that those doves are always there and never leave. I was in awe because who else but St. Francis, who preached to the birds telling them to be grateful to God, would have the long-term devotion of these beauties in his Basilica? Later that night, back at our hotel room, I posted a picture of those doves on my facebook page and was then even more in awe when my friend George left this comment: "They're still there? They were there ten years ago when I visited Assisi!"</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the miracle of the doves at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Besides The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels we also visited The Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, where we were able to pray before her incorrupt body, the Church of St. Damiano where St. Clare had her monastery, and had time to explore on our own. Needless to say it was a busy day! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We weren't allowed to take pictures in any of these churches. At first I thought that was unfortunate but considering how outrageously gorgeous they were, it really was a blessing because I wouldn't have been able to put my camera away, there was just so much to see and take in! What really amazed me about the Basilica of St. Francis was that it was actually two churches, one right on top of the other! I sincerely could not tell that from looking at the outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Still, I really would have liked pictures because I wanted to be able to see the inside of The Basilica of St. Francis again. It was so marvelous and no matter how long we would have stayed there it wouldn't have been long enough to admire and pray with all of the beautiful frescoes. So I'm glad that I found a website where I can view all of the beauty of those churches right online, and the quality of those pictures is much greater than any I could have taken. I encourage you to pay this website a visit and enjoy and pray with the images you find there. You will be most happy that you did! <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-san-francesco/photos">http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-san-francesco/photos</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica of St. Francis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We followed the monks right inside!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xoOsZ-xOwAmBjvw-SPNRtdqex4UriGLIQRhJjW05bFYwxwBkrJXEbXuIMvjAEZVxNDiZWwOGcrnzAtxEHNYfvMJqPAq_yrbivifu-TssJgcvkYxESbnpn8gFgNXQkJA86rnNYJZWu3ql/s1600/a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xoOsZ-xOwAmBjvw-SPNRtdqex4UriGLIQRhJjW05bFYwxwBkrJXEbXuIMvjAEZVxNDiZWwOGcrnzAtxEHNYfvMJqPAq_yrbivifu-TssJgcvkYxESbnpn8gFgNXQkJA86rnNYJZWu3ql/s400/a6.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Francis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Bae982t-RRaWhjP7rGQoXR9zyRqbDyKkENxXUg9QlPbXtTccpY4jffYKL6vkb_05Xs_8maZgWHEOxBwNKdDRNP91VIy40rAYWnAOgdjCFeS-AkdTEBgHXp6SUzc_gImd9yrfSGhNEaXE/s1600/a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Bae982t-RRaWhjP7rGQoXR9zyRqbDyKkENxXUg9QlPbXtTccpY4jffYKL6vkb_05Xs_8maZgWHEOxBwNKdDRNP91VIy40rAYWnAOgdjCFeS-AkdTEBgHXp6SUzc_gImd9yrfSGhNEaXE/s400/a9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the Basilica of St. Francis<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Further down the hill from the town center of Assisi we found the San Damiano Monastery where St. Clare established her order of nuns, the Poor Clares, and also where she died. Bishop Don shared these facts about St. Clare with us: She was born in a noble family whose plan for her was to marry a noble man. Then Clare saw Francis acting out the Gospel in a radical way and she snuck out of the house and met Francis who cut her hair and helped her to make her consecration. According to legend, her family came to get her to bring her back home but as they tried to lift her she became very heavy and they weren't able to move her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bishop Don commented that it might be easy to criticize her family for their unhappiness about Clare's decision to become a consecrated nun but her family was much like the parents in the 1960's whose kids became hippies. In a way, Francis and Clare were like those hippies but in a religious context. And, as is true even today, sometimes parents can be the biggest obstacles to religious life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Regarding San Damiano, Bishop Don said that while Francis was out evangelizing, Clare was here praying. There is a story regarding Saracen soldiers who came to attack Assisi. All of the nuns were in terror but St. Clare bravely took the monstrance containing the Holy Eucharist and carried it to the window at the top of the monastery where she blessed the Saracens with it and they all fled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before she died, she was too sick to get out of bed so the Mass miraculously appeared on the wall of her cell. Because of this she was made patroness of television.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The order of Poor Clares is very austere and due to that austerity Pope Innocent IV only approved her order two days before she died. When we made our way through the monastery, we climbed steep steps that led to a large, bare room, the very room where St. Clare carried the monstrance to deter the Saracens. It was this room, on beds of nothing more than straw, that St. Clare and her sisters slept. After so many hundreds of years, the building itself maintains its austerity.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8X_9GbtJpbNsjn4OpHQXzD0rrxJW1npdZHhSsLQXMUx_thHyidmZPvmUS96Dyn3ON3iI8qdrBxcUK3y20FpbgYzIN3YUYJ7IiyKOoB6unV8X4KKJ0gt9fETbGp-duK0RPlNGZ1b2VEIM/s1600/a12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8X_9GbtJpbNsjn4OpHQXzD0rrxJW1npdZHhSsLQXMUx_thHyidmZPvmUS96Dyn3ON3iI8qdrBxcUK3y20FpbgYzIN3YUYJ7IiyKOoB6unV8X4KKJ0gt9fETbGp-duK0RPlNGZ1b2VEIM/s400/a12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Courtyard at San Damiano Monastery as viewed from the room where the nuns slept</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With the time that we had free to explore I wanted to look for a St. Francis holy card for a sweet little friend of mine from church. I mentioned this to Bishop Hying when we had finished lunch and he suggested that we go back to the Basilica of St. Francis and look in their gift shop so that our purchase would support the church. So Paul and I took his advice and we began our adventuous journey. Now I've always prided myself on my sense of direction, but I think that St. Francis was trying to shake some of that pride off my soul, because I insisted that I knew the way to the Basilica but I only succeeded in getting Paul and I lost. Luckily, Paul's sense of direction is not askew and he was able to get us to the Basilica, but not before we discovered a little hidden treasure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We found an intriguing staircase and couldn't resist exploring. At the bottom we were surprised to discover the birthplace of St. Francis himself! The small room has been made into a church and the door was open for visiting.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICx9Ogea-8GMIHen9SzD-hGjF9HqfSmCLPK5z0GDRrYhF6mJrAyhHt9O5Y3wRoekoSJDmu7pDlD2Y2scbQDACVu2Kh8ltVQG56RMz4X7yXpWxsEefRJoFEn8wvY6Byrcns92-_42ABTTa/s1600/a16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICx9Ogea-8GMIHen9SzD-hGjF9HqfSmCLPK5z0GDRrYhF6mJrAyhHt9O5Y3wRoekoSJDmu7pDlD2Y2scbQDACVu2Kh8ltVQG56RMz4X7yXpWxsEefRJoFEn8wvY6Byrcns92-_42ABTTa/s400/a16.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the steps leading to St. Francis birthplace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oratory of San Francesco</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After our brief visit to the oratory we continued on our way through the winding. twisting roads of Assisi. We stopped at one of the many restaurants for our first Italian gelato. The pistachio and lemon were both divine! Paul and I were a little amused when we heard the Beatles singing "Love Me Do" on the gelato shop's radio. As our time in Italy continued we found that it was a common occurrence to hear American rock music like Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name" playing inside many gelato shops and gift shops. I suspect that Italy caters a bit too much to the tourists. In actuality we would have preferred to hear authentic Italian music playing at the shops we visited instead of American music!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We eventually found the Basilica of St. Francis and there was Bishop Don standing in the upper church praying with the frescoes! We were surprised to see that he had gotten there so quickly as we had left the restaurant before he did. He must have taken the direct path while we were wandering the long way!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our wayward excursion to find the Basilica of St. Francis</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we arrived back in the village we had just enough time to stop inside the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva before our bus took us back to the hotel. The exterior of the church seemed very out of place in Assisi and the explanation is that it was actually an ancient temple of the Roman Goddess of wisdom, Minerva, having been built in the first century right over her burial place. Over time the temple was abandoned and when restored was used as a church and then a prison and then a church again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-temple-minerva">From Sacred Destinations:</a> "In </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;">1539</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">, Pope Paolo III, making a visit to Assisi, ordered the Temple of Minerva to be completely restored and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, queen of true wisdom. The temple then took the name of </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;">Santa Maria sopra Minerva</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">(St. Mary over Minerva). </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In 1613, the </span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">bishop of Assisi donated Santa Maria sopra Minerva to the friars of the Third Regular Order of St. Francis."</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we stepped inside the church we found another group of pilgrims praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and they welcomed us to pray with them. How amazing it was to pray inside of a church with a 2000 year history!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our next stop: Siena!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria Sopra Minerva</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Altar inside the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">some of the reasons I fell in love with Assisi</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zb5ddS_YmnE3c3BXfcThafxHhzs5XkGI5kdmVbVnlgNk9prf_LeNOnGpLCQNv2TzQxTvRSKHIkMkLtUuwBVqRiPlte3xWCzh3a5Ia-GJl0bD2m0ugfZwoqqsh5xz0TrSs1P250OeQRGb/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zb5ddS_YmnE3c3BXfcThafxHhzs5XkGI5kdmVbVnlgNk9prf_LeNOnGpLCQNv2TzQxTvRSKHIkMkLtUuwBVqRiPlte3xWCzh3a5Ia-GJl0bD2m0ugfZwoqqsh5xz0TrSs1P250OeQRGb/s400/a4.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really got a kick out of the shutters and how they opened halfway to let in air and light</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course we had to take a picture of the chef!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.catholicfaithstore.com/Store/Products/SKU/3241/Prayer-of-St-Francis-Gold-Framed-Print.html#.WAoTAfkrLcs">source</a></td></tr>
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Anne Benderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795710781396825094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-41763952264471086552016-10-19T00:00:00.000-05:002016-10-20T10:08:37.814-05:00Italian Pilgrimage: Florence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Florence as viewed from Piazzale Michelangelo</span></td></tr>
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I never in my wildest dreams imagined that one day my
husband, Paul, and I would travel to Italy, yet there we were for an amazing ten-day
pilgrimage filled with graces and wonders.
We traveled with Bishop Donald Hying of the <a href="http://www.dcgary.org/">Diocese of Gary</a>, Indiana, <a href="http://www.pentecosttours.com/">Pentecost Tours</a> and the<a href="http://religiouslife.com/"> Institute on Religious Life.</a> Our
tour guide, Patrizia, was fabulous! She
took amazing care of our group of 80 pilgrims, always watching out for us and
our interests and teaching us so much about her gorgeous country and our beautiful
faith. We feasted on delicious food each
day and drank more wine than was reasonable.
And, most precious of all, we had daily Mass! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garments of St. Francis of Assisi at Uffizi Gallery</td></tr>
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With our hearts full of prayer for our friends and family, our country, our Church and our souls, we arrived in Florence, a bustling and vibrant city, tired
from the long flight, but excited for the adventure that lay ahead of us. We visited magnificent churches including the
Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore, the fourth largest church in Europe, Santa
Croce where Michelangelo and Galileo
were buried, and the Uffizi Gallery where we marveled at religious art and even
discovered the garments of St. Francis of Assisi! We celebrated two Masses in Florence, one at
San Giuseppe and the other at St. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Michele
Gaetano</span>,</span> where Cardinal Burke celebrates Mass and ordinations when
in Italy. The vestments that Bishop
Hying and the concelebrating priests wore at St. Michele’s were antique; I believe they were several hundred years
old!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mass at St. Michele Gaetano <br />
(photo credit Bishop Donald Hying facebook page)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mass at San Giuseppe<br />
(photo credit Bishop Donald Hying facebook page)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sante Croce</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeHG3-HuRLPqcn-caMSCTnPavGKWlV_s-am2CRnHZY4wLVSFYkvQ6OEDhk931HxDwNTVILPIw6QM-1QSYjpVL-Rb_UqbvY8779UKRzCHXvIEbEkIXPW16QBg8qedvk9I0sft3upj1-Qeg/s1600/florence+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeHG3-HuRLPqcn-caMSCTnPavGKWlV_s-am2CRnHZY4wLVSFYkvQ6OEDhk931HxDwNTVILPIw6QM-1QSYjpVL-Rb_UqbvY8779UKRzCHXvIEbEkIXPW16QBg8qedvk9I0sft3upj1-Qeg/s400/florence+4.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore</td></tr>
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One of the most charming experiences we had in Florence occurred during lunch at an outdoor cafe on a narrow street just outside of San Guiseppe's Church-I wish I had written down the name of the restaurant, but sadly, I didn't. We watched as a dog ran into the open door of the restaurant across from us and saw the employees feed him some scraps. Then the dog ran into the open door of the restaurant where we were eating and he received more scraps. While the dog was enjoying his second lunch, his owner ran into the restaurant and scolded the employees for feeding his pet. We would never have seen something like that happening in Wisconsin! <br />
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No matter which building we entered, whether it was a church or a museum, the tour guide was sure to point out the flood markers. On November 4th, 1966, Florence suffered a horrific flood of the river Arno which caused over 100 deaths and saw the water rise to 22 feet. As you can imagine there was much destruction to the beautiful churches and artwork in the city and the tragic event has remained at the forefront in the minds of all Florentines. We marveled at the amount of repair work that must have been undertaken to restore the treasures of Florence. You can learn more about the flood<a href="http://theflorencediary.com/2015/03/10/the-1966-flood-in-florence-the-mud-angels/"> here.</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cinabrio.over-blog.es/tag/elemento%20liquido%20vital/">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for flood in florence 1966" src="http://theflorencediary.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/deb4edf55879cf2123b3df08c69fa53b.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="391" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The square in front of Piazza del Duomo after the flood <a href="http://theflorencediary.com/2015/03/10/the-1966-flood-in-florence-the-mud-angels/">(source)</a></td></tr>
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We didn’t think we could possibly see anything more
marvelous than Florence and its historic churches and art that had been painstakingly restored as much as possible since the flood, but then we traveled to
Assisi where even more amazing beauty and rich faith experiences awaited us. I instantly fell in love with Assisi! That story is soon to come.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My favorite artwork at the Uffizi Gallery </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmCVkm1ng6dBXazyeDbuOAceE6Z7SRbHMa1WsyrpWs8NwdYVQE1_3U7tPABt6ykw1mVbBHx1mihEQa_ZOi31UO02nZvMzMzmMs96V5b2K9Lub-oyf3uaiW5BfCOWGUm1hTCQP3yujD0f1/s1600/florence+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmCVkm1ng6dBXazyeDbuOAceE6Z7SRbHMa1WsyrpWs8NwdYVQE1_3U7tPABt6ykw1mVbBHx1mihEQa_ZOi31UO02nZvMzMzmMs96V5b2K9Lub-oyf3uaiW5BfCOWGUm1hTCQP3yujD0f1/s400/florence+5.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and Child</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o2fJQPUkCfdvlMdFDGzOXNY-VSNMDdlYlZUUR0akX7KNcF539qHtkvdE75CyHIdrj8WpjTjLSqhO4pNKIEdurDHRMiBNOe9s2ZhY7TwQWSxNYbMOd4Ta31BXCLMpgxO784sYcsCRWiRy/s1600/florence+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0o2fJQPUkCfdvlMdFDGzOXNY-VSNMDdlYlZUUR0akX7KNcF539qHtkvdE75CyHIdrj8WpjTjLSqhO4pNKIEdurDHRMiBNOe9s2ZhY7TwQWSxNYbMOd4Ta31BXCLMpgxO784sYcsCRWiRy/s400/florence+6.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Anne with Mary and Jesus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVPAu7dMYhP4l-ARbdFh6_qFDA_C_zsyjmITbk7Z-BAqmBMoUO1wUHbQm6Ladvn6pubcaU0BjvbfAPqV_HyonXBYaR2LiUsaZlJhTJcVRf14Wd21Ca-WTVxrx-JxArsy0G-NP0DHYlvfU/s1600/florence+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVPAu7dMYhP4l-ARbdFh6_qFDA_C_zsyjmITbk7Z-BAqmBMoUO1wUHbQm6Ladvn6pubcaU0BjvbfAPqV_HyonXBYaR2LiUsaZlJhTJcVRf14Wd21Ca-WTVxrx-JxArsy0G-NP0DHYlvfU/s400/florence+7.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother and Child</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNaTiAn_OEr_Ac2dDGYIq23oqsAZnWRbvk9jAR-9eiRIxBGRzZ4Ezj8KN87UB1Y5dW-3UPMe001fMpRkSth-Vxppx-trneWyffKqtwkiFV03sNnmn68x6eaO-aBaOGBXdlRX_BJin77ux/s1600/florence+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNaTiAn_OEr_Ac2dDGYIq23oqsAZnWRbvk9jAR-9eiRIxBGRzZ4Ezj8KN87UB1Y5dW-3UPMe001fMpRkSth-Vxppx-trneWyffKqtwkiFV03sNnmn68x6eaO-aBaOGBXdlRX_BJin77ux/s400/florence+10.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying the cross</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crucifixion</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOD9_MrZEG_JKYd9_J5yrGtCCYQim6Cpowc5ZSQUJraXA4n0LwoQLyZeooSsAhXAWG11Gl3rQCfQu5cDZrH_7Np6IjwFYhY4w_5ORxA4zzsjsXnEjdVanffOxR7R-AnT9aoCZT1Z8RK8U/s1600/fl+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Scenes from Florence churches</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4EGXqmp_hQcVRGD1d4JXxSMSKZiIUqZMackvIBBKZ-jYmAEE07YvCHY4Fno-3KaEwwkQVNACyBhQgfaaLakQMGgdVTDsm0PE_m_1T65K_hvOIk3CG6vleASRVIle6LqTHBm2Q8RgdtEp/s1600/fl+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4EGXqmp_hQcVRGD1d4JXxSMSKZiIUqZMackvIBBKZ-jYmAEE07YvCHY4Fno-3KaEwwkQVNACyBhQgfaaLakQMGgdVTDsm0PE_m_1T65K_hvOIk3CG6vleASRVIle6LqTHBm2Q8RgdtEp/s400/fl+1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibfQYgK6CcoL_qUj4_Bwds2TDVqk_lrHL4m5-yOxclArhwHiZYrJ0ag_csbz0fQ0t3L4wEVIMzW94tKq0aMnPyzsbWhhi4E_smzQZntRlntpd3Xgnp36h8lMP81-tDuURuv-BuDminfIr/s1600/fl+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibfQYgK6CcoL_qUj4_Bwds2TDVqk_lrHL4m5-yOxclArhwHiZYrJ0ag_csbz0fQ0t3L4wEVIMzW94tKq0aMnPyzsbWhhi4E_smzQZntRlntpd3Xgnp36h8lMP81-tDuURuv-BuDminfIr/s400/fl+3.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lord in the arms of God and the angels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQz_NIFa5aWvzF_qfTAg57vPK7kY4F7q99OzTmXhai-PRXSR5SxVekA1rq-yjiC0znk0KS9332r_-DdIpC9pknRyNIBNTfLK2xTP5oCEp4bDdmUoQDt6ZXdbjnM_Aieym_jw8LbtvWKes/s1600/fl+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQz_NIFa5aWvzF_qfTAg57vPK7kY4F7q99OzTmXhai-PRXSR5SxVekA1rq-yjiC0znk0KS9332r_-DdIpC9pknRyNIBNTfLK2xTP5oCEp4bDdmUoQDt6ZXdbjnM_Aieym_jw8LbtvWKes/s400/fl+4.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crucifixion</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Scenes from Florence</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzaz64DjrmTf_H8ivJ1vEjAC1L1V8Monb1spmBVqfAmMvVRJuqvQ4C2yPpLcPmYgDOWfi8sh7kEzcNm_JjKTPY5yJNe-77K9D1nIB4yIMa7yAXRulWGvQe9N9zYhtfMi0M9LYO2O-fX1h/s1600/fl+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzaz64DjrmTf_H8ivJ1vEjAC1L1V8Monb1spmBVqfAmMvVRJuqvQ4C2yPpLcPmYgDOWfi8sh7kEzcNm_JjKTPY5yJNe-77K9D1nIB4yIMa7yAXRulWGvQe9N9zYhtfMi0M9LYO2O-fX1h/s400/fl+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best meal I have ever had-so mouthwatering! <br />
The waiter apologized because the mushrooms <br />
weren't quite right but I thought they were perfect!<br />
-from the restaurant with the dog</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk510C0J8EkoaH8SCi19dipKm_jPY5unDPi2OGR-b2ZNZNlMmARBH4eG274eVtixt4cvLXv2TeFB18tVpbiWf2ZUYU6s9Bicuwx8Whipsrok0AHiACuwHNiqQ7Pu1v9ti_WMqHDaY13ICm/s1600/fl+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk510C0J8EkoaH8SCi19dipKm_jPY5unDPi2OGR-b2ZNZNlMmARBH4eG274eVtixt4cvLXv2TeFB18tVpbiWf2ZUYU6s9Bicuwx8Whipsrok0AHiACuwHNiqQ7Pu1v9ti_WMqHDaY13ICm/s400/fl+8.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benches made from bedframes at the restaurant with the dog-so quaint!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-_rnIIxUsoo5dNUD0B34LDc03Ecp8w6LZRuRVmSJpAPUoWy2NYF7RvsXyRZERJC8hEZbNDgqRdBapVen9wLVaM8ggXowILyZlnf8_aKICTLjdca4Y_cxCD3t07hvgugwXP_lnS2lwDR0/s1600/pinocchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-_rnIIxUsoo5dNUD0B34LDc03Ecp8w6LZRuRVmSJpAPUoWy2NYF7RvsXyRZERJC8hEZbNDgqRdBapVen9wLVaM8ggXowILyZlnf8_aKICTLjdca4Y_cxCD3t07hvgugwXP_lnS2lwDR0/s400/pinocchio.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to stop telling lies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrQU60zYKmLd54oj6-pNJJ24looFGEc345uzTnTIjFeRAgvtPuncJZqSYaP_82Uh3mJcfKWo7Pj25NcZ9FU0Mtq3ezjrP5CN2qFWaxdQtFtVymzJwBbrUa4H2UHu8wj7vWp6NFkPipUzb/s1600/florence+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrQU60zYKmLd54oj6-pNJJ24looFGEc345uzTnTIjFeRAgvtPuncJZqSYaP_82Uh3mJcfKWo7Pj25NcZ9FU0Mtq3ezjrP5CN2qFWaxdQtFtVymzJwBbrUa4H2UHu8wj7vWp6NFkPipUzb/s400/florence+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the rooftop garden at Hotel Baglioni at sunrise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF63MeKLtADtmbVFhPh3FVYEDFH_pLi_eSgB2HgYlf55B901ZxlQcqBQBaZ_lZ6A4Y8DPR9h705wP6guJLP9kcXhf3s9do0JUkzshmYZnas_ERbV1WG40nY-UWBD-Cd59IENQn2-xL3tX/s1600/florence+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF63MeKLtADtmbVFhPh3FVYEDFH_pLi_eSgB2HgYlf55B901ZxlQcqBQBaZ_lZ6A4Y8DPR9h705wP6guJLP9kcXhf3s9do0JUkzshmYZnas_ERbV1WG40nY-UWBD-Cd59IENQn2-xL3tX/s400/florence+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy pilgrims on the rooftop garden of Hotel Baglioni</td></tr>
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Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195528409761980551noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970104655551891786.post-18754877654925019132016-10-18T09:25:00.001-05:002016-10-18T17:16:16.234-05:00To Jesus through Mary<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://avangelista.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/st_luke.jpg?w=700&h=&crop=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="322" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://avangelista.wordpress.com/2014/10/18/st-luke-evangelist-and-painter-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the Feast of St. Luke I was blessed to attend a most reverent daily Mass with Fr. Cliff Ermatinger of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee as the presider. Fr. Cliff had not ever presided at daily Mass at my parish as far as I know, and this was the first time that I had ever been present at his Mass. I was deeply moved by how reverent he is! Fr. Cliff spent a great deal of time elevating both the host and the chalice which made for a significant amount of adoration of both. I had never seen that done at such length before and felt that it really helped to keep me focused on the real purpose of the Mass and prevented me from becoming distracted as, sadly, I too often seem to be. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His homily for the feast day was enlightening! He said that not only was St. Luke a physician and an artist, but he was also an historian who personally sought out the sources before writing his Gospel. Although he never met Jesus in person, he had met His mother Mary, and it was through Mary that he learned everything about Jesus. He learned about the Incarnation, the Visitation, the Nativity, and all aspects of the life of Jesus, through the eyes and stories of the Blessed Mother, with whom he personally spoke. How did he know that she pondered these things in her heart? He knew because she told him. And that's why Luke's Gospel is the only one that shares the personal details about Mary's experience.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">St. Luke went to Jesus through Mary, just as we do today! What a great and beautiful example!</span></span>Annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06195528409761980551noreply@blogger.com0