Pilgrimage

What a blessing today was! It not only was delightful weather wise, the whole day was grace filled. A pilgrimage with many of my Dominican brothers and sisters as well as many of my Parish family to Lourdes in Litchfield, Connecticut. A bus trip that brought a group of people together on a journey of faith. This trip saw some changes at the Shrine that show much promise of future visits by more pilgrims.

The Mass was delightful as well as the hour of Adoration we shared before departing back home. God's presence never ceases to amaze me. When subtle changes began happening, I knew more than ever how much he is present during the hour of Adoration. A visual stretch, enough to know how favored this day was. That was the end of the day before parting.

Yet the beginning also had significance, the touch was present and given to another as part of God's love at the end of Mass. I do know from the words spoken during the homily as well, how truly possible it is to live when one has seen. Not a shake up but a confirmation of His truth that is deep within my heart.

Lourdes In Litchfield

The Grotto of Lourdes in Litchfield, a picture of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception as the snow was coming down.
The Grotto
The Holy Stairs up on the Hill
A beautiful statue of Saint Joseph.

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A long drive that should have taken an hour and a half, but I managed to take a different route and ended up farther south in Connecticut. I would have arrived a bit earlier and a bit less snow but it was wonderful to see a different part of a different State. Since going abroad is impossible with no passport or a way to get there, the next best thing is finding one close to home. And since they changed it to passports to cross the border into Canada, that too will be on hold for awhile. So no visit for me to the Eucharistic Congress coming up unless a few things become possible. That too is in God's hands and mine too, can't do much without those. Well anyway, going to neighborhood Shrines gives them support as well as giving me moments of awe and wonder for the love God bestows on us all.