June 23 - Reflections and Return to USA

Well, it has been a wonderful 10-days on pilgrimage.  It certainly has not been without challenges and difficulties, but as I wrote the pilgrims prior to departure - ANY pilgrimage has its struggles and difficulties... it is one way the devil tries to destroy the graces that people receive during their journey.  So, interspersed with photos from throughout our trip - let me (from my perspective) try to share some of my thoughts on the graces of our trip.

On the bus on arrival in Krakow

Mass in the Divine Mercy Shrine

The Barbican in Krakow - part of the old city walls of fortification

Krakow was a time of great blessing.  Beginning our pilgrimage at the Divine Mercy Shrine itself was a clear sign of God's presence with us on this journey.  The first group to arrive was able to join in the 3pm Divine Mercy devotions in the convent chapel - where the earthly remains of St. Faustian rest - and where the image of Divine Mercy is located.  Once our second group arrived, we were able to celebrate Holy Mass in this very special place.

Then we were able to enjoy and tour the wonderful city of Krakow - then reflecting on the horrors of Auschwitz - while recognizing the many Graces that God offered to its victims.  

Contemplating the realities of Auschwitz

Listening at Birkenau - Auschwitz 2

Then traveling to Wadowice - the place where Pope Saint John Paul II was baptized and raised.  We visited the wonderful new John Paul II museum next to the church - in a building what used to be his home.  These days, too, were days of grace and an awareness of God's nearness and God's mercy.

Church where JP II was baptized.

Altar of JP II

Baptismal font in which JP II was baptized

THEN - after such graced moments - the devil began his attacks.  Due to a strike at Italian airports (we have heard rumors that it was due to the Italian soccer game at the Euro Cup), our connecting flight from Vienna to Florence was cancelled.  This caused rebooking... which were not very "user friendly" - but everyone and our itinerary was profoundly impacted.

• We were split into 3 groups: a group of 4; a group of 21; and a group of 8.
• Groups 1 & 2 flew, as scheduled, on the first flight from Krakow to Vienna - but then had a 9 (or 10) hour layover until our next flights:
• Group 1 to Rome then to Florence - arriving about 11pm
• Group 2 to Stuttgart then to Florence - arriving about 10pm
• Group 3 had to remain in Krakow yet another day - but they shared that they had a WONDERFUL extra day in this city - exploring Schindler's factory (where he helped save many Jews from the Nazi camps) and exploring the city of Krakow some more.  But then, the devilish attacks began on this group...
• They flew from Krakow to Frankfort - although their flight was delayed about 40 minutes, causing them to miss their connection to Florence.  They were diverted and rerouted to Amsterdam - yes, Amsterdam - then to Rome - arriving 7 hours later than had been scheduled.  
• AND, 5 of the 8 people arrived, but their luggage did not.  In fact, although they left for the US this morning - they left without luggage.  THIS was a special attack on our pilgrims - as some had put some important items in their checked bag which they'll need (and will not have) on their return.  

Despite these attacks, we continued on and grew closer together as pilgrims as a result.  We were not about to allow the devil to steal from us the many graces of our journey!

Florence - which Group 3 was unfortunately not able to experience - was nice...  A closed Baptistry due to Jubilee Year activities...  And we had hoped to renew our baptismal promises inside.  But this didn't stop us from renewing our commitment to Christ!

Visiting the museum in Florence

Assisi was, as always, WONDERFUL!  It is a place of such peace and calm.  Our visit to Maria degli Angeli provided a good start - then going up to the old town (after waiting for the rain to end) - visiting the churches of St. Claire and St. Francis - our beautiful hotel - the wonderful view - and an evening out on the balcony with our fellow pilgrims.

Then, off to Rome - the Eternal City!  Again, there are so many graces - and temptations to lose them.  Our visit began at the beautiful Paul Outside the Walls - then a bit of rain (which was fine) and St. Mary Major.  All very good - at each place going through the Holy Door, praying for a moment, and moving on.  But the "lost luggage" continued to haunt us.  We have only a 1-hour window in which the airline allows you to call to inquire about your luggage - and judging from the wait time, a LOT of people were effected by the strike on Friday.  Temptation after temptation to despair or become angry because of "things."  But we continued to find ways to overcome our doubt and fear by focusing on God's love and mercy.

At St. Paul Outside the Walls

Looking down toward the tomb of St. Paul

Tuesday was Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the grotto of the Popes.  Here, too, problems.  Because of a "backlog" that morning, Fr. Richards and I waited in the sacristy for more than 1/2 hour - then when we were finally ready - we were told we had missed our time and would not be allowed to celebrate Mass.  Fortunately, the other group's priest (scheduled after us) was kind and merciful - and we promised to finish in 1/2 hour, so they could also have their opportunity for Mass.  The devil is foiled again!

At this point, I went to work - while the pilgrims had a chance to visit the church and shop.  Then I showed them around our office - which is very near to St. Peter's Basilica. 

Our office is the one on the left with the flag on the roof

The afternoon was a visit to the Vatican Museum.  It's HOT!  It always adds to the atmosphere where there is little sleep and lots of people...  We walked through the heat and crowds to the Museum.  The paperwork I was told to bring was not sufficient... one of our pilgrims fell ill... the crowds pushed in on us... the museum was PACKED... the Sistine Chapel was less than spiritual... but we persevered on!

Lunch, then a visit to the roof of the North American College.  Again, attempts to derail us!  There was a miscommunication and the bus driver took us to the American University - not the NAC.  But we got turned back around and arrived at the correct place, went up the elevator to the roof, and enjoyed a beautiful view of the city and St. Peter's.

I was getting distracted, and this is the only photo I have (via Kristlyn) of our time on the roof.

The audience was on Wednesday.  Again, I went to work while the pilgrims awaited the arrival of the Holy Father.  They got a VERY good glimpse as he went by in the Pope-mobile.  They had a good - albeit hot and sunny (and "pushy") experience.  Lunch, the last Papal Basilica - St. John Lateran - the Holy Stairs - and attempt to visit the Gesu (but it was CLOSED - go figure), then Mass with Cardinal O'Brien.  All through this: heat, tired people, lost luggage, lost sleep, lack of public restrooms... but we continued on - not allowing the evil one to win.

the CLOSED Gesu

After Mass with Cardinal O'Brien

And today - arrival at the airport HOPING luggage will be available - but nothing.  Getting on a flight for home without your important and earthly belongings...  one last attempt by the evil one to destroy the graces of our Year of Mercy Pilgrimage.

Throughout the journey I tried to remind our pilgrims of these attacks - and that we discover our true freedom when we can recognize and confront those attacks - and choose God instead.  Perhaps, reflecting on the past 10 days - perhaps this was the lesson - at least for me.

God's grace, God's mercy is ALWAYS available - it is WE who must choose it - or lose it.

Thank you to all who joined me here in Rome - whether here on pilgrimage - or spiritually being united with us through this blog.  Thank you for your prayers and spiritual closeness.

One last reflection... a personal one.  Seeing everyone from "home" - spending time with Fr. Richards... it brought all my emotions back to the surface this morning... But it is God who has me here for some reason He will reveal in due time.

Now, I prepare for my next work trip - Pompei.  I'll blog again next week!