Pleasant Greetings from SAC, USA! Thanks God for the blessings of life – good health, peace, joy, love, among others! And happy to be back after our 12-days European pilgrimage (Sept. 12 – 23, 2011), to the Marian apparition shrines around Portugal, Spain, and France.
Due to my pilgrimage, I missed our SacCatholicForum held at the Radisson Hotel on Sept. 16, but notes were provided by a friend. We had as speaker Thomas Smith, co-author, “Adventures in Revelation: The Kingdom yet to come”; he discussed his experience ‘From Mormon, to Baptist, to Catholic: The scenic route to conversion’. Mr. Smith shared his conversion from sixth generation Mormon missionary to Catholic Evangelist. As a dynamic, acclaimed scripture scholar, he equipped the audience with great hints and tools to share the faith fruitfully with others. Down to earth and engaging, he brought humor and passion as he connected faith with practical life to audiences across the country.
Our spiritual pilgrimage started on Monday, Sept. 12, as our group of 38, headed by Fil-Am Fr. George Snyder, gathered at St. Mel’s church at 8:30 AM, to get into the bus to SanFran airport for our AF 83 flight to Paris at 3:30pm. We arrived Paris at 11:30am Tuesday, then took the flight to Lisbon, Portugal, arriving there at 2:50pm. Components of pilgrimage are the daily Masses (sometimes two), Prayers / Meditations, Considerations for Safety and Security and for Others. We got sufficient tips on Do’s and Don’ts (I am a Pilgrim, not a Tourist!). Thanks God and Mama Mary, I maximized the Blessings derived from the journey (including celebrating my memorable birthday)! During the journey, I shared hotel room with 86-year old Dorothy (white, fellow parishioner). Here are the highlights:
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Sept. 13, Tuesday: At Lisbon, our tour guide met and brought us on a bus panoramic tour around Lisbon including the Basilica of St. Anthony, St. Jeronimo’s Monastery, and Belem Tower. We continued on to Santarem, one of the oldest cities in the world and home to one of the oldest Eucharistic miracles (Fatima). After settling at our Hotel Cinquentenario (about 200 meters from the Shrine), then after dinner, we joined pilgrims around the world in the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession.
· Sept. 14, Wed: Anniversary of our Lady of Fatima. We spent the day in and around Fatima as we joined pilgrims in the celebration on the day of the anniversary of our Lady. In the Cova da Iria, we visited the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica with the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta, and the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In Aljustrel and Valinhos, we visited the two homes of the little shepherds, Stations of the Cross, site of the 1st and 3rd visit of the Angel of Peace, site of our Lady’s 4th Apparition. We stopped at the parish church and the cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. After dinner at our hotel, we joined pilgrims from around the world in the nightly rosary and candlelight procession where Fr. George led one mystery in Pilipino.
· Sept. 15, Wed: We left Fatima to Avila, Spain. Upon arrival, we walked the narrow cobblestone streets of the city as we trace the life of St. Teresa of Avila. We visited the Monastery of the Incarnation, Teresa’s cell and the relics of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross, and the Cathedral of Avila. We continued on to Madrid, where we had a panoramic tour of the city, viewing the elegant squares of Puerto del Sol, Alcala’s Gate, Memorial Park of Retiro and the famous Bullring. Then to our Hotel Praga.
· Spt. 16, Friday: We drove to Zaragoza to visit the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar, the 2nd most popular pilgrimage site in Spain. We kissed the magnificent altar in the Basilica, built on the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the apostle James. We saw the Assumption of the Virgin marble statue and the numerous chapels and artworks inside the Basilica. We continued our drive in the beautiful countryside on our way to France along the Pyrenees Mountains on our way to France. Arrived Lourdes late afternoon, settling at Grand Hotel Moderne (100 meters away to the shrine). After dinner, we participated in the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession, amid heavy rains and cold weather.
· Sept. 17, Sat: We visited the historic and spiritual sites associated with Bernadette, the visionary child of Lourdes. We began at the Grotto of the Apparitions, then continued on a guided walking tour visiting the Basilica of St. Pius X, Bolly Mill, Soubirous family home, the Basilica of the Rosary, Miraculous Spring, and two major components (the healing baths and Confession). After dinner, we joined pilgrims from around the world in the nightly Rosary and procession. Much thanks to Rui B. and Richard (guide and driver)!
· Sept. 18, Sunday: We departed to Rocamador. The Shrine of our Lady of Rocamador is known as the 2nd most famous natural and historical site in France. We visited the Holy Redeemer Basilica, Our Lady’s Chapel, the Black Madonna statue and the Museum. We continued on to La Salette, then settled at Hotel Mercure Brive.
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Sept. 19, Monday: We visited the shrine in La Salette, where we had a special concelebrated Mass with 7 priests, highlighted by a talented priest with his guitar and amazing voice singing various languages, including Pilipino (ala E. Humperdinck). Later we went to Ars to visit the Basilica where the incorrupt body of St. John Vianney lies, then continued to Paray Le Monial, home to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We visited the Chapel of the Visitation where Jesus exposed His Sacred Heart to Margaret Mary Alacoque during a number of apparitions. Settled at Hotel Napoleon.
· Sept. 20, Tuesday: We left to Nevers to see the places associated with St. Bernadette. On the St. Gildard convent grounds lies the chapel containing the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette. We visited the museum with historical documents, the convent grounds, and the statue of our Lady of Waters. During Mass, my personal intentions on my birthday were offered, with healing anointments. During dinner at Hotel Diane, before desert, got pleasant surprise when lights went out, then came out sparkling cake, candles blown, and ice cream was served for everyone. After photo ops, thanks God for memorable Bday!!!
· Sept. 21, Wed: We left for Chartres; the magnificent 13th century cathedral lies in the medieval-looking town of Chartres, home of the veil worn by the Blessed Virgin Mary. We continued to Lisieux to visit the places associated with St. Theresa of Lisieux, the family home (Les Buissonets), the Carmelite convent and the Basilica. Rested at Hotel Campanile.
· Sept. 22, Thursday: We left for Paris, the ‘City of Lights’. We had a panoramic city tour focusing on the Cathedral of Notre Dame, St. Vincent de Paul Chapel, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and a drive through Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and a stop at the Eiffel Tower for pictures. Settled at Hotel Novotel Collegien.
· Sept. 23, Friday: At 6:30am, on our way to CDG – Paris airport for our 10:40 am AF084 flight to San Francisco, arriving SFO at 12:50 pm. Then took the bus ride to St. Mel’s Sacramento, arriving at 5:00pm where Sean was waiting with his Jeep. Thanks God, happy to be home!!! Much thanks to Mark and Frank (guide and driver)!
Attached are 4 photos of family and friends’ gathering / get-together. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!
Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
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