Today we set out for the park where the Saturday Vigil and Closing Mass would be. We began our day with a later wake up time: a rare chance to sleep in and gain back some much needed energy. Little did we know how much we would really need that rest!
After this easy start, Fr. Cesar celebrated Mass in an old Carmelite monastery across the street from our hostel. The monastery is currently being used by Dominican Sisters who care for women with vision impairments. We were especially grateful to them for their hospitality to us today. Fr. Tom preached in his homily about the importance of perseverance, especially since today was the day of our “Big Hike”. Emphasizing today’s Gospel about the beheading of John the Baptist for speaking against Herod, Father told us not to worry about anyone else other than the most important thing, “we don’t need to please anyone except Jesus…He is the one we have to keep in mind”. These words gave me hope during our hike to the site of the Vigil, particularly in the more grueling moments of the 10 mile hike. When we arrived in the late afternoon, all of the pilgrims were tired but expectant: Pope Francis was going to arrive soon!
And when he did arrive, the Holy Father reminded us that we can train and prepare ourselves for certain things, but others must be given to us. “Nothing is free except the love of Christ,” he said, “and that love must be missionary; it must go out to all!” After these encouraging words and some time in Eucharistic Adoration with Jesus, though our bodies were tired and sore, our spirits were prepared for the final Mass on Sunday!!
Patrick Germann
Mass in Convent
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