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Tom & Sue personal pilgrimage: Monday May 30 Day 4

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Buenos Dias, Bonjourno and Boker Tov,

Today is travel day to the Holy Land. Confusing greeting, now you can get an idea of the day we had:  Madrid to Rome to Tel Aviv.

We got wake up calls at 3:00 AM plus I had the alarm set for 3:15, just in  case I fell back to sleep.  Sue and I laid in bed and we could tell by each others’ breathing we were not sleeping, both our minds racing.   Finally, we got up around 11:00 talked for awhile and Susan took half a xanax, but I didn’t want to…..afraid I would sleep thru.  Johna and Sam were having the same problem in their rooms, unknown to us as they watched  TV.

Susan’s breathing confirmed sleep and I laid there with one eye open as the clock struck 1.  Two hours later the phone rang, I answered and 15 minutes later I got up after the alarm went off.

The kids were up and ready to go just as I finished my shower. Our flight was at 6 Am and we were close to the airport but I had to get the kids and the  luggage to terminal 2 and then Susan and I had to return the beast to terminal 1 and walk to terminal 2, So we needed extra time.

Mission accomplished: we checked in and had one hour until the flight  boarded. As we approached the gate we still had time for a quick coffee and toast in the lounge.

The flight took off on time and we arrived in Rome ready to change planes in the same terminal.  The plane unloaded us on the parking  tarmac and we were bussed in. We thought we could go to the lounge and relax for the next flight, but we had to walk from one end of the terminal to the other, only toget on a bus to take us back to where we first landed.

Who runs these companies???

We just made it, but people were late and we sat in  the plane for an hour +, also having lost our place in line.  We all  slept until they shoved something that looked like food in front of us and a  baby two rows up started to CRYYYYY.  Three hours later we arrived in Tel  Aviv, one hour late and exhausted.

Customs wasn’t to bad and we got our luggage and I went for the car rental.  An hour later we were in the lot searching the for the car.   Twenty minutes later we were loaded and ready to go, but no one was around and 20 minutes later we took off after I figured out how to drive it and use the  controls and the I-pad they gave us for a GPS system.

4:00 pm and we were off for Haifa.  Traffic was a bear and we had to  take a pit stop and get water.  By 6:00 pm we were in Haifa at our condo, luggage ready to go down these long stairs, but nobody was home to let us  in.  Twenty minutes later, as we stood there, the owner came back and let us  in.  Amos was very nice and invited us up to his home for some wine and  cheese, which we did until we knew we had to get some food and get organized for  tomorrow.  The kids and I went to the Supermarket and Susan stayed at the  apartment to get our travel plans in order.

We finally made some sandwiches and ate, all of us exhausted and running short of patience ( I think it was me), so we went to bed, all of us praying that tomorrow would be a better day.  You will have to wait to find out.  We were so hassled, we only too 7 pictures all day. See below

Layla Tov,

God Bless you all

Love Tom, Susan and the kids

It’s not too late to send us your prayer intentions, we will present them at all the stops we make along the way:         TSMelillo13@aol.com   

   Prayer to Our Lady in Time of  Trouble

Holy Virgin Mary, you are reigning in  glory, with Jesus, your Son. Remember us  in our sadness. Look kindly on all who are  suffering or fighting  against any difficulty. Have pity on  those who are separated from someone they love. Have pity on the loneliness of our hearts. Have pity on the weakness of our faith and  love. Have pity on  those who are weeping, on those who are praying, on those who are  fearful. Holy Mother,  please obtain for all of us hope and peace with  justice.
Amen.
 
May God Bless Each and Every One Of You!

Tom &  Susan Melillo
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (USA)

 

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Tom & Sue personal pilgrimage Sunday May 29, Day 3: Feast of Corpus Christi in Spain

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Buenos Dias

6 AM  came early, but I was up and refreshed.  I let Susan and the kids sleep while I finished the first trip report.  I snuck down for a couple cups of coffee and started to get hungry when I saw the breakfast buffet.

I didn’t want to eat alone so it was up and at’ em.  We still had a full day ahead and needed to leave by 9:30 at the very latest.  Susan and I went down and got a table and by time the kids got there we had eaten. They had showered so we went up and did the same.  After a good full breakfast (our next meal would be around 5)  we headed out slightly behind schedule. We didn’t care we just re-arranged the day.

First stop was mass in Colomajaro, close to Prado, where our dear friend Father Guillermo was stationed after his ordination last year. (Parking “the beast” was another problem, until I finally saw a handicap spot.  I limped getting out of the truck till we got around the corner.) We had been with his dad, Tony as we call him, yesterday and met him and Carmen, his wife, for Mass.  Lots of hugs and kisses again and we settled in for mass in a very full church.

(editor’s note:  Tom likes to name his rental car for each pilgrimage, so in this case it is “The Beast”)


Corpus Christi processionIt was Corpus Christi Sunday and all the churches in Spain have processions before or after mass.  With rain threatening they had the procession first, so we left our hard-to-find seats and processed out behind the first Holy Communion children and Fr. Guillermo and Jesus. I stayed back after a short walk, this time really limping, and took photo’s.

After the procession we stood in the back of the church, for our seats were gone.  Mass was beautiful and the children receiving Jesus for the first time is always special to see. Another priest said mass and Fr. G sat in the confessional for those who needed it. Sam and I both went to confession after the service was over.  They wanted us to have lunch with them but we had a tight schedule and promised we would on June 19, when Susan and I came back to Madrid.

We came here also for a special reason.  Last year the sisters gave us the rosary that Amparo the visionary prayed with until she died..  When she died she gave it to Florita, our adopted mother who died before we got to see her last year. They all decided that we should have this precious relic, including Fr. G. so they gave it to us. We spent a year with this delicate and special rosary using it with great joy, but we felt it should be home in Spain with Fr. G, who new Amparo so well and was very close to her. So  with great love and bitter sweet joy we gave it to him before we left.  He was shocked and excited and argued with us only a little. Again more tears, hugs and kisses and we finally departed our loving friends.

The kids wanted to go back to Prado to say prayers for intentions and get some pictures and holy water so we did before it started to rain again.  When we were there the caretaker we had come to know over the years came out and gave us some new brochures they had done finally in English. Susan asked him if we could venerate the tree under which Our Lady stood and he went for the key. The kids got to go first and were overwhelmed and they will have to tell you their own feelings. As for us it never changes, we get light headed and the emotions flow freely  ( I need some visine)  to be able to touch that sacred place.

We all stood around and split up the 10 pages of intentions we carry and prayed for each one before the place of the Apparition of the Virgin and each of us left those sheets and put them in Her intention box.  Pictures were done and we collected some miraculous water from the spring and left just as the rain came.

Off to the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos, only 15 minutes away, and we arrived as the rain stopped.  This place is incredible  as many of you know that have been here. The kids were pretty speechless as we explored this giant underground basilica.  It still takes your breath away each time you come. (see Photos below)  I almost got thrown out again, as I got caught 3 times sneaking pictures, but I managed a few.

Time to eat!! So we headed to Madrid and to Consuela and Umberto’s home for dinner.  Never got lost and parked “the beast” 100 ft from her home. They gave us each a cross of Christ made from wood from the tree of the apparition at Prado, so we got something special for giving away something special.  Our Blessed Mother is so good.  It was a great afternoon of good friends, good food and a lots of laughs. (also more hugs, tears and kisses. But, we had to leave rather early since we had to get up at 3 AM to catch our flight the next day for the Holy Land.  We bid farewell, Susan and I will see them again before we leave to come home, and headed for the hotel to pack, load the beast and hopefully sleep.

See you tomorrow.

God bless all of you,

Love,

Susan Tom and the Kids

Mary, Help of Those in Need

Holy Mary,
help those in need,
give strength to the weak,
comfort the sorrowful,
pray for God’s people,
assist the clergy,
intercede for religious.
Mary all who seek your help
experience your unfailing protection.
Amen.

 

 

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May 28, Day 2: Tom & Sue Arrive in Spain, off to Prado Nuevo

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Buenos Dias,

Well we arrived safely from our overnight flight, well-fed and a little rested.  Sleep is never easy on a plane.  We got to the car rental and Susan went to take our picture but the camera was missing.  I am not going to say who left it on the plane, so I won’t embarrass her, of course she blames me, so we decided to let it go.  I continued to rent the car and Susan and Sam went to lost and  found, 4 times sneaking thru security.  Two hours later, we had retrieved the camera and my cell phone that I left in the camera bag.  (editors note:  this may have been the first miracle of their  pilgrimage)

Our van for the pilgrimage
Not quite what we ordered, but we will take it

At the car rental I waited 1/2 hour to get the first car, that was a stick shift, and I rented an automatic.  I told them and they said they would get me the right car.  A half-hour later, a 9-passenger van pulls up, but I wasn’t going to argue so I switched the luggage over and went back to the terminal rental counter where Johna waited as the go between.

Finally after 3hrs in the airport, we were off undaunted by our hold up, anxious to get on our way.  We had to modify our plans and after dropping off our luggage at our hotel we went to Our Lady of Prado Nuevo to meet our friend Consuela.  We were one and one half hours late, but she was there in the chapel with Eucharistic Adoration.

We hugged, we kissed and we cried and then we went to eat.  Hungry, since the bread and croissant at breakfast was harder than the coffee cup!  We drove into town where there have to be 100 tapas bars and restaurants, but we only found a few parking places that would fit 1/2 of the van….and forget the parking garage.

Dinner was at a place similar to Chuck E Cheese
Dinner was at a place similar to Chuck E Cheese

We ended outside of town at the Spanish version of Chucky Cheese with 30 kids screaming and partying.  They had parking and we enjoyed the pizza anyway.

The sisters at "The Ship"
The sisters at “The Ship”

It was raining hard so we went from there to the Ship……the home for the elderly without families and destitute.  We go every year we are here and the Sisters have an open door policy for us. Again there were lots of tears and hug and kisses and Sam and Johna got right into it, especially with the elderly women.  They all love to hug and kiss, pretty  much anyone.  Most are in their 80-90’s and suffer from some dementia but they are warm and loving.

The statue that wept for 8 days
The statue that wept for 8 days

The sisters took the kids on a tour of the facility and to the chapel where the statue of Our Lady of sorrows is protected and kept.  The statue was attacked one evening and hacked in the face with a hatchet.  During the following 8 days after the attack 6 of the sisters witnessed the statue weeping real tears.  These sisters are so holy….this makes you understand why.

We bid farewell, Susan and I will return on the day before we come home, more hugs and kisses.  Our plan was to stay for the Rosary at the ash tree where the Blessed Mother appeared and then go to Mass, but the rain changed that as well as jet lag, which was setting in hard.  We needed sleep. We bid Consuela good bye. We would have dinner with her and Umberto, her husband, on Sunday.

We said our rosary on the way back, as well as Divine Mercy, and then got lost 3 times because I was not very attentive and missed several turns.  But we finally made it and Susan and the kids got the luggage out of storage and I parked the truck in the garage.

Still hyped somewhat, we opened a bottle of wine and had a glass for a toast.  We planned the next day, and after another glass of wine, it was lights out, 8:30 pm, 2:30 pm  EST in the U.S.

Buenos Tardes

God Bless all of you.

Love Susan, Tom and the kids.

 

May God Bless Each and Every One Of You!

Tom & Susan Melillo
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (USA)

E-Mail: TSMelillo13@aol.com

Prayer before a Crucifix

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity; true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment.

While I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Thy prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus: They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.”

Amen.

 

 

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May 27, Day 1: Departure from Miami

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Friday, May 27
Hello from Miami:
Well we got this far and are finally relaxing in the Admirals lounge.  A drink took the edge off, and boy, did we all need one!  Now I know how it is to have kids!!!  This will be a great experience only because we love our two kids that are with us.
Johna is okay…..actually, she is great. Sam…..I will get into that later. Both Johna and Sam have never been to Europe and their excitement keeps us calmmmmm.  I am just glad I brought the cane so I can pull him along by the neck as he stops to talks to everyone.
Going thru security was the funniest since he took everything off he didn’t have to and putting it back together was more than comical. We were so hassled getting out of town and returning the rental car that the first picture I took was of the two girls just as Sam came out of the toilet.
Johna, Sam and I went to 8:30 Mass today.  Susan had to stay home to finish the e-mail additions and all the prayer intentions.  Thank you for responding and be assured you will be in our prayers.  We have a few hundred and they are all written down and each of us has a copy to carry and reflect upon as we pray.
We are almost ready to board the flight for Madrid so I will finish this tomorrow.  We arrive 7 30 am Madrid time and rent a car. We will drop off our luggage at the hotel and head for the Valley of the Fallen and the to Our Lady Of Prado Nuevo and will meet many friends.  I’ll let you know how the kids do.
Photos attached. Have a great evening
May God bless all of you
Love and prayers
Tom, Susan, Johna and Sam

Sub Tuum Praesidum 

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God;
Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Amen.

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Official approval of Marian Apparition San Nicholas Argentina

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At what would later become the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in San Nicholas, Argentina, a woman reported receiving many messages from the Blessed Mother.  The apparitions began in Autumn of 1983 and continued through February of 1990.  On May 22, 2016, the local Bishop gave official approval of the apparitions as “worthy of belief”

Here is his pronouncement:

Dear Brother Bishops:

Twelve years as pastor in San Nicolas and having followed this Marian event with faith and responsibility, I know from the beginning have grown in the decision to admit to my diocese.

I worked in consultation with experts and witnesses and aware that the duty to monitor or intervene rests primarily with the local ordinary, I assume, as the bishops who preceded me, the decision to support, guide and testify about this event in San Nicolas.

I judged the fact according to two criteria: Positives and negatives and in both cases there were no errors.

I discerned on three specific criteria, namely:

Event Is naturally occurring? Can it be work of the enemy? Is it supernatural origin? And the answers to these questions left me sure that it is the real and positive fruit exceeding mere human action.

On the occasion of the Jubilee of Mercy of the pilgrims from the Diocese, I announce this valid decision for the flock which I guide and accompany with it the presentation of a book entitled “SPIRITUAL SCHOOL OF SANTA MARIA DEL ROSARIO DE SAN NICOLAS” highlighting the most important teachings in the messages she gives us for our commitment to everything he tells us because he is the culmination of revelation.

I promulgated it this Sunday, May 22 at the Mass for pilgrims from the Marian Shrine and celebrating this jubilee on the seventh anniversary of his coronation.

Thus:

On those assertions, AND AS DIOCESAN BISHOP ENTITLED TO THIS KIND OF STATEMENT; MOTIVATED BY A SENSE OF AWARENESS FAIR DECREE WITH MORAL CERTAINTY, GOOD INTENT AND HOPE; FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENTS OF INSIGHT SUGGESTED BY THE HOLY SEE; SEEKING GREATER GLORY AND THE SAKE OF OUR CHURCH; CALLING ON THE NAME OF GOD ALMIGHTY FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT, THE NAME OF MARY OF THE ROSARY OF SAN NICOLAS, IS YOUR HUSBAND SAN JOSE, ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPERNATURAL CHARACTER OF HAPPY EVENTS WITH GOD THROUGH HIS FAVORITE DAUGHTER JESUS ??THROUGH HIS MOTHER MARY, THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH HIS LOVELY WIFE, WANTED TO MANIFEST HERELF LOVINGLY IN OUR DIOCESE

FINALLY AND HOW THE HOLY MOTHER HAS TO HEAVEN ON BEHALF OF ALL THE DIOCESE, THAT IS IT, BY THE EVER QUEEN AND LADY OF SAN NICOLAS DE ARROYOS
.
On the 22nd day of the month of may of 2016

OBISPO MONSEÑOR HÉCTOR SABATINO CARDELLI

(TRANSLATION BY MiracleHunter.com)

 

 

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Exploring the rich Catholic history of Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Guest post by Teresa Bergen  www.teresabergen.com

Even if you don’t usually go to daily mass, the sound of church bells might draw you to Santa Fe’s impressive cathedral at 7 am. Especially if you’re staying by the plaza. It took three minutes to walk from my room at the Inn & Spa at Loretto to the Saint Francis Basilica, and ten minutes to walk to the Guadalupe Shrine. Daily mass two days in a row probably qualifies as my personal best.

If you enjoy Catholic history, exploring old churches and chapels, and shopping for Mexican and Native American-influenced Catholic art, you’ll have a great time in Santa Fe. In four days I managed to visit four churches or chapels (each with a gift store), walk through a Stations of the Cross garden, buy some Virgin of Guadeloupe souvenirs and still have plenty of time to do lots of secular touristy stuff. Here are a few good stops to make when visiting this special city.

*San Miguel Chapel*

My favorite stop was the San Miguel Chapel. This charming little Mission-style chapel was built by Tlaxcalan Indians from Mexico in the early 1600s. Locals claim it’s the oldest church structure in the US. My airport shuttle driver told me that Santa Fe debates Saint Augustine about which has an older church structure. Saint Augustine has the oldest church structure with a foundation, he said, but San Miguel is the oldest church built right on the ground. I can’t settle this debate, but I can say it was a fun place to visit. A helpful volunteer docent stood by to answer questions.

Must-see features of the chapel include the altar screen and the bell. The altar screen, or *reredos,* may have been designed by an anonymous artist known as the Laguna Santero. He worked in New Mexico from about 1796 to 1808. A statue of San Miguel (Saint Michael) dating back to 1700 takes pride of place on the reredos. Four oval paintings also adorn the screen: Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Colette of France and Saint Louis IX, King of France.

The old bell dates back to 1356. The story goes that Christians were losing their fight against the Moors, until they vowed to craft a bell dedicated to Saint Joseph. Everybody relinquished their gold and silver-plated jewelry, which was all melted down to make the three-inch thick bell.  Writing in 1908, Reverend W.J. Howlett described the bell as embodying “the richness of gold and the sweetness of sacrifice.” The famous bell made a cameo in Willa Cather’s novel “Death Comes for the Archbishop.” Best of all, visitors can hit the old bell with a mallet! It does make a sweet sound. You can also look down through panes of glass in the sanctuary floor and see old adobe steps from the 1600s.

Admission is one dollar. The San Miguel Chapel offers Sunday masses in both Latin and English, and periodic evening concerts. Click here for more information on San Miguel Chapel

*Santuario de Guadelupe (Shrine of Guadelupe)*

The Virgin of Guadelupe is extremely popular in New Mexico, so it makes sense she has a shrine in Santa Fe. Visitors can’t miss the shrine due to the large, beautiful statue outside, which is especially pretty when lit up at night.

Initially a mission church at the end of the Camino Real – a massive road running from Mexico City to Santa Fe – it’s had a 200+ year history. Though the shrine fell into disrepair and closed at times, it’s a thriving parish church today. When I visited on a Wednesday at the ridiculously early hour of 6:30 a.m., about 40 people were there.

The shrine’s most outstanding feature is the altar screen painted by famous Mexican painter Jose de Alzibar in 1783. The painting was transported to Santa Fe by burro.

The history room behind the left side of the sanctuary displays a collection of old photos, art and lovely old stained glass windows depicting Mary. The gift shop behind the history room has many saint-themed souvenirs.

The shrine is open from 9 to 4 daily, or you can go for 6:30 daily mass.  Click here for more information about the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

*Saint Francis Basilica*

If you go downtown at all, you’ll see the cathedral towering over the plaza and silver shops, and you’ll hear the church bells ringing every 15 minutes. This is the site where a church was first built in 1610, the year the city was founded. The original cathedral was destroyed by an Indian attack long ago, and has been rebuilt or remodeled several times. Its current incarnation dates back to 1887. In 2005, Pope Benedict elevated the cathedral to basilica status. Stained glass windows depict the twelve apostles. Seven archbishops are buried beneath the sanctuary.

The 7 a.m. daily mass is celebrated in a little back chapel dedicated to Saint Joseph. The altar screen depicts scenes from Joseph’s life painted on wood. Locals and visitors convene for mass at the cathedral. I was especially impressed by a uniformed police officer sitting in the front row. He was so devout, he brought his own milagro-adorned cross for his personal devotion. Not a sight I’ve seen back home in Portland.

The Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross

Behind the basilica is a Stations of the Cross Garden.

The metal sculptures capture the torture of Christ’s passion, which is hard to bear.

Click here for more information on the Cathedral Basilica

*Loretto Chapel *

The Loretto Chapel is probably Santa Fe’s most visited Catholic site, though the chapel has been desacralized. The Church of the Antioch offers services on Sundays. It’s also a popular place for weddings.

The miraculous staircase at the Loretto Chapel
The miraculous staircase at the Loretto Chapel

The chapel’s miraculous staircase has spawned many a story. Some believe that Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, carved the beautiful wooden spiral staircase. I also heard that the chapel burnt twice, somehow leaving the stairway untouched.

While the chapel is lovely and historically interesting, it’s not the place to go for a quiet moment of contemplation. During my visit, a loud recorded history played nonstop. The chapel is open from 9 to 5. Admission is $3.
Click here for more info on the Loretto Chapel

And that’s just the Catholic history. Santa Fe has more than 100 art galleries, fabulous museums, restaurants, Southwest-themed shopping, Native American culture, and many nearby places for hiking and biking. This city is a terrific place to vacation.

 

About the author:  Teresa Bergen lives and writes in Portland, Oregon. She’s the author of Vegetarian Asia Travel Guide and has penned hundreds of articles about travel, nutrition, health, fitness and yoga. Her articles and internet content appear in many periodicals, including MSN Healthy Living, travelandleisure.com, Northwest Travel & Life, the South China Morning Post and Whole Life Times. She’s the vegetarian editor of Real Food Traveler and holds a BA in journalism and an MFA in fiction writing.

 

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Will US citizens need passport to fly within USA?

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Beginning in 2016, residents of four states and one territory in the U.S. will not be able to use their driver’s license as ID on domestic flights.  Those states are New York, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and the territory of American Samoa.

The reason for this is the states involved do not require proof of citizenship in order to obtain a driver’s license, or their licenses are not sufficiently tamper-proof.

Back in 2005, an act called the Real ID Act was passed, and is being phased in gradually.  The passport requirement will be phased in beginning in 2016 (the exact date has not been announced).  It is expected there will be a grace period of several months.

Considering how many U.S. citizens do not have a passport, this could possibly lead to some surprises at the airport, not to mention the possibility that the passport offices might be overwhelmed with applicants, leading to long delays in issuing passports.

 

 

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Our 33-day Pilgrimage Review from Tom & Sue

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Bon Jour:

Tonight it will be back to “Hi” and English after our trip home.  We can’t believe our “Personal Pilgrimage” is over already.  Although it was an arduous trip at times … the 33 days flew by.

We spent yesterday in the apartment hotel that I had booked outside of Paris and we packed and caught up on e-mails and the like.  I even made veal goulash for dinner, since we never made it back to the restaurant in Krakow to have real Polish Goulash.  It was pretty good if I do say so myself.

Our flight leaves at 7:00 AM your time and we get home around 9:00 PM if everything runs on time. It will take several days to shake jet lag, do laundry and go through the stacks of mail.  But I look forward to that, at home, watching American TV.  If we could stay any longer, we would be back to Krakow. Did I tell you I love Krakow?

Spiritually, this was a very rewarding trip.  And, as we saw so much suffering of pilgrims visiting so many Shrines, we offered up all of our Prayers, pains and suffering for so many people that it made our problems seem small.  We have been blessed to have been able to make so many of these “personal pilgrimages” and see and experience so many things.  We thank God and Our Blessed Mother every day for their Blessings.

We hope your journey with us was as rewarding for you, and we thank you for the Special Intentions many of you sent to us to Pray for, as well as all of the support that we got from your e-mails as we traveled. The back seat of the car was filled with all of you, though … and you were all very orderly.

Our plane from Paris to Philadelphia was on time after we spent a little time in the American Airlines Lounge relaxing.  I tried to spend the last of our EURO but the cheapest thing I could find at the airport was $ 3.5 EURO (less than 4 bucks) and all I had left was $ 3.41 EURO … I was 12 cents short so if anyone needs some EURO, I have some.  Susan and I shared many laughs on the flight from Paris and relaxed and had some fun.  The laughing stopped in Philly!

Once in Philly, we went through customs before heading to our connecting flight to West Palm Beach.  DON’T EVER CONNECT THROUGH PHILLY!  Customs was bad (but not as bad as Miami International).  Going through Security to get to our connecting flight was a nightmare, but we finally got through.  Our flight was late in boarding which was a good thing … the walk/run to get to the other side of the terminal and to our gate was far, far away!

The plane from Philly to PBI was a 1970-1980 “Vintage”.  My seat was broken and I got yelled at twice when we finally were ready to take off 1-1/2 hours later because my seat was not in the “upright position”.  The Attendant finally realized it was the plane’s problem … not mine.

Good thing we were still on pilgrimage because I thought the plane was going to blow up at any time … the engines sounded like they were on their last legs.  (See Last of the Photos).  So I calmly put our “safe flight back home” into God’s hands (thank you, God, for the safe return home).

Sam & Johna waited patiently for our return flight and they had planned to pick us up when we landed.  They were there when we had retrieved all of our luggage.  It was more than rewarding to see both of them after the flight on the Wright Brothers 3rd Plane!

Sam & Johna had stocked up our refrigerator with “vulture” eggs, bacon, English Muffins and all of the goodies one needs when they arrive home after a long trip.  They had turned our water back on and collected our mail for us … what great friends!  They had also brought along some wine, so the four of us tasted it together until it was gone.  Then we graciously “threw them out” because “Jet Lag” had overtaken both of us.  It was almost midnight … almost 6:00 A.M. in Paris.  A long, long travel day was finally over.

On Friday we managed to get unpacked (somewhat), got the laundry done, sifted through the mail and I made a feeble attempt at the supermarket to get a few things … nothing was an easy task with our brains and bodies still “jumbled”.  We spent most of Friday and Saturday in our “jammies” except for Morning Masses to offer our Prayers of Gratitude.  I thought about wearing our “jammies” anyway but decided against it.

This morning (Sunday), we surfaced at our normal 8:45 A.M. Mass and we were very happy to be back at our “Cathedral Home” with so many friends who have followed us on our journey.  Still jet-lagging, we finally returned home after the 10:30 A.M. Mass and have been looking at the stacks of ironing still left to do … while both of us are complaining that we brought too many clothes with us … oh well … the joys of returning home after a long journey.  We still have to unpack some small gifts and the “trinkets” we bought for our “Pilgrimage Shrine” at home but all will be done when we return to normal.

So, as always, I end with a review of our “Favorite” and “Not So Favorite” moments, memories and experiences from this, our “7th Personal Pilgrimage”.  It wasn’t easy deciding on them after driving approximately 3,000 miles during our journey, but we will give it a try …

OUR LIKES, LOVES AND FOND MEMORIES
Mountain Range Driving (Alps, Cantabrian, Pyrenees) (TOM LOVED)
Supermarches – Carrefours (Supermarkets)
Lots of King-Sized Beds and Big Showers
No cell phones, no voice mail, no texting
The opportunity to join the Sisters for Mass in their Monastery Convent at Notre Dame de L’Hermitage in Noiretable, France, reverence the Statue of Our Lady, being invited to join them for lunch and to learn to communicate between French and English.  Meeting Father Jean (Rector), Sister Marie Paul and Sister Susiac “a/k/a Sister Flower” (the happy Nun).
Mountain Climb, Mass & Lunch in Orcival & Olby, France with our Cathedral friends, Brigette & Richard
The “Wine Cellar” in Fougaron with “Be-Be & Bob” at their B&B
The kindness of Sister Patricia Mª of the Trinity of Jesus in Agreda, Spain
A return to Our Lady of Prado Nuevo Shrine (outside Madrid), Florita’s Grave, Father Guillermo and his Parents, finally meeting Consuelo & Humberto,  Mass in the Capilla, the Rosary, seeing Sister Pilar again, “Amelia”, the Religious Sisters and the Senior Residents at “The Ship” in Prado Nuevo and receiving Amparo’s/Florita’s Rosary Beads.
Visiting our friend, Beatriz, at her Hotel Rural la Concordia in Monzon de Campos and having her surprise us with news of her pregnancy … wonderful!
Our 5th trip to San Sebastian de Garabandal, the Parish Church, Father Rolando, Sari & Papa, Los Pinos, Michael & all of the wonderful memories. Our gratitude to Father Rolando for all of his “special kindnesses”.
Meeting Father Robert Witwicki at the Basilique Notre Dame de Verdelais, France and his time and kindness spent with us (although much too short).
When arriving at La Solitude Holy Family Shrine in Martillac, France, we were surprised to be told that a Sister Catherine was awaiting our arrival to show us around.  Just sorry we didn’t have more time to spend with her.
Cracow, Poland – EVERYTHING … Visiting Cardinal Dziwisz, Father Tomasz (our memories  together, dinner, laughs and friendship), the Churches, the Saint John Paul II Experiences, Divine Mercy Shrine, Wadowice, Kalwaria and our driver & new friend (Tomek).  DID WE TELL YOU WE LOVE CRACOW (KRAKOW) AND THE ZLOTY (?????)
Wonderful friends, Sam & Johna, for taking us to the airport when we departed, watching over our home and picking us up on our return.  If they were reading the Trip Reports, they would know that we have thanked them (LOL, Sam & Johna!)
All of the friends … old friends and new friends, that we met along our journey that were so kind and gracious to us … we are forever grateful to all of them.
33 Days of Prayer & Reflection with little interruption and all of the Sacred Shrines we were Blessed to travel to and Pray in.

 

 

OUR DISLIKES AND NO-SO-GOOD MEMORIES
Mountain Range Driving (Alps, Cantabrian, Pyrenees) (SUSAN SERIOUSLY DISLIKED)
Avis Rent-A-Car in Paris – Aggravation picking up and returning the “BMW” (Not the Mercedes I ordered and extra charges I am fighting)
Finding a Laundromat in France or Spain
It’s lazy of local shop-keepers in Spain and France to close in the afternoons!  I often needed to buy things during “Siesta Time”.  This should be banned (LOL – STUPID!)
Motorcycles and Traffic Jams on Highways
When we were in Spain, there were too many Spanish people there  (only joking).  The receptionists spoke Spanish, the food was Spanish, everything was Spanish.  No one told us that there would be so many foreigners in Spain. (LOL – STUPID!)
Parking Garage in Zaragozza and the $ 350.00 scratch on the “Beemer”
Disappointment that our time did not permit us to stop at the Church of St. Eulalia in Bordeaux and meet Father Didier Monget.  The Church were the father of St. Therese de Lisieux was Baptized.
Arriving at Santuario del Cristo de la Agonia in Limpias, Spain to find it closed again … our fourth time traveling there and only gaining entry twice … that’s too bad.  (But we stayed outside and Prayed in front, knowing that Jesus and the Miraculous Crucifix were just inside the door.
Driving the treacherous roads to get to Our Lady of Lekitio, Spain
U.S. Customs “Welcome Home” Attitudes
Philadelphia Airport, Security and Delays
The “Antique” Plane from Philly to PBIA

THE END OF OUR PILGRIMAGE AND RETURN TO REALITY … SINCERELY DISLIKE!!!!

 

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June 16th..Our Last Day in Krakow

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Good Evening = dobry  wieczór,

Well, it’s our last day in Poland and we decided to hire a tour guide to take us to the places we wanted to go and couldn’t get to.  Specifically, the birthplace of Saint John Paul II, and the church where he offered, and committed himself, to Our Blessed Mother at the age of 9.

The army coffee was great and we were packed and out front to wait for our ride just before 8:00.  Promptly at 8:00 our car drove up and Tomak our driver loaded our stuff. He was a wonderful guy and spoke perfect English. I informed him of the change of plans, that we had to go to the new Shrine of Saint John Paul II at Divine Mercy.  He said it would take too much time, because it was a long walk, but I told him we could drive right there.  I don’t think he believed me, but off we went and drove right up to the front of the Shrine.

I didn’t tell him we had a priest meeting us at 8:30, which was the exact time we arrived.  He had never been there and was as amazed as we were at the magnitude of this tribute to St. JP II as well as the fact that we had a personal guide.   He took the camera and we went off with the priest for our private tour and it was great and he followed a little stunned as he told us later.  This is a must if you ever come here but unfortunately it is not finished and they are short of funds and need help to complete the project but I think it will get done.
Father was wonderful but had a doctor’s appointment and had to go to,  so did we, in order to make the 2 shrines we had yet to see and get to the airport on time.  Tomak was a great driver and I just totally relaxed as he chauffeured us to our next stop.

It is a tradition here to have a slice of "Pope's cake"
It is a tradition here to have a slice of “Pope’s cake”

We arrived at the home of St. JP  II and after a coffee and some Pope cake we went to the church next door first where he was baptized and went to mass most of the time.

We got to touch his Baptismal font as he did when he first returned here as Pope.   It was pretty special.  I needed a toilette, and when I got back, it was so crowded at the home of St. JP II that we had to leave and head for the shrine  at Kalaweia and the weeping Madonna.

When we finally got up the hill and entered the church, Mass was in progress and Susan and I just went in to attend.  Our Photographer had the camera and we didn’t care or worry, we had what we wanted, Mass and the  Eucharist.After Mass we didn’t have much time but we did get to visit all 13 chapels in the shrine that St. JP II said we all very special in their own way and they were.

Not wanting to go, but knowing we had to, we headed out for the airport about 1 1/2 hours away and our flight back to Paris.  We had decided  that even though we had a free day tomorrow, we were not going anywhere and  were just going to relax before the flight home Thursday.

Our final trip reports...we hope you have enjoyed traveling with us.
Our final trip reports…we hope you have enjoyed traveling with us.

We arrived and managed to find the hotel shuttle and got our room and the luggage we checked here and spent the night in.  I wrote trip reports and Susan started to organize and pack for the trip home.  We had a pizza and some pasta for dinner and a couple glasses of wine and were asleep by 10, I  guess.

Au Revoir;

Love Susan & Tom

 

 

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June 15th The Cardinal of Krakow

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Dzien Dobry;

We slept in a little longer today, since our visit with Cardinal Dziwisz had changed from 9 AM to noon.  If it were 9 AM, we would have missed it since we are finally relaxed after the past month’s journey.

Mass at Saint Mary's Basilica in Krakow
Mass at Saint Mary’s Basilica in Krakow

I made the army coffee and it wasn’t as messy as I have gotten the procedure down and woke Susan and we checked our e-mails, showered and headed outfor Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica.  They had a Mass every 1/2 hour until noon, and the one before us was crowded, as well as ours it was nice to see.

What do you get for a Cardinal? Flowers seemed like a good choice.
What do you get for a Cardinal? Flowers seemed like a good choice.

Mass, as always, is the best way to start the day and after Mass we stopped at the flower mart in the square and bought some flowers for the Cardinal.   We had brought T-shirts from the Diocese for world youth day, and trying to figure out what to buy a Cardinal was impossible, since we had tried to do this all along our journey.

Father Tomasz gave us a warm greeting.
Father Tomasz gave us a warm greeting and a very special tour

We got to the residence with two minutes to spare and were ushered in to the2nd floor and the offices. Father Tomasz, the Cardinal’s Episcopal Secretary, heard us and came out immediately to greet us with a big hug and buziaki’s.(kisses)  We haven’t seen each other in over 3 years but it  seemed likeyesterday.  The Cardinal was still in with some guest, so Fr.  Tomasz took us on a special tour of the residence.

He first took us to the Private Chapel of St. John Paul II, where he was ordained and resided before being Pope as the Bishop of Crackow.  He used this chapel for his  office with a desk to one side as Bishop and when in Cracow as Pope.  He  spent many hourspraying there, and just being there brought tears to our  eyes.

Fr. Tomasz left us alone for a few private moments as we prayed to the beloved Saint and venerated the relic with his blood.   The  depiction behind the altar follows the life of the Saint and is beautiful. Fr. Tomasz explained it to us and said we could take  pictures knowing we send them out to all of you at night as he has been  following our journey as well.

The window where John Paul II greeted the young people
The window where John Paul II greeted the young people

We then went to the famous Pope’s window, where Saint John Paul II first welcomed the youth of Cracow, arriving to meet him.  This continued each time he was in Cracow, as it became a tradition.  We saw it from where he  stood.  How good is that?

Tom & Sue with Cardinal Dziwisz
Tom & Sue with Cardinal Dziwisz

The Cardinal was done so he came out to greet us, and again, it was just like yesterday from when we met him at a reception after his Mass on PalmBeach. I was not sure if he recognized us, but he smiled as if he remembered, slapping my hand when we first met him in Palm Beach, when I just  wanted to kiss his ring.  Today I finally got to and so did Susan.  She was so nervous being so close again to St. John  Paul’s best friend and confidante of over 40 years.  Who would know him  or love him better better?

A special gift...a rosary given to him by Pope Francis
A special gift…a rosary given to him by Pope Francis

We went into his private office and he went to a box on his desk to get something out and thought otherwise and went into the next room and came back and presented Susan with a Rosary from Pope Francis. He gave her one the last time we met from Saint John Paul II,, I think he remembered.

He gave a Pontificate Medal of Saint John Paul II to me. We were both speechless.  We gave him his flowers and the world youth day T-shirts which he looked over and threw the smaller of the two at Fr. Tomasz.

The Cardinal has a great sense of humor and I told him he had the devil in him.  Fr. Tomasz reminded him how we met while waiting in line at the reception in Palm Beach waiting for the toilette.  Now you know why I always check out the toilettes wherever we go, because you just know who you are going to meet and where it will take you.

The Cardinal nicknamed me “BIG TOM” and Fr. Tomasz was “LITTLE TOM”.  We spent a couple more minutes and took a photo op and the traditional 3 kiss good bye since the Cardinal had a new Pastor waiting  for him.  He promised a much longer visit next time and we went back to Fr. Tomasz’s office to solidify our dinner plans for tonight.  More hugs and busiakis and we left much elated for the opportunity given us and to have been so close to the life of Saint John Paul II.

When we got to the ground floor and the Guard gave us some literature from the Cardinal and asked us if we wanted to see the exhibition of St. John Paul II.  We thanked him and told him we where here yesterday and saw the whole exhibit and left.

Walking up to Wawel Castle
Walking up to Wawel Castle

Susan had to sit down, I think she was emotionally spent and needed to regroup. We rested and talked for while and then headed for Wawel Castle and the Cathedral where St. JP II said his first Mass.  Talk about tight security and no photos allowed it was even hard for me to sneak one.  We  spent over an hour there and could have spent the day, there is so much to see, but wehad not eaten and it was almost 2:30.

Stopped along the way for a bite....great sausage!
Stopped along the way for a bite….great sausage!

We stopped at food stand in the farmers market and had a sausage to hold us over for our 7 PM diner with Fr. Tomasz.  We went back to the apartment and rested before leaving for dinner.  (I’m getting used to this resting)

Dinner with Father Tomasz
Dinner with Father Tomasz

We arrived at the restaurant at 7:00 and Fr. Tomasz shortly after casually dressed in jeans and a shirt.  We discussed dinner and wine for the evening and then proceeded to have a great time, with a lot of laughs and a couple minutes of serious conversation.

Georgio with Father Tomasz
Georgio with Father Tomasz

Georgio (from Italy) who knew Father, came over to the table to greet him and introduce himself.  He sent  us a Sambuca and I sent him our bill. LOL  He laughed, but he didn’t pick  it up.  Hugs and kisses with Georgio and we departed the restaurant and  walked with Fr. Tomasz for awhile.

He told us we had to go back to Divine Mercy to see the John Paul Center being built and that it was on our way to Wadowice and Kalwaria, where we were going tomorrow.  He called a priest friend of his and told him we would be there around 8:30 and asked him to meet us and show us around.

It was time to say good bye and we all hugged and buziaki’d, promised to keep in touch and God willing meet again soon.  It was a great night with  a great friend.

Couldn’t get back to the Apartment fast enough and before I could lock the door Susan was sleeping clothes and all, she did manage to get her  shoes off.  That’s my baby, when she’s tired she’s fast.

Dobranoc,

The Three O’clock Hour of  Mercy
Immerse Yourself  in My Passion
At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially  for sinners; and, if only
for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion,  particularly in My
abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of  great mercy for the
whole world. I will allow you to enter into My mortal  sorrow. In this hour, I
will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request  of Me in virtue of My
Passion … (Diary, 1320).
Love, Hugs and  Buziakis,
Susan &  Tom

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1949 Saint
John Paul II
This is a switch, since The Catholic Travel Guide has posted our whole trip for the 3rd year, I am using one their reports which is below.   Thanks guys.
May God bless  all of you … Always!

Thank you for sharing our 2015 “Personal Pilgrimage” with  us!
Tom & Susan Melillo
Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33418 (USA)
E-Mail:
_TSMelillo13@aol.com_ (mailto:TSMelillo13@aol.com)