We had breakfast, mostly coffee after last nights late dinner, and met Carmine at the foundation a little after 9. I got lost driving since most streets are one way and the 1 minute drive turned into 15, but we made it.
We went to the foundation to meet with Anna, who runs the foundation and we spent almost two hours there looking at the photos and testimonies of many people and listening. The photos were actual pictures of the Blessed Virgin and Son as they had appeared, although not as clear as actually seeing Them.
Watching a video in Oliveto Citra
We watched a DVD of the miracles of the sun and the red cloud that was seen by all within 6 miles, as well as testimonies from the parish priest and others who were touched by these events. Carmine and Anna then told the whole story as it first happened in 1985.
Anna’s two children were both part of the twelve that saw her. It was incredible. We also heard of the latest apparitions and miracles that have happened here, all as we stood looking at the shrine of Our Lady of the Castle.
Carmine gave us a great history of the castle, that goes back many centuries.
Carmine then gave us a tour of the former castle and the museum and we learned of the history dating 1000 years before Christ. The valley is rich in history which includes ancient stories of Spartacus and Hannibal, as well as some Greek influence.
At one point he stopped and paced then went to his knees told us that this was the spot were he saw the Blessed Mother the second time, when there were only 4 of them. Susan asked where she was standing and he said where Tom is standing and I almost jumped out of my shoes and moved to the side.
This was all very special just as much as the next hour we spent at the site of the first apparition where we went at noon to pray the Angelus, which is part of the whole days events. It started to rain and I got our 2 umbrellas from the car and we went to the site of the first apparition just past the gate, which Anna opened.
Our group grew as we stayed and prayed the rosary and heard everyone’s testimonies. It is awe-inspiring to hear the stories as to how people came to be here.
As we stood there and were beginning to pray other pilgrims joined us and before we knew it there were 12 of us, all in deep prayer. We each took turns to say a prayer or give testimony of the reason we were there. Carmine translated and we were in awe at what we heard. After each testimony of faith or a miracle we prayed holding hands and finished with the Angelus. It was beautiful and peaceful and we all felt such a close bond to each other as we all departed.
Carmine was off to a wedding and we told Anna that we would be back at 3 for the rosary (if it’s raining they usually forgo the rest of the day and the procession).
The rain moved in and we could not even see the nearby buildings.
We went back to our hotel and watched the rain come down so hard and the clouds move in so at times we couldn’t even see in front of the hotel let alone the castle. So here we sit hopping for a break in the weather to continue our pilgrimage and as Susan so eloquently said during the prayer service that we come here to pray for those whose intentions we have carried with us.
Susan wasn’t feeling well again so she laid down and I decided to go out to try to get something to eat. I think it was around 5 – 5:30 and as I got down to the lobby the rain stopped.
As I went to the car the sun came out and before I got in I looked up and got the thrill of my life as I stared at the sun and watched it almost dance in the sky. I couldn’t take my eyes off it and it pulsated and pulsated like it was going to explode. It then became calm and I could almost make out a face and then it started pulsating again and then the face again appeared again on the sun but I couldn’t make it out except for the eyes and mouth were very distinct. I don’t know long I stood there until it all stopped and the sun returned to a normal ball with a pale yellow hue and gently disappeared behind a cloud. If I had the camera I don’t even know if I could have taken pictures.
It was awesome and as I drove to the store I just didn’t know what to think. I don’t know of anything that could make that happen even though I tried to reason that the clouds did it but there were no clouds to be seen when it happened. I will just remember it forever and I thanked Our Mother because I believe she did that for me. I was sad that I was alone and Susan missed it and I didn’t tell her until today as I prayed last night for guidance.
Susan slept most of the night even though the rain stopped I know she didn’t want to get sick again and we stayed in. I got a call from a friend of Anna, who spoke some English, and was so excited as she told me that Our Lady blessed them with her presence or that the rain stopped, I wasn’t sure exactly what happened, and she asked if we could come, I told her we would try. Sue told me to go but I didn’t want to leave her and I had already been blessed a couple times today. I know Our Lady, if she was there, wasn’t going to hang around for me, since she is with me always and if I were humble and blessed enough to see her that could happen at home. I still felt a guilty, since that was the reason for being here, and reluctantly went to bed.
Good night, May the peace of Christ fill your hearts and soul.
Sunday October 13, 2013 is a day that will see Pope Francis consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as part of the Marian Day celebrations. The original statue of Our Lady of Fatima left Fatima, Portugal on the morning of October 12th and is now in Rome. Various churches were open this morning for Confession and Adoration. At noon Saint Peter’s Square was cleared of people prior to the arrival of the statue. At 15:00 the entrance gates will be opened for those who have tickets and then at 17:00 there will be a reception of the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima and a Marian catechesis will be given by Pope Francis.
The Sanctuary of Divine Love
After that the statue will be transferred to the Sanctuary of Divino Amore for all-night veneration. We expect there to be fairly large crowds here throughout the night.
There will be many Marian groups in attendance on Sunday, including representatives from the following shrines:
Also in attendance will be a delegation from Medjugorje, including the pastor and other villagers,who were invited to participate.Medjugorje has not been given shrine status, but is currently under investigation and a ruling is expected fairly soon.
Then on Sunday at 10:30 Pope Francis will preside at Mass and make the Act of Entrustment to Mary. This is when he will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was the request of Our Lady of Fatima that Russia be consecrated to her immaculate heart.
There has been some heated debate as to whether this was ever done, although Sister Lucia supposedly said that the consecration was accepted.
The events will be televised on EWTN; Salt+Light TV; Vatican TV and others. They will also be time-delayed so that you can watch them during the daytime wherever you live.
Today was a strange day, although a good strange. We checked out of the smelly Roses Hotel(it wasn’t that bad) around 10:30 and headed for that treacherous journey back to a highway. The worst part of the day was the shower, I have been in small ones before but this one was tough, I could lift my arms to wash my hair and I just dropped soap on the rest of me because I could hardly move. (I’ll shower again later)
The drive wasn’t as bad as coming in, maybe it was the time of day and people weren’t in such a hurry to get home. The traffic was lighter and the people more friendly—-probably all terrified tourists—-anyway with Sue in the trunk and the 2 GPS’s off I enjoyed the beautiful drive.
Susan managed to take 20 pictures with the camera off and I’m sure we will have to trash that many more. My poor baby was still terrified and those 9 miles seemed like an eternity for her. Eventually we reached the highway which was all new and 4 lanes and no traffic and I didn’t even speed, we just enjoyed the scenery as we went.
We arrived in Oliveto Citra at about 11:45 and checked into our new hotel. This was new, pack and unpack within an hour and a half and we didn’t care because we had to catch up with business and reorganize our clothes. Before we knew it, it was after 2 and I called our new friends that we hadn’t met so we could get together. We planned to meet in the square in front of the church, before mass, and the gate to the old castle, where the apparitions of Our Blessed Mother happen usually on the first Saturday of the month, that’s tomorrow and our contact here is one of the first seers to have the visions.
View of Oliveto Citra
From our balcony we have a direct view of the castle and the church. We are meeting Carmine and probably Raffaele tonight who Susan had contacted prior to our trip and he has set everything in motion for us to learn all about Our Lady Queen of the Castle.
We tried to power nap before going out and that really didn’t work but we were excited and refreshed anyway. We decided to drive to the square, which was only 1500 ft away, because it was very cold, and it was a good thing that we did. After trying to park in 3 different spots we just left the car in a large area and made our way to the square in search of Carmine. He was hard to spot; we weren’t, because of the big T on our forehead. He was very young and very nice and being from Chicago his English was very good although he has not been here for over 25 years. Carmine was one of the first seers as well as his twin brother Dino, who is back in Chicago.
The first thing we did was to go and meet Raffaele, from the foundation, at his office. He recognized Susan and jumped from his chair to greet her and finally said hello to me….LOL. He is a wonderful and humble man and unfortunately he had to work and we headed out to meet Anna, who is the mom of two of the other visionaries, there were 14 in total that first night and two of them did not experience anything. When I called Carmine earlier we had planned to go to the 6 pm mass at the parish church…..which was in the process of being painted…..so he took us and Anna in our car and we drove down the hill to the church of St. Francis which was very appropriate for the feast day of St. Francis.
Mass was longggggggggggggggg. Not just the homily which the priest repeated 3 times and again at the end of the mass, but just getting the incense and candles to Altar at the right time as the 8 young altar boys, couldn’t figure out who was up next. It was really cute. The real cute pudgy one reminded me of me when I was an altar boy.
As we left the church we ended up with another body in the car. This older woman couldn’t find her ride and we said we would take her with us. (and yes this car does fit 5 people). I opened up the trunk to put everything in the back seat for more room and said to the women she had to get in, She didn’t speak English but knew what I was saying and began to laugh, she was precious. Back at the square we all said goodbye and Carmine took us to his cousin’s restaurant, and Sue and I had a wonderful meal of the food of the region (no donkey). Carmine has medical issues and has a strict diet and couldn’t join us and when Raffaele came by he couldn’t stay either.
Carmine tells us a bit about the apparitions.
Carmine came back after 9:00 (we are usually asleep by now) and we sat out front in the square and talked for over an hour. He told us all about the apparitions and how he felt and told us of the miracles that have happened here, it was very interesting and enlightening. We finally bid farewell and planned to meet at the foundation in the morning at 9. The ride to the hotel took 1 minute and 10 minutes later we were in bed. Good night folks.
Buona sera (although we will probably not send this out until the morning, “our time”:
Well, I fell asleep in about 2 seconds after finishing your Trip Report last night … I think it was about 8:30 P.M. … I was beat. Susan stayed up to watch TV (or rather, try to understand the Italian news) … she said she stayed up late … until about 9:30 P.M. … I know she is feeling better when she stays up later than I do.
Breakfast…no omlettes today but still good. Sue feeling better at last!
We had breakfast downstairs this morning … again in our PJ’s. We were the only ones in the Dining Room so it felt like home (although a much bigger dining room). No omelettes today so we were a bit disappointed but we had our two cappuccinos … took the second one up to the room while we packed and then we headed out for what we knew would be a long day with a lot of driving and a lot to see … but neither of us knew what was in store for us. As I always say … Our Blessed Mother always loves to appear in very remote places … and she has a great sense of humor while laughing as one tries to locate some of her Shrines.
Driving to our destination…one of three shrines we hope to visit today.
As we drove away from San Giovanni Rotundo to travel to our first Shrine of the day … Basilica of Madre di dio Incoronata – “The Crowned Mother of God” in Foggia, Italy, we experienced beautiful and peaceful views of the Adriatic Sea. I loved the beauty, all the time knowing that we would be spending our next night on the Mediterranean Sea on the other side of Italy and on the Amalfi Coast tonight.
The first part of the day turned out to be the easiest..good signage, decent roads and good weather.
Our first stop was a breeze to reach. Good roads, good signage, no mountains (much to Susan’s delight). We arrived at the Sanctuary of Our Lady, Crowned Mother of God in plenty of time for Mass. Today was a day we planned to dedicate to Shrines of Our Blessed Mother. This was the first of three Madonna Shrines we planned to see today … and it was, by far, the easiest to reach (see the rest of our day!)
The Shrine, itself, was simple yet eloquent. We didn’t have much information on the Shrine other than what you will read below. We hope to have time in the future to try to find out more history on this wonderful Shrine. We do have to say that they had a wonderful “tribute” to Blessed John Paul II with photos and memorabilia of his visit there. We are anxious to send a couple of photos we saw of Cardinal Stanislaus from Krakow … Blessed John Paul II’s best friend and secretary … because we believe it to be him many years ago when he accompanied BJP II to this Shrine.
We stopped to pray before the icon, the main attraction here at this little-known shrine
Before Mass began, we visited the area where the Icon of Our Blessed Mother and Child are on display for the faithful. On our way there, we passed through the Sacred Room containing the Consecrated Holy Oil where you can anoint yourself for physical and spiritual healing. (Read story below) Thank goodness both of us didn’t have to anoint our entire bodies with as sick as we have been until recently … only our foreheads, lips, chest and hearts.
We then went back down to attend Mass which was beautiful. Although in Italian, they had guitar music and a wonderful Offertory Procession which was very well orchestrated.
After Mass was over, we explored the remaining areas of the Shrine before departing to our next destination. We were led to the Site of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary and we knelt and Prayed there for the Plenary Indulgence (after completing the requirements) and for your Special Intentions we always carry with us.
As we left our first BVM Shrine, we stopped to get a small memento for our curio shrine at home and yet another Blessed Mother medal from this Shrine to add to Susan’s memento bracelet. I am sure that she won’t even be able to pick it up after we finish with this pilgrimage … it is a priceless piece for her. (As I’m mentioning that, I might mention that the small suitcase we carry to bring back our small mementos and holy water is almost completely filled and we still have 10 days left … oh well.)
Another great day on the road…lots of curves and hills.
We departed and began our driving journey to the next Madonna Shrine. I have to say that the trip to this Shrine was the most “fun” I have had in our car this year as I opened it up on the roads, the curves, s-turns, etc. … much to Susan’s dismay!
When we finally arrived at what we thought was the turn to the Shrine in Bovino (Our Lady of Valleverde di Bovino), we turned up a mountain road and Our Lady was once again playing with me in great humor to find her Shrine. Now I know why, suddenly, I got an awful headache. It was our “Princess GPS” and our auto “GPS” who never stopped talking, arguing, recalculating and yelling at each other. Not to mention that Susan was not a “happy camper” that we were once again on these windy mountainous roads.
Do you think it’s easy being one man, alone in a car with 3 screaming women???? LOL A couple of times on the way I would ask Sue a question or to do something and all she would say was re-calculating–re-calculating and the princess would start and then the other one, OH< BOY
In trying to find the Shrine of Our Lady, we both got so confused that, as we drove by what appeared to be a Church we passed right by as we listened to the GPS Twins … we even snapped a photo of it.
As we followed the GPS instructions, they took us up into this tiny old, quaint and very crowded village where they instructed us through the “portholes” of the village … to no avail. I finally pulled over at what I was certain was a Church and I asked a police officer for directions (obviously it had to be that universal language). Still didn’t know what he said to me in reply so I told Susan that we should visit the Parish Church (just in case we didn’t find the real thing in this area). We entered and paid our respects in the very small and old Parish Church and departed.
We finally found it.
As we proceeded down the mountain and we finally agreed to bypass this Shrine for the lack of “finding it”, we were driving down and I pulled over and into the parking lot of a Church we saw that was just outside of Bovino (the one we had passed and actually had taken a photo of) … it was the Shrine!
I backed up the car and parked, telling Susan that I would walk around the structure but we both knew that there was no way we could enter the Shrine since it was after 12:30 P.M. (closing time for Italian Shrines … 12:30 P.M. until 2:30 or 3:00 P.M.) I walked around the building and, lo and behold, IT WAS OPEN.
We went in and were alone in this special place where our lady appeared to a hunter and a shepherd in 1001……and that’s all I’M TELLING YOU……..READ THE STORY.
The icon in Bovino.
We spent not a real long time yet prayed for the many intentions we have with us. and it was very spiritual. We had almost 2 hours to our next destination and we should arrive right after they reopen so we left.
We saw our objective….far off at the top of the hill. Will make for an interesting drive!
The ride to Foggia (Shrine of the Most Holy Mary Crowned One of the Poor) was less challenging than the earlier part of the day and I knew that was going to change rapidly as I saw the Shrine way atop the highest mountain around. I didn’t tell Sue right away, I just tried to work her into it. We began our ascent and the road was not bad by any means, I think the first week of our trip the roads were narrower, but this one went up and up and up so that made up for it. Sue was hanging on for dear life and I said a one point let’s turn around (where, I don’t know) but she declined and hung on some more.
We arrived at the shrine but princess had us going up even more to I assume the place of the apparition, so we kept going and this was not pretty. The roads were washed out at places and the pot holes were big enough to fit a small car. We finally quit when the road became unbearable and I had to back down to turn around at a sharp curve just a two old ladies came down from wherever and pulled beside us to say don’t go up. No kidding.
The view from the Shrine was magnificent, although it was pretty chilly up there.
Back at the parking lot we sat and had some lunch before venturing on . We even had a glass of wine to settle our nerves. Finished, we made our way to the Basilica and it’s treasures, and there were many but I knew we wouldn’t be here long for it was 50 degrees out and the wind was howling. We did get some great photos and spent a little time in prayer. I think Susan was praying for an easier way down, she had said to me on the way up to remind her later that she wasn’t talking to me.
The ride down is always easier and the views all day were majestic. We headed for a small town near Salerno called Maiori where we originally were going to stay for 2 nights but when we changed our plans I couldn’t cancel without paying. I was only 9 miles from Salerno…..how bad could it be? I can’t say on this e-mail what I said in the car a few times as we drove this treacherous road. If you have never driven the coastal road, DON”T, even I was terrified. The drivers on the road have no patience and drive like they have a death wish.
Drivers in Italy must have nerves of steel. I will definitely need a glass of wine after this!
The hairpin turns butted walls of rock and I couldn’t go slow enough making the turns. It was the worst possible road I have ever driven mostly because of the Italian drivers who all thought they were Mario Andretti. I have never seen so much road rage, even Sue had it and she wasn’t driving. I wonder what it would be like to be Hungarian.
Well we made it and the town is right on the beach but our hotel isn’t and was supposed to be. I wasn’t leaving. We dropped off the luggage at the desk and Sue waited while I followed the girl to private parking around the corner. Now this is a secure place , so much so that we got locked in and she didn’t have the key. I was about to climb the gate when she said wait a moment and hurried off toward the building the parking was under. I figured she knew some one inside….wrong! I saw her exit a gate to the street and rush back to the hotel for the key as I stood there like a dummy. We’re here and I couldn’t even entice Sue for a little dinner and a romantic stroll along the beach………..I don’t understand it!
As I lay on “my bed” in total exhaustion, my wonderful wife is typing this (in total exhaustion). LOL. What an incredible day we had today. And, other than almost falling asleep as we finished our Daily Rosary at the Tomb of St. Padre Pio late this afternoon (we started our day at the Cave of St. Michael the Archangel this A.M. where we Prayed two decades before Mass began), we feel great and elated after having had such a wonderful and spiritual day.
After our breakfast (which include an omelette today … yeah!), we headed out toward Mount St. Michel and the Cave. The 40 minute ride was incredible. I actually almost began to “like” (not “love”) this car as it handled the roads and the curves and s-turns beautifully. I’m sure tomorrow when I begin to put all of our luggage back in the car and begin driving, I will once again be “unsure” about my feelings for our car this year … LOL.
As you view the Church built over St. Michael’s Cave you can’t fully appreciate what lies below.
Monte Sant’Angelo is hard to describe in words. The setting, the town and the Cave are all breathtaking. We parked in the only parking lot one can park and they can “get you” for a few Euro for parking. We made our way down and down and down through this very lovely and very old town to the Sanctuary Cave.
Walking down the steps to St. Michael’s Cave, where so many Saints and Popes have gone before.
As you enter this ancient structure to get down to the Cave of St. Michael the Archangel, you walk down and down and down even more. It is worth every step you take as you realize, once again, how many Popes, Saints and people have made this pilgrimage over the centuries.
The Sacred Cave is beyond words. We explored every inch and touch everything in sight, not know whose hands might have passed over the stones and cavern walls before us. We went into the Adoration Chapel to begin our Daily Rosary there while waiting for the 11:00 A.M. Mass to begin in the Cave. We left Adoration feeling guilty because there were only four chairs in the Adoration Chapel and we didn’t realize that people had been waiting outside to pay homage to our Savior.
Mass here in St. Michael’s Cave…just cannot describe the feeling.
We sat directly in front of the Altar as we waited for Mass to begin. A very, very young Priest celebrated the Mass. Just watching him and Praying with him during Mass was very moving as one could feel his reverence and humbleness/piousness and his love for God and the Eucharist.
After Mass, we found the location of where St. Michael the Archangel first appeared to the Bishop. We knelt and offered up your Special Intentions, through St. Michael, to Our Lady … our Mother in Heaven.
To be in this special, holy place is beyond words
I asked a Priest where the cross of St Francis was that he embedded into a rock at the cave’s entrance.(he felt unworthy to enter) and it was right behind me, I knelt and asked him to give me some of his humility. It was almost Noon and we knew that if we didn’t leave the Sacred Cave, we would be thrown out once again from another Shrine (closing time … siesta). So we made our way to the exit of the Cavern.
Yet, we stopped in the Religious Store and bought our little momento for our home “shrine”. We are still Praying for the woman in the Religious Store that waited on us because it was obvious she really didn’t like her job … a nice way of saying she was “not nice”. As we made our way back to the car, we stopped at one of the local stands that have all of the medals, statues and momentos one could want. The prices were a third (or less) than in the Religious Store at the Cave, and the attitude of the locals was overwhelmingly grateful and friendly … we have always felt that we wish to support the Religious Stores directly related to the Shrines we visit as yet just another way of making another donation to support the Shrines and their survival.
We spent a little time walking around this small town. But, I have to tell you, IT WAS COLD … NASTY COLD … as the mountain winds tore around us. It may have been 70 degrees out, but it felt like somewhere around 40 degree as the winds ripped through us. We decided to head back to San Giovanni Rotundo, get some lunch and re-visit San Giovanni and St. Padre Pio. We stopped back at our hotel to “refresh” (actually to brush our teeth for the second time today because both of us noticed that the “aroma” was not pleasant … it must have been the omelette this morning).
A stop for lunch after leaving St. Michael’s Cave
We walked down from our hotel and found a quaint little local restaurant to have a bite for lunch (no late night dinners anymore for this journey). We sat in an empty restaurant with no lights on (only a television). We ordered two different bowls of pasta that were outstanding. I had fresh tuna in mine and Susan had Italian Sausage in hers. I only stabbed her once as I tried to steal some of her pasta. She, on the other hand, was very sneaky with her fork as she sneaked portions of my pasta in to her bowl.
The confessional used by Saint Padre Pio. He spent hours here…and if you forgot something, well…he could read your soul and remind you!
We walked back up the hill to our hotel and our car (not easy on a full stomach) and headed back to the Shrine of St. Padre Pio. This afternoon, we did the full tour of places we were not able to visit yesterday and, although cold, the mist we experienced yesterday was no where to be found. We visited the old Chapel where Padre Pio used to celebrate his Masses … his Confessional (shown here)….the cell where he lived and died…his memorabilia … and his original Tomb.
We both feel like we pretty much experienced this history of his entire life. If you have read the stories, you will understand how wonderful it was to be here (we recommend a visit to this Shrine to everyone). He is a Saint of “Our Times”. We then returned to the Church where St. Pio’s body is on display to finish the rest of our Rosary and to present some old and new Special Intentions we have received from you (yes, Father John M. … we delivered yours).
I really don’t know how we are right now physically with our colds (which seem to be subsiding … finally), but mentally and spiritually, our health and well-being are “great”! I really want to say something … when Susan and I are on this “personal pilgrimages”, we Pray fervently for you and for the Special Intentions you have asked us to deliver for you. And, yet, we know that our Prayers and your Prayers for Intentions may not at all be what God has planned for any of us. So, we always Pray and then, trusting in Him in all things, we just leave things in “His Hands” through Our Blessed Mother and her Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Please don’t ever stop Praying because if you continue to Trust in Him, you will see and learn that he has “His Plan” for you and for your loved ones.
We are now back at our hotel room checking emails, packing up, preparing “Princess GPS” for tomorrows travels and preparing this Trip Report. We have received several new Special Intentions from you the passed few days and, even if we don’t respond to you immediately, your Intentions are placed on our extensive list each evening and they are presented on your behalf as we move on to the next Shrines.
Right now, I am going to open a nice bottle of wine and have it along with some great Italian Salami & Cheese (Extra Virgin Olive Oil … Spicy Mustard, etc.) we brought yesterday and we’ll have a light snack before retiring for the evening. We will leave here in the A.M. for our next stops … Our Lady of the Crowned Mother of God and a couple of other Shrines I am sure will thrill you tomorrow (not, Susan … when you see the photos of the mountains I will be driving tomorrow … shhhh … don’t tell her or I won’t get her in the car tomorrow morning).
After another glorious 12 hours sleep we awoke still sick but feeling better.. The hacking and sneezing had subsided. I call the insurance carrier we have for the trip and told them to find us a doctor in San Giovanni Rotondo and e-mail it to us. They e-mailed a hospital and I said to Sue what the heck they are paying unless I didn’t read all the fine print. After breakfast alone in the massive dining room of the hotel we set out for Manoppello and the cloth of Veronica from the passion of Christ as He carried his Cross.( I have to explain some of these things for our non-catholic friends).
We made it good time and were rewarded with parking right in front of the church. This is a very quiet and low key town but has a great treasure with the confines of the church. Some disagree that this is the true veil that Veronica used to wipe Jesus’s face as He carried his cross and we are allowed to believe or not believe as we feel what ever may or may not inspire us.
The Holy Face on what is reported to be Veronica’s Veil in Manoppello. What an incredible image.
Just stand there and relive the passion and that cloth becomes the face of Christ. Inverted over the Shroud of Turin, which was the burial cloth of Jesus, the face folds in perfectly and the fabric is of the early times before and around the time of Christ. It is always a solemn moment whenever you are so close to a miracle of Jesus whether approved or not your heart will tell you what to believe as did ours.
We drove through the clouds on our way to visit the Shrine of Padre Pio at San Giovani Rotondo
Having spent precious time at the veil and having prayed for the intentions we carry we stopped in the gift store and purchased some more mementos. I know we won’t have room in our curio cabinet for all the things we have bought and we still 2 weeks to go. We left for San Giovanni Rotondo and the home to St. Pio and traveled through light rain and sun and a beautiful sky full of heavy clouds that clung to the mountain tops.
We arrived at the hotel and put our stuff in the room and headed for the shrine to this modern day famous Saint, whose partial story is below. It was very cold and we had to park well below the shrine and after much thought we made our way up. This was the most unexplainable weather I have ever seen. The sun was out and yet the wind from the mountain showered us with a heavy mist as we tried to hold onto our umbrella’s and make our way. I took a photo of a rainbow that wasn’t in the sky but in front of us backing up to a hill and maybe only 100 yd’s. away. It was awesome as is the new Bacilica they have built.
The incorrupt body of Saint Padre Pio…a man who lived during our lifetimes.
In the basement of the Basilica is where the incorrupt body of St. Pio lies and the room is a very spiritual place until a bus load of people walk thru snapping photos and talking fortunately most were very reverent and visibly excited to get close to the Saint. We said our rosary here and it was beautiful as every once and a while we would peer at St.Pio. He had a definite affection for Our Lady and he was a full believer and supporter in Garabandal, Spain where our new lives began.
We walked out of the Basilica backwards, not literally, just that most all people were coming in that way and following a path. Who cares it was beautiful and we had to kind of hurry to make mass at the Chiara Santa Maria delle Grazie where St.Pio said most of his mass and heard confessions. The mass was in the church were he celebrated mass from 1959 to his last years and we didn’t make to the old section since our parking pass was about to expire and I know they lay in wait to give out tickets even if you were only 1 minutes late.
Mass in the old church where Padre Pio once lived
We wouldn’t have had to rush except for the sermon the priest gave which rivals any we have at the cathedral, and not to mention we were also having a wedding ceremony to boot. Mass ended and Susan and I bolted for the door laughing afterwards that we looked like the early birds from the 4:30 mass on Saturdays.
Another long day. Tonight we opted for room service…looks delizioso!
We plan to come back tomorrow after our visit to Grotto of St. Michael’s Cave. Back at the hotel with the heat on and sipping a glass of wine as we wait for room service to be delivered. A little fettuccini with seafood and veal medallions with fresh veggies. I let you know tomorrow how it was.
I figured I would send this since Sue is still repacking and it won’t be long. We have a marvelous hotel and the views are wonderful. Yesterday was the first day we had any rain and this morning we woke up to a nasty rain storm. Who cared? We slept 12 hours and by the time we had breakfast and got ready to leave the sun was shinning and we couldn’t wait to get back for a nap on the beach. It was laundry day and time to reorganize our luggage so we set out to find the Lavendiere. After a couple of stops for directions we made it. It wasn’t easy trying to figure out how to work the machines but after due diligence we got them going, then we found the English instructions on a pad…duh!
Having time we went for a cappuccino and went back to check on our clothes, when a younger Italian fellow came in with a large bag. I could see he didn’t have a clue so I showed him how to use the machines. The blind leading the blind! I explained to him in sign language that he had 45 minutes and he said motioned and said he was going to his casa, for his boys, he said his name was Victor and we introduced ourselves. It was now apparent he was divorced. He struggled to communicate and we managed. He had brought a huge comforter to wash and as we watched the machine after it filled with water it wouldn’t move. It had to be the weight, so we kept pressing the buttons and after several attempts of small turns and shutting off it started. We were finishing up when Victor’s comforter was done so I put it in the dryer for him and paid for the first 7 minute segment.(last of the big spenders, 1 euro) he arrived when we were leaving and was so happy to see his laundry in the dryer. He tried to pay me and I said no but he insisted so I told him 10 euro(only kidding) He gave me a euro and I showed him how much the dryer cost and what to do. We bid farwell feeling good that we had helped some one. Before we left I took the full bottle of detergent that we didn’t need and gave it to Victor, he was touched and excited and said thank you and then I love you, I think, and I ran to the car. LOL
We dropped everything off at the hotel and Sue organized as I checked both of our e-mail. Sue freaked out when I got her down to 0, yes 0, e-mails in her inbox. Her norm is never below 80. I hope she sleeps tonight. It had starting raining again so the beach was out but we were hungry and went to search out anyplace that was open.
We found a joint on the main drag and went in. It was pizzas, calzones and a few home cooked dishes so we ordered 3 different pizza slices, a calzone and a sausage, egg and zucchini dish. Mama the owner was there and spoke some English and her daughter waited on us. The food was great and we had a 1/2 carafe house wine that was superb. Mama was getting ready to leave so I got the bill, was it expensive, 13 euro, how stupid for great food. If prices were this good back home we could eat out every night! We talked for a few minutes and as we departed into the rain we heard mama go “singing in the rain”, she had a pretty good voice.
That’s about it. We did manage to relax and I expect another 12 hour sleep is in the cards. Good Night and God Bless Susan & Tom
We were up at seven after a great night of sleep, I think we could have stayed in bed longer but today we had a tight time frame. Our first stop after the morning ritual was St. Joseph of Cupertino, the flying Saint, and patron of students, test takers, the mentally challenged and aviators. His story is long but a great read and I may send it in a separate e-mail. Susan was crying the whole time she read it.
I have had a few people ask about the car we have since I have not commented about it as I did about the car we had last year, did I tell you I loved that car? This car, even though it does everything for you including massaging my back when driving, is a far cry from the Mercedes. I booked this car because it was supposed to hold 5 people and 4 bags in the boot……yeah, right; you have seen the pictures with the 2 pieces of luggage on the back seat, plus a multitude of other things.
Last year everything fit in the trunk, so this year at every stop we have to worry that someone will break in and steal the luggage. This fear was instilled at the rental counter when our agent said the theft of luggage in cars in Italy is bad and widespread. After almost 2 weeks of taking our luggage to our room and putting the other in the trunk we gave up and decided that they could have it. Now we don’t worry about the back seat luggage, especially since most of it is dirty laundry.
We had the opportunity of Mass at the shrine of St. Joseph of Cupertino. Just in case you are afraid to fly….he is the patron saint of air travelers! You can see an image of him levitation painted on the wall of the church behind the altar.
The town of Osimo where the Basilica of the Saint stands is a small windy and very narrow maze of streets. Parking was a nightmare and after 2 go arounds I parked in a handicap spot. Knowing the routine I get out of the car very slowly hanging on to the car and got my cane out of the back. As we walked to the Basilica I looked like a total invalid until we got past the camera’s that monitor the parking. I know, after yesterday you ask how could you do that, and I say we didn’t want to miss Mass. I prayed for forgiveness and we enjoyed the Mass with a full congregation.
After we toured the shrine of the Saint and made our way to the car for our next destination, the Holy House of Loretto, the house of Mary from Nazareth, where the Holy Family lived. We had been here before but felt compelled to come back. This shrine has been visited by more than 200 Saints and Popes. We like to touch the walls in the house knowing that Jesus, Mary and Joseph must have touched them as well as so many other holy people, hoping that it might rub off. It is Sunday so it was crowded and we squeezed our way into a corner so we could pray and contemplate where we were. It was getting close to closing, for lunch again, so I snapped a few pictures for you even though the last time we were here I got a ton. Today I only got yelled at 3 times. Knowing we would be thrown out we chose to leave on our own in total dignity, LOL, and made our way back to the car.
Time for our own special sandwiches hand-made by Tom.
We took time to have a light lunch of the gigantic sandwich I made last night (beginning to get pretty good at this, in my humble opinion) and headed for our next hotel where we will spend 2 glorious days doing nothing, unless we choose to.
We arrived around 2 and this is a 4 star property which has only been opened a short time. I checked in and got the bellman’s cart and we unloaded the car( except for one suitcase we left on the back seat filled with dirty laundry, hoping it would be stolen). We were laughing so hard at the mess we had and how full the cart was with bags of everything. I left Sue to park the car and the manager came out and took the cart to bring it in and he was grunting trying to get it up the ramp. Our room is large and the view is just outstanding with the mountains we came through to get here behind us and the Aegean Sea in front of us. This is a well needed respite after 2 weeks of many shrines and hotels.
So don’t expect much tomorrow just as we don’t expect to do much. ( the beach looks good) We will send photos because a picture is worth 1,000 words.
We just finished dinner in the room and figured we would keep going and try to get this report done. Today started out just like normal, we got up early, had breakfast and left. The only difference was that our next stop was only 2 miles into the town of Reggio Emilia to visit the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Ghiara. This shrine we had never heard of (as most of the townspeople). GB2 told us about it and we were excited to go after doing our research.
What we found and experienced was nothing we had expected. In the center of town we parked right at the front of the Basilica and went in. The mass was in progress and we were disappointed since the only mass on Saturdays was supposed to be at 7 am, it was 9, we could have made it if we knew. We knelt in time for the Our Father and happily gave the sign of peace to those around. Being so late we were not going to go to communion but a feeling came over both of us that we should so we did and we were grateful and at peace. After mass the old priest who was very hunched backed, so much so he couldn’t give out communion, walked by us and I touched his arm and said God Bless Father. He stopped and looked up at the two of us and smiled and gave us his blessing. It was a beautiful moment and the rest of the morning just got better.
We finally looked around and saw the stunning beauty of this Shrine to Our Lady. I can only describe the feeling I was having as that we were in a very special place. We explored every inch and try to absorb the beauty of all the frescoes and paintings in the apse.
Fresco of Our Lady of Ghiara. To be here and see this miraculous fresco is beyond description
The icon was stunning and mesmerizing of Her and Her Infant Son. It was here, in 1596, that a young orphan, who was born without a tongue and was deaf as well, was praying before the fresco of the Madonna and child and was suddenly able to hear and grew a tongue. The miracle was approved by Pope Clement VIII shortly thereafter and many more cures were reported over the years.
We couldn’t leave without saying our prayers for an indulgence and we sat before the Madonna and Son and very intently said our rosary for all of you. We were both filled with the spirit of Jesus when we left and on our way to our next stop we spent the whole time reading aloud all the intentions we had brought and have received each day. Some we were able to take off the list but the list keeps growing as we added the new ones we have received. The emotions flowed as we realized how so many people we know are suffering, yet a great peace came over me as I felt that ours prayers were being heard. Convinced I told Susan how I felt and she said there were too many prayers for Our lady to handle in one day, I said no, She loves all of us, she can do it and then we both laughed for nothing is impossible for God.
The 70 minute drive was over as we put the intentions away and we entered the parking lot of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Piratello another 600-700 year old structure. We arrived at 11:30 knowing we would not get mass and thankful for this mornings communion. Totally at peace we went and bought a rose for Our Lady to thank her for this day and the graces we had received for all of you. There were 4 large stands with flowers there and I wondered how many people come here to visit Our Lady. (Duh, it’s right next to the cemetery which are part of the grounds, and I only figured that out later when in the Sanctuary there were only two small vases near the altar and no place to put your flowers).
This was a very small and old church and but the feeling that we had this morning hadn’t changed. The icon was stunning and the fresco brilliant even though it was dark and hard to see and there is an incorrupt body of a Saint that we have to research.
Sue placing the flowers on the statue in the shrine
Still holding onto our rose we looked for a place to leave it when Sue reached up and placed it in the hand of the statue of Jesus. How fitting, I think Our Mother wanted that. We offered up our prayers and lit another candle for all of you and left, just as they were closing for lunch.
Here is my nightly ritual of sandwich-making.
We stopped for supplies and headed for the Agean and our hotel. The room is beach town type and comfortable and we can even see the sea and feel the wonderful balmy breezes. We typed yesterdays report and I then made this huge sandwich for tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch.
I needed to write this report so I could relive the wonderful day we had had and just as I finished this I broke down in tears as I remembered the feelings of today and the love and peace we felt with Mother and Son. It doesn’t happen often but we have felt this before and continue to try and live a good life and pray so as to feel it again. I hope you have all experienced this and if not don’t lose hope, it is beyond words yet attainable for all, just pray and pray, for this life without God is meaningless.
Before I start today’s adventure, we want to thank all of you for your concern about our colds. We felt a little better today and stopped at another Pharmacy and the pills the doc gave us seem to be helping even more. We decided last night to take a break and rearranged our schedule so we have an extra night in a great hotel on the Aegean Sea on Sunday. A day of rest and probably some laundry should do us good. We were up at 5:30 am, not because we couldn’t sleep, there was a baby in the room next to us and did it have a set of lungs. If the mother didn’t feed it soon I was going to go over and do it, finally the crying subsided and the alarm went off 15 minutes later, oh well.
Getting ready to head out for what will be a very special day for us. Not only St. Anthony but dinner with a special family
We had breakfast in our room and, while discussing our day, we realized that we would probably not get this report out today since we were having dinner at a friend’s home that we had not seen in 20 years (almost to the date, as she told us). So you will probably see this Trip Report some time tomorrow (which would then be Saturday). We are packing the car and ready to head out on today’s great adventure.
So on to today, the 12th day of our “personal pilgrimage” … Friday, September 27th (just to keep you up to the date). Our focus today was on St. Anthony of Padua … a favorite of Susan’s since childhood and she couldn’t wait for this part of our trip.
Arrival at Camposampiero…an important stop in our pilgrimage
The first stop we made was in Camposampiero … about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Padua to the north. Our plan was to make Morning Mass and it worked … we arrived early, in fact. In this place St. Anthony had wished to have a place of peace, quiet and solitude where he could Pray, contemplate, study and do his writings. At his request, a small cell was built for St. Anthony in a Walnut Tree. This is where he spent his time knowing death was near.
Praying at the “Cell of the Vision” was a powerful experience.
Also at this Shrine is what is called “The Cell of the Vision” where Jesus Christ, as an Infant, visited St. Anthony and he held Jesus in his arms. It is quite an experience to kneel in front of the Cell. We had enough time before Mass so Susan could write our Special Intentions for the day and to explore part of the Shrine.
After Mass, we walked the stairs to the Cell of the Vision and explored the rest of the Shrine and the grounds. We both realized how very little we really knew about Saint Anthony’s short life, but we read stories before and during our pilgrimage and we feel Blessed that we were able to walk/drive in his footsteps. (Please see the wonderful stories below). It amazed both of us that in the very short time St. Anthony was a Priest, he influenced so many people … both of his time and as he continued and continues to influence people throughout the world. He died at age 36 and was canonized within a very short period of time after his death. He is considered a “Doctor of the Church” and his corrupt tongue, larnyx and jaw survived the total decay of his body after death. During the visit to the Major Shrine in Padua to St. Anthony, we were hopeful that we would be able to view his Relics.
We then traveled on the Arcella, the second Shrine on the Pilgrimage. Once again, we were able to park in front. We paid homage to him … for this was the place where St. Anthony died on his way back to Padua at his request. From there, we made our way to the Basilica in Padua. Not knowing what to expect, we parked in a large parking garage. It was very crowded with people as we entered Padua so we thought that would be our safest bet. We left the parking garage and we walked … and we walked … and we walked. Along the way, however, we were able to stop in a couple of wonderful Churches that we had not known about.
The Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua here in Padua is both immense and inspiring.
We finally arrived at the Basilica of St. Anthony and we were utterly amazed. If you’ve ever been there, you will understand. If not, we hope that you will be able to visit Padua some day in the future. We walked around the Basilica with our mouths open … in complete awe. The Basilica is currently under re-construction for the 750th Anniversary of the death of St. Anthony and the celebrations being planned.
We were still able to see the most things in the Shrine. Most importantly, we got to walk before the Tomb of St. Anthony and then walked behind it to Pray and venerate the back of his tomb. We entered the chapel of the Relics and saw the tongue, larynax and jaw of the Saint as well as relic’s from other Saint’s. (Photos) Even though photos were not allowed I manage to snap a few, only getting scolded twice. On our way through, near the exit, a priest just seemed to appear as we marveled at the depiction of Christ in one of the side chapels. He had us come in and gave us a blessing and sprinkled us with holy water (I assume this is for all pilgrims).
It was great to see the wonderful woman who was once a foreign exchange student at our home in the U.S.
Finished we walked and walked back to our car and headed for Reggio Emilia to our friend’s home and a night of joy, laughter and good Italian food, and we were not disappointed. Graziana Bertignon (another GB, we’ll call her GB2) stayed with us in Pompano as an exchange student 20 years ago and she hadn’t changed a bit. Still sweet and vibrant and always laughing and smiling and her husband Mario was the same. (The perfect couple).
It was a happy coincidence that we were here to celebrate Alessandro’s birthday.
It was their son, Alessandro’s, birthday, so we had this marvelous family dinner together although Alessandro was playing away from the table most of the time. He just turned 9. We ate and drank and ate and drank and ate and drank and ate and drank. That’s how many courses we had, she had told us we were having lasagna…..but we are in Italy and that was only the second course.
Our friend, and former exchange student, Graziana and her husband Mario along with their son
Now…….I thought I could eat but Mario can really eat and I weigh at least 80 pounds more than he does and he has no stomach or waist.Only to be young and athletic again! After a night of crazy laughter, we talked about everything, but we knew we needed sleep and had to bid farewell, all of us hoping it wouldn’t be so long before we met again. It was almost 11 and 5 hours past our bedtime. Gb2 dropped us off at our hotel and it took 20 minutes to say goodbye. Finally we headed to our room and were asleep in minutes. nig zz ht nizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
