Archive for August, 2010
Revered by many as the most prominent man of the 20th century, Pope John Paul II was loved and respected by many millions of people. Active in the Church and world affairs, he was also the first non-Italian Pope in over 450 years, and the first Polish Pope in the history of the Papacy.
Born on May 18, 1920, in the town of Wadowice, near Krakow, Pope John Paul entered the world as Karol Józef Wojtyła, one of three children born to Emilia Kaczorowska and Karol Wojtyła. His older brother, Edmund, was 14 years his senior, but as his sister, Olga, died in infancy, Karol grew very close to his only remaining sibling. Karol’s mother died in 1929, on April 13th, when the boy was only 8 years old.
Karol turned to athletics as a method of keeping his mind and body entertained, and developed kinship with the thriving, vibrant community of Jews in his hometown. Often times, school games would be organized between Catholic and Jewish children. Karol was the first to volunteer to play against his own team if the Jewish players needed an additional player.
In 1938 Karol and his father moved to Krakow, where the young man was enrolled at Jagiellonian University, with studies in various languages and philology. He also volunteered to work in the library, and while the Academic Legion required participation in military training, Karol strictly refused to fire a weapon. Showing his creative side, Karol worked as a playwright and was active in a number of theatrical troupes. Not only was he a talented writer and performer, but he was gifted in languages, which he employed regularly while in Papal office. Highly adept, he spoke Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Russian, Croatian, Esperanto, Ancient Greek, Latin in addition to his native Polish.
Tragically in 1938 Karol lost his brother Edmund, a physician, to scarlet fever. Then In 1939, Karol’s university was forced to close due to the Nazi occupation. To avoid being deported to Germany, the young man worked in a quarry and the Solvay chemical factory from 1940- 1944. In 1941 his father, a non-commissioned officer, died, leaving Karol without immediate family for support.
Pope John Paul II, during his first U.S. visit in 1979, at Yankee Stadium, New York City
Karol received his calling to serve the Lord in 1942, and embarked in clandestine seminary courses run by the archbishop of Krakow. After the Second World War ended, the seminary was allowed to re-open and Karol formally enrolled. His university also reopened, and he undertook studies in theology there. On November 1st, 1946, Karol took a step forward and was ordained as a priest by the Archbishop Sapieha.
Not long after, he was relocated to Rome and continued to study and work under the guidance of Garrigou-Lagrange, a French Dominican. His doctorate in theology was completed in 1948, and during breaks or vacations, Karol practiced his ministry among other Polish immigrants in Belgium, Holland, and France. Eventually, he returned to Krakow as vicar and chaplain, then again took up studies in philosophy and theology in 1951.
1958 saw him appointed as titular bishop, and in 1964, he was formally inducted as archbishop of Krakow. Pope Paul IV, who anointed him as archbishop, would also make him a Cardinal in 1967, eventually promoted to por illa vice to the order of priests. Karol, now Cardinal Wojtyla, took part in Vatican Council II, where he contributed to the drafting of the Constitution Gaudium et spes, alongside engaging fully in the Synod of Bishops.
It was on October 16, 1978, that the Cardinals elected him Pope, and he took the name of John Paul II. This election made him the 263rd successor to the Apostle Peter, who founded the Papacy. John Paul II would enjoy the second longest pontificate, or time in Papal office, in the history of the Church.
On May 13th, 1981, a foiled assignation attempt left Pope John Paul II critically wounded, with two bullets lodged in his lower intestine, while bystanders were also hit. After five grueling hours of emergency surgery and many blood transfusions, the Pope survived and even forgave his attacker, who had been apprehended by security and help from those gathered.
Pope John Paul II has gained the moniker “pilgrim pope” for all the traveling outside the Vatican that he had done, and this title was taken from Pope Paul VI, who traveled only 9 times outside the country in his 15 year reign, as opposed to John Paul II’s 129 trips logging more than 725,000 miles. Many of his trips were to countries that previous Pope’s had never visited before.
Pastoral Visits of Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II was a man of great charity, learning, wisdom, and faith. His love for his fellow human was evident and unbounded by any external indicators. He prolifically wrote and left behind a large body of literature in his documents and five books.
Pope John Paul II is remembered for his influential presence, opinions, morality, and significantly improving relations with other religions, such as Judaism and Islam. He is also often credited as being responsible for bringing about the fall of communism in his native Poland and eventually all of Europe.
He entered into life eternal on April 2nd, 2005, and the usual five year waiting period from canonization was waived for him, a clear indication that he touched the lives of so many, he was already considered a saint.
August 24 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saint Jerome in his Study, by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Born Eusebius Hieronymous Sophronius, Saint Jerome was a prolific writer and a powerful voice in the Christian community who lived from 342 B.C to 420 B.C. Considered both a great doctor and Father of the Church, he is most renowned for his translation of large parts of the Bible from Hebrew to Latin, and his version, called the Vulgate, is still in use today.
Saint Jerome, raised in a well-to-do Christian home in his birth town of Stridonius, was sent off to Rome when he was a young man to learn and study, which he did quite well. Gifted with an aptitude towards languages, Jerome, whose native tongue was a dialect of Illyrian, learned Greek and Latin fluently, deriving great pleasure from reading the popular pagan books of the time. Not unlike students of a modern college or university, Jerome indulged in all manner of pleasures and wine, learning worldly ideas, and turning his back on his religious upbringing. Nevertheless in the year 360 at the age of 22 he was baptized by Pope Liberius and, conscious stricken over his lack of self-control, renounced such pleasures to pursue an austere life of spiritual devotion.
Jerome spent three years living and studying in Rome, where his intellectual curiosity got the better of him and his life of travel began. Due to his own many journeys abroad to gather knowledge and rather nomadic lifestyle until the later part of his career, Jerome is credited as strongly encouraging the undertaking of spiritual pilgrimages, if not fathering them altogether. After returning home for a visit and gathering his childhood friend Bonosus, Jerome struck out for Aquileia, an ancient Roman city on the Adriatic, making friends with the monks there, especially one named Rufinus. With Bonosus still in tow, Jerome traveled on to Treves and Gaul (modern day Western Europe).
About this time, Jerome settled into his calling and refused further secular pursuits, instead devoting himself to God entirely. His love of reading never faltered, and in order to feed this passion, he copied out the books of Saint Hilary, and gathered other literary treasures. Again, he returned home to Stridonius, and eventually settled for a time in Aquileia. Many prominent and eminent scholars had gathered there, some to be sainted and canonized later, many of them becoming friends with Jerome and engaging him in intellectual and Godly reflection. Unfortunately for Jerome, he made enemies with his sarcastic tongue and sardonic wit, and this would cause him strife and turmoil his entirelife. After a few years in scholarly pursuits, he again uprooted and headed eat with some friends, looking for a solitude he couldn’t find in Rome.
He chose to settle in Syria, but on the way he paused at Pontus and Athens in modern day Greece and Galatia, Cilicia, Bithynia and Cappadocia in modern day Turkey. Around 373, he and his three friends arrived in Antioch, a Biblically important city. Shortly after arrival there, he trekked about 50 miles southeast, to the desert city of Chalcis. Two of his friends died there not long after, and the third returned home to the west. Monks lived in the desert, and Jerome set up with them, practicing austerity and studying for four years. While there, he continued to battle his lustful desires of youth, submerging himself into the learning of his most difficult language yet, Hebrew. It was here that he had a dream so vivid to him, that he renounced his pagan reading ever after. Realizing he had not truly dedicated himself wholly, he set aside the secular books.
Jerome continued to move about quite a bit every few years, including living in Jerusalem, learning more languages, and voicing his opinions or arguments about the Christian faith as he saw it and how other peers saw it. What would in modern times be considered Protestant views were cropping up and Jerome, best summed as a devout Catholic, defended his beliefs. He was a great champion, in that sense, ever eloquent and intelligent.
He finally settled in Bethlehem and stayed there for the remainder of his days. Jerome would eventually pass away, quite old and worn, but happy and satisfied, having conquered his passions with help from His Lord. Saint Jerome entered eternal life on September 30th, 420. He died peacefully after a two-year struggle with illness and his remains were buried under the church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. These were later exhumed and moved to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City in the 13th century.
The Church owes a great deal to Saint Jerome; by the time of his death, he had translated the whole of the New Testament into Latin, and turned to the majority of the Old Testament, as well, directly from the Hebrew. His peers had encouraged this to better discuss the Torah with Jewish scholars who refused any translations that were not from the original source. Jerome revised his works several times to gain the best translations of the day, still existing and in use now. He produced a great body of literature from his own correspondence, and wrote a number of reviews, opinions, and commentaries, though the quality of these works vary, and if one can be said to have pioneered holy pilgrimages, the honor would belong to Jerome. Certainly, he encouraged them, and was a man to practice what he preached. Jerome was canonized sometime shortly after his death as a result of service to Pope Damascus, who had first commissioned his New Testament translations.
August 24 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
In all the world, there are numerous sites purported to be the source of miraculous goings-on, with often a centuries’ old following to support that claim. The United Kingdom is a place steeped in lore and legend – in both arguable fiction (the Arthurian tales) and documented real world holy figures who made their mark. As with anything, even in myth, there are bound to be grains of truth, which makes such tales all the more fascinating. St. Winefride of Wales is one such figure. Her well in Holywell, Flintshire is considered to be the oldest continuously operating pilgrimage site in the United Kingdom.
What’s so special about this site? In 660AD, a young woman, the eponymous Winefride spurned the advances of a local prince or chieftain’s son. In a rage, he struck off her head, and, as the story goes, a well sprang up from the ground where her head came to rest. What makes the tale even more alluring is that later, her uncle, St. Beuno, brought her back to life. Returning to myth and its link to reality, the Arthurian tale, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight mentions the site (one of the very few locations it does so) by name. Since then, the well has been favored by the faithful of Ireland, England and Wales – both royal and common alike.
While pilgrims doubtless ventured to the well for some time prior to the 12th century, it was in 1138, when a shrine was built in nearby Shrewsbury, that St. Winefride’s site gained true prominence in the minds of the faithful. Notables such as Richard I, Henry V and James II are said to have ventured to the well for its healing and holy powers. Richard – for his fortune in the First Crusade, Henry walked here a-foot from Shrewsbury to show his piety, and James came to seek a child. Not long after his visit, his wife became pregnant. Of more recent events, in the late 16th century, a chapel and crypt were built around the well to protect it. The structures still stand today, offering breathtaking and beautiful views of this holy venue. As for the well itself, pilgrims come to bathe, drink, and find solace and comfort in the clear, chilly green waters, which never get above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter the time of year.
Traditionally maintained by the Jesuits, the site remains popular to this day. The Welsh town of Holywell, that takes its name from St. Winefride’s site, is a small yet thriving community roughly nine miles from the border with England (and the aforementioned Shrewsbury). As is common in such towns, the bustling market town caters not only to the residents of Holywell itself, but also to those in the outlying areas, as it has done since its inception. Geographically, Holywell isn’t a solitary village, but a series of several villages linked by bus service. Together, they form the Holywell catchment. Within Holywell itself, visitors can linger in the Town Centre where life seems to stand still, hearkening back to a simpler time. Numerous historical buildings can be seen here, and during certain times of the month, Holywell comes to life with buskers and a lively, friendly street market. Modern amenities are on hand as well, including a spa, a sauna, many restaurants and a pub. For the actively minded among you, a sports and leisure center adjoins the spa, where you can play squash, badminton, racket ball and other sports as well.
In the end, the specifics of one’s belief don’t matter within the scope of the well’s greater purpose. Whatever one believes, however one goes through life, and even if true miracles never occur, St. Winefride’s site engenders hope in the faithful. Hope for themselves and hope for the future. More than faith in a thing or a person long dead, hope, like Winefride’s spring, is eternal. That Holywell provides a scenic and memorable base from which to experience one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in all of the UK is just the icing on the cake.
August 24 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
A child named David was born into what should have been a simple life in a small town in southwestern Wales. Though his parents were related to royalty, that world was not the one experienced by young David. His father was the son of a prince; his mother was the daughter of the local leader and a nun, taken by force. These bloodlines meant little to their son, as he believed he was called in a different direction by the God he loved with all his might. While very little is recorded in history about this simple young boy who became such an awe inspiring man, his dedication to his faith cannot be questioned.
As he grew and became more strongly pulled to serve the Lord, he was led to the Henfynyw monastery where he was given an education and instructed in the ways of the monks, whose leader was a blind man. Having learned all he could from his teacher, he left the world he knew to travel into the unknown and spread the word of God to the people. His journey took him many places, both near and far from his homeland, before he returned to the area he was born to and where he eventually built his own monastery.
While little is known about the history of this man, the legend of David has lived on throughout the centuries. Miracles he performed, amazing events he was a part of, and the generous and kindhearted nature he possessed all combined to lead the church to honor him with sainthood in the year 1120 and to dedicate March 1st as a day of celebration on his behalf. Though his actual years of birth and death are not recorded, his passing was a sad one that, according to legend, was accompanied by the angels of heaven leading him home to the God he had so loyally served. His earthly body was buried in the consecrated ground of his monastery, which later became the site of St. David’s Cathedral.
Saint David's Cathedral
In addition to the exquisite cathedral built in his name, pilgrims visiting St. David’s in Wales can also view the Chapel of St. Non, dedicated to St. David’s mother. Close to this chapel is found a well, which is thought to bring luck and healing to those who journey there.
For centuries, the pilgrimage to St. David’s has been considered one of the highest-ranking journeys any religious person could undertake, be they Christian or otherwise. Two treks to this blessed area were considered equal to one voyage to Rome. Not only is the traveler visiting the location of many of this Saint’s good works, his life, and his death, but they are also paying homage to the actual resting place of his bones (although some believe they were moved during the 10th century to another location). The people who live in the small town of St. David’s have, since the time of his death, endeavored to carry on with the work St. David began during his life.
August 24 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Since biblical times, people have been journeying to the Holy Land, located in Israel and Palestine, for its religious significance. Christians revere the Holy Land as sacred because Jesus was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth and ministered in Jerusalem, where he was also crucified and resurrected. To journey to the Holy Land is truly to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
The Holy Land holds religious significance for other religions as well. Jerusalem is the site of Temple Mount and the Wailing Wall, both holy sites for the Jewish religion. Mount Sinai in Egypt is a sacred site for Muslims. The list of places that are sacred to various religions goes on and on. The Holy Land is a destination that calls to millions, whether they practice a certain faith or not. It is a sacred land that is the journey’s end for a countless number of pilgrimages. Should you decide to take this incredible journey, prepare to be in awe of the numerous sacred sites you will have the privilege of seeing. You will also want to bring good walking shoes. If you are familiar with any passages in the Bible, Torah and Quran, you know that everyone from Jesus, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to Moses, the Profit Muhammad and the disciples did a lot of walking. Expect to do the same.
The Altar of the Crucifixion in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was crucified
Christianity is the most followed religion in the world. The importance of the Holy Land to Christians is centered on the life of Jesus Christ. As you make your way through the Holy Land, you will bear witness to sacred sites such as the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptized. The Virgin Mary is thought to have grown up in Tzippori. Jesus ministered on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and walked on its waters. You will see the cave dwelling of John the Baptist. You can travel the road to Jericho where, according to Jesus, the Good Samaritan performed his good deeds.
One of the most sacred places in the Holy Land is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the site where Jesus was held in what is known as the Prison of Christ. He was crucified on the Hill of Calvary and the Stone of Anointing, where he was prepared for burial, lies just within the church. He was buried in the sepulcher and resurrected three days later. With such an amazing history, there is no other way to describe this site than as holy ground.
The Prison of Christ in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land offers you the experience of a lifetime. Not only will you experience the awe-inspiring religious sites, but the local sites and flavors. For instance, in Israel, you can eat some of the world’s best fruits, including oranges and grapefruits. You can dine on traditional meals of falafel, which are deep fried balls of chickpeas. In keeping with Israeli tradition, be sure and enjoy a salad with every meal, even breakfast. Not only will you be honoring their customs, you will be watching your waistline at the same time!
Even on a pilgrimage as holy as this, you can still find plenty of places for shopping and souvenirs. Relish in the atmosphere, the environment and the history of this sacred and holy land. Walking the paths that Jesus walked is an opportunity that you will not want to miss.
August 24 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Christianity is not the only religion for pilgrimages. Many other religions have their own sacred sites that believers travel to each year. In Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage is not only of choice, but also of necessity. The Five Pillars of Islam are five duties that every Muslim must follow. These five duties are include a declaration of faith, charitable giving, fasting during the month of Ramadan, daily prayers, and the Hajj. The Five Pillars of Islam are an essential part of the Islamic religion and all Muslims are supposed to adhere to these duties.
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, the sacred city of Islam, located in Saudi Arabia. The final stopping point is the Kaaba or ‘The Cube’, which is Islam’s most sacred site. This annual pilgrimage occurs between the 8th and the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic year. Every Muslim is required to complete the Hajj at least once during his or her life. If someone is physically unable to make the journey, he or she can fulfill his or her duty by sending someone in his or her place. The Hajj is a ritual that dates back to Abraham in 2000 BCE. The Islamic prophet Muhammad later made the journey himself while leading his followers from Medina to Mecca. This was when the Hajj became one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Practicing Muslims begin preparations for the Hajj during three specific months. Women may take the pilgrimage to Mecca, but they may not do it alone. They must be accompanied by an adult Muslim male. Once pilgrims reach Mecca, they enter ihram, which is a state of purity. Males must dress in two white pieces of cloth while women do not have clothing requirements. There are various rites and rituals that are then followed, including walking around the Kaaba seven times and touching or kissing the Black Stone in the Kaaba. The Hajj is the biggest annual pilgrimage in the world.
Masjid al-Haram or The Grand Mosque
Mecca is the capital of the Makkah Province in Saudi Arabia. It is a warm city all year round, so prepare to dress the part. During your pilgrimage, you will see the beauty of the Masjid al-Haram, also called the Grand Mosque. This mosque surrounds the Kaaba and is the largest mosque in the world. The Well of Zamzam is also a must-see inside the mosque. The Abraj Al Bait Towers are located across the street from the Grand Mosque and, upon completion, will be one of the tallest buildings in the world.
During your visit to Saudi Arabia, there are various other sights that you should try to experience. King Fahd’s Fountain, located on the coast of Jeddah, is the tallest water fountain in the world. Ta’if is about an hour from Mecca and is a summer resort area popular with tourists for its mild temperatures and pink palaces. The foods you will enjoy in Mecca include the traditional Saudi lunch, Kabsa (rice and meat), shwarma (flat, meat sandwich) and kofta (meatballs).
One very important fact to remember is that you must be Muslim to enter Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the city for religious reasons. So if you are set on seeing the sacred city of Islam but you are not a Muslim, you might have to convert. Otherwise, you will just have to enjoy the rest of Saudi Arabia.
August 23 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Rome is the home of the Vatican and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. Associated with powerful images and people, the history of which would fill tomes in its completion, Rome is the epicenter of Christianity where the Papacy was established.
For some, a connection to the past resonates deeply, even spiritually, moving one to visit key places; to stand where another stood, to touch what another touched, to lay eyes upon that which inspired another long ago. These journeys are often intensely personal, affirming, and for some, life-altering. These connections and the heart’s desire to undertake an often long, sometimes even dangerous trek over terrain previously traveled by a historically prominent figure, are generally referred to as pilgrimages, and for many followers of the Catholic faith, Rome is the ultimate in pilgrim undertakings. It’s a reaffirmation, a renewal, of faith.
A pilgrimage to Rome is no small undertaking, but it is worth every effort. With so much history and presence, Rome houses a huge number of relics highly valued by devout pilgrims. The spiritual resonance within Vatican City is so strong that many pilgrims take this journey time and time again, earning Rome the rank of most beloved pilgrimage route in the Christian world.
Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City
There are a number of major points for pilgrim focus in Rome, and many side interests. The single greatest site in Rome for a Catholic pilgrim is St. Peter’s Basilica, a massive, intricate structure with a very long history that houses the tomb of Pope John Paul II and also displays the body of Pope John XXIII. Despite these powerful figures laid to rest in the Basilica the remains of the very first pope, St. Peter himself, are the main draw. With a good likelihood of authenticity, these highly prized relics have been the journey’s end for millions of followers since the earliest days of Christendom.
The reliquary can be viewed below the altar through a glass wall lining the back of the crypt. The Basilica, a marvel of art and beauty in itself, was begun in 324 A.D. by order of Emperor Constantine, and built over the tomb of St. Peter who had been martyred and buried on that spot. In 1506, the Basilica saw rebuilding, this time under the design of Michelangelo as architect, and chief architect Donato Bramante, while Bernini designed St. Peter’s Square. Considered the headquarters, or heart, of Catholicism, the Basilica is an absolute must for the serious or casual pilgrim.
In total, there are 5 great basilicas that are popular for pilgrimages, with St. Peter’s being the most vital, but others include Saint Mary Major Basilica, Saint John Lateran Basilica, Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls Basilica. Each one is popular as a pilgrim destination and should not be overlooked as a stopping point in a spiritual affirmation. Many ancient threads to the past are housed in the Basilicas, including the remains of the cedar table believed to have been used by Jesus Christ for the Last Supper, and the remnants and Saint Peter’s communion altar.
The Papal Alter and Saint Peter's Baldachin
Pilgrimages have been conducted for over a thousand years to these places, and rarely in the safety and comfort available in modern times. A holy journey could take years to complete, but many still made the routes for spiritual edification. The Via Francigena is the name of the still-usable path taken for so many centuries by pilgrims from Rome to the north. This ancient stretch linked Canterbury to Rome, and cut through France, England, Switzerland, and Italy, crossing through the Alps and the Apennines. It is not a single road as we know today, and it was not paved and had no amenities available. Instead, it is a series of possible routes that altered depending on the year, the political climate of the time, and the popularity of the shrines along the way. The Via Francigena did not connect cities, but abbeys. This road is still used today by intrepid pilgrims, who usually camp outside, as there are no hotels on the paths. From the north to Rome, the name of the road changes to Via Romea, or the ‘Way to Rome’.
While in Rome, certainly expend a little time to see such marvels as the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Palace, and a variety of amazing museums all standing behind the walls of Vatican City. Outside the city lies much more to explore, such as The Colosseum, the Pantheon, day trips to Naples and Pompeii, and underground crypts and catacombs. But do be aware that local Italian food, while delicious and world-famous, may not be exactly what is expected. For example, spaghetti there is not the same dish as spaghetti in the States and does not come with any sauces. Ask questions, as the locals are happy to help, even if English is not spoken.
The Eternal City has been established for nearly 1,500 years and is still thriving with spiritual gratification, and relics or art to visit. Rome’s history is ancient and literally the stuff of legends. There is so much to see and experience here it could easily take a lifetime. The needs and demands of a modern and technological life can distract from what is truly important; spiritual health and wellbeing. Sometimes, personal and vital relationships get ignored in the hustle and bustle, and when that happens, it is time to reconnect, take a walk with the Savior, where he walked in His teachings. A pilgrimage to the heart of Christianity might be exactly the lifeline needed to strengthen faith for the life hereafter.
August 23 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Lourdes, France is the most visited Christian shrine. It is the site of the famous 1858 Marian apparitions and a destination for millions of pilgrims each year. Marian apparitions are events where the Blessed Virgin Mary appears to certain individuals, quite often children. On February 11th 1858, 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous witnessed the first of 18 apparitions of a lady in white. The apparitions appeared in a grotto, or cave, called Massabiele near Lourdes. On her ninth visit to the grotto, Bernadette was instructed by the lady to drink from a puddle. A day later, the puddle had grown and a spring began to flow. It was not until the 16th apparition that the lady said to Bernadette, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
Grotte de Massabielle
Bernadette Soubirous died in 1879 at the age of thirty-five. The Catholic Church canonized her as a saint in 1933 and her body is encased in a crystal tomb at the Convent of Saint-Gildard in Nevers, France. The Lourdes water that flows from the spring created by Bernadette is believed to have healing powers. Millions of people flock to the spring to drink and bathe in its waters. The Catholic Church has recognized several cures considered to be “true miracles” that have taken place after bathing in the waters.
While you are in Lourdes, you can visit the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Basilica of the Rosary, both amazing architectural works near the grotto. You can even visit the home of Bernadette’s parents. Lourdes is second only to Paris as a tourist attraction for France, so prepare to arrive in a tourist town. There are plenty of shops for souvenirs, from the tacky to the tasteful. Traveling to Lourdes will give you the chance to see the beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains and enjoy various activities including skiing, hiking and kayaking. You can also travel to nearby Spain once you have had your fill of religious cleansing.
Travel to Lourdes from the United States means passing through Paris. If you plan your pilgrimage just right, you will even have time to take in the Eiffel Tower and other Parisian marvels. From Paris, you can rent a car and drive or take the TGV (high speed train) to experience even more of the French countryside. Lodging in Lourdes is more than abundant, so you will have your choice of a place to rest your weary head, from “mom and pop” run hotels to luxury ones to any of the fully-equipped gîtes. There are several cities surrounding Lourdes that offer various experiences of their own. Pau, only 45 minutes away in the foothills of the Pyrenees, is the birthplace of King Henry IV. Zaragoza, four hours away, is another pilgrimage sight where a Marian apparition is said to have appeared centuries before the apparitions in Lourdes.
Basilica of the Rosary; Lourdes, France
When it comes to food, you will not find yourself hungry. Being such a tourist attraction, Lourdes has a wide variety of dining experiences available. You can go gourmet or casual, depending on your mood. Cuisine in this part of France differs greatly from that of Paris. In this region, expect heavier sauces, more herbes des Provence to be used and of course paired with excellent local wine.
When you consider the sacred apparitions that took place and combine them with the majestic location, it is no surprise that Lourdes is such a popular destination. Indeed, one might be inclined to insist that it’s no wonder the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared here on numerous occasions. She too, must have found the place too lovely to resist. You needn’t be religious to go on this unforgettable pilgrimage. Lourdes is home to a holy shrine that people of any religious beliefs can appreciate.
August 23 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Some saints, their shrines and the miracles associated with them are centuries old. There is no time line however, no point during which such miracles must occur. Faith has no calendar, no physical barriers, even if we do. Miracles can occur whenever, wherever we see them, and whenever the beholder is inclined to believe in such things. Take for instance, Our Lady of Fátima, or, in Portuguese, Nossa Senhora de Fátima.
On May 13, 1917, three cousins were out herding their sheep in an area known as Cova da Iria near their hometown of Fátima. The three cousins, ten year old Lúcia Santos and siblings Jacinta and Francisco Marto, reported seeing an image of the Virgin Mary, who then spoke to them and told them prophetic and enlightening truths. Two more sightings were reported on the 13th of June and July as well. Following these visions, the children were compelled by their faith and the vision to perform daily acts of penance and sacrifice in order to save the souls of sinners around them. As the fervor grew, more and more people came from all over in the hopes of witnessing a miracle of their own.
In response to the fervor, secular authorities jailed the cousins, though it wasn’t long before the children gained the support of their fellow inmates. Claiming that the entire affair was a political disruption, the local administrator demanded that the children tell him what the vision revealed to them. However, even under pain of torture and death, the brave cousins refused. What was it that the vision told to these three would-be prophets?
Lúcia Santos (left) with her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
She gave them Three Secrets. The first was of a vision of Hell and what waited for those who committed sin. The second was a vision of how the three children could work to save the faithful from the fires of damnation. The last and most telling was a vision depicting the death of the Pope and of various religious figures. More than anything, this last vision had the Vatican in a tizzy. Despite Lúcia’s insistent request that the information be made public by 1960 or as he phrased it, “At which time it would be better understood”, the Church kept the controversial third secret under wraps until 2000. Even so, there is speculation that what the Vatican released was a deception brought about by various Catholic notables, attempting to cover up the true Secret that the three cousins witnessed. Perhaps we might never know.
Conspiracy and intrigues aside, many pilgrims were drawn to Fátima to witness the last of the miracles, which, as the children were informed, would take place on October 13, 1917. In the years that followed, the town grew as the tale spread. First a simple shrine was erected, along with a hostel for the sick and infirmed. Later, in 1928, the modern basilica was erected on the site of the children’s visions. Now officially declared by the Papacy as “worthy of belief”, the miracles of Our Lady of Fátima are the impetus behind multiple festivals that last from May 13th to the October 13th, the greatest of which take place on those days in particular – marked as the anniversaries of the original miracles.
Fátima is now a thriving town about 76 miles north of Lisbon. Perhaps as is appropriate, the majority of the once poverty-stricken Fátima’s trade comes from religious tourism. Pilgrims will flock to the area for as long as the legend of the Marian visions persists, and on festival days, vendors and booths abound with holy trinkets and baubles to sell. Noted as the most important pilgrimage in its region, the town sees well over a million faithful every year. The basilica, where two of the three cousins are interred is a wondrous sight to behold, though entrance to the sacred house of worship is denied to all but the most pious. Hotels, hostels and restaurants have sprung up to serve the masses, providing great comfort as well as affordable and tasty authentic Portuguese cuisine.
For the faithful or the simply curious, the town of Fátima offers a unique view into the church, its beliefs and its worshipers. More than anything Fátima, and its immense cultural attraction, is proof that a hope for peace (the original message behind the purported visions) remains a worldly ideal.
August 23 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
The Way of St. James is a pilgrimage that has been taking place for over a thousand years. There are numerous paths to walk along, all with a common destination in northwestern Spain. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia is at the journey’s end of this pilgrimage. It is believed that the remains of the apostle St. James are buried here. It is also believed that this is one of only three pilgrimages to take where all of your sins are forgiven. There are several different historical paths to follow.
There is a bit more history behind the Way of St. James. It is believed that the Way may have been a pre-Christian Celtic death walk that ended at the Atlantic Ocean. This is why many people that travel to the Cathedral continue to Cape Finisterre. Modern pilgrims follow the path for religious reasons, while other travelers follow the path because of the challenge of the journey or just take a spiritual break from the world. No matter what reasons that you choose for following the Way of St. James, it is a journey you will never forget.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The most popular route to Santiago is the French Way. This particular route starts at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrénées. The path then goes to the Spanish side of Roncesvalles before ending in Santiago. You do not have to worry about packing tons of necessities. The path goes through several cities, including Pamplona, Burgos and León. You do not want to pack too much anyway because it is a long trek to travel with such a heavy load. One thing you want to have is your pilgrim’s passport. Without it, you will not be able to stay in the various pilgrim hostels along the way.
When you reach Pamplona, you will have the chance to feast in one of many tapas bars for some original Spanish cuisine. Tapas are comprised of various appetizers. If you arrive between the 7th and 14th of July, you can experience the San Fermin Festival, commonly known as the running of the bulls. In Burgos, you will see some amazing architecture, including the Burgos cathedral, and two beautiful monasteries. The gothic León cathedral will greet you upon your arrival into León. There are various other historical buildings to mesmerize your senses. León also offers tapas but, unlike Pamplona, these tapas are free. You can satisfy your appetite with, among other things, cecina (cured beef) and botillo (cured pork).
When you reach Santiago, you will experience the services held daily at the cathedral. Known as the Pilgrim’s Mass, this is the chance for pilgrims to participate in communion, confession and, ultimately, forgiveness for all of their sins. Following the Way of St. James has become more than just a religious experience. Tourists from all over the world travel the various paths in search of their own, personal salvation. If you are on a pilgrimage, it does not matter why or where you start. It is often said that any path to Santiago is a pilgrim’s path.
August 23 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Next »