Friday, October 17, 2008

Barcelona

Came to Barcelona from Rome on Oct.13th.The ride from the hotel was by car.From Rome, it was easy to find the gate to Barcelona. Rosh was there to pick me up from the airport.The next day , went to the 12-14th c. Church nearby for the mass. The city tour of Barcelona was very interesting.On.Oct.16,went to Valencia, a three hour ride from Barcelona by train.
Today,we will be going to Manresa, the place where St.Ignatius of Loyola went for a long meditative prayer in a cave.It was marvelous to see the cave where Ignatius meditated and composed his Exercises.The Cave is now a chapel and over the whole is built a beautiful church.
While there, a group of South Korean Catholics was particiapting at a mass said by a Korean Jesuit. the high point of the visit to Barcelona was the trip to Manresa.
It is a steep climb to the church.

Pilgrimage to Italy

In connection with the canonization of Blessed Alphonsa, a group of 20 went on a pilgrimage to Italy.Went to Venice,Padua,Assisisi,and to the the site of Padre Pio.The trip to Venice was very enjoyable.

Rome

Participated in the Canonization ceremony of the Bl.Alphonsa.Very impressive ceremony.The delegation from Chicago consisted of 20 people. Had a chance to meet many of the delegates from India. I was happy to meet one of my old friends,Fr.Tony Fronteiro at the St.Peter's Square.A large number of people including a lot of religius sisters were present at the ceremony.