Recent Memories
Vermont Camping 2003
Once again we returned to the green mountains of Vermont for our annual camping retreat. Our "tent city" was set up in record time while Sister Susan lit a fire that was seen from the space shuttle! After a traditional dinner of hot dogs and burgers, Father Dave called us together for introductions and a spiritual meditation for us to ponder throughout the weekend. The campfire music provided by Jim was light and lively as one by one campers drifted off, for morning was to come early. We awoke to join the Monks of the Weston Priory for a morning of praise as the sun peaked over the green mountains. After breakfast and liturgy, we headed off for a day of hiking or some restful time down by the lake. We were then off to the quaint town of Weston for afternoon shopping and some of the local ice cream and a taste of Vermont's famous cheese. As the sun set we met around the campfire as Father Dave led us in a discussion of the spiritual revelations we experienced in God's wonderful gift of nature. Morning came and Father Dave treated us to one of his world renowned campfire breakfasts of eggs sausage and bacon. We dismantled our "tent city" a little sad but anxious to return to our daily lives. Father Dave celebrated a beautiful camp side liturgy and we were off heading downhill and back to New Jersey. We all arrived safely and refreshed, ready to face the world once again.
Lourdes and Fatima 2002
We
started our pilgrimage on a hot July evening in Newark Airport. Our flight was
smooth and calm. Arriving in Lisbon we were greeted by our guide Teresa. She was
warm and friendly; we knew we were in good hands. Soon we arrived in Fatima
tired but excited with anticipation of the journey that lay before us. The city
of Fatima held us in awe. To visit the Shrine and the very spot where Our Lady
appeared to the three children was moving and inspiring. The next day we
departed Fatima and headed off for the beautiful city of Burgos. We toured the
Basilica and it was breathtaking to say the least. The following day found us
traveling through the scenic Pyrenees Mountains to our destination of Lourdes.
As the sun was setting we all took part in the nightly Candlelight Procession.
One could not walk away from the events that evening without being spiritually
touched and moved. The devotion and faith of people from of all nations touched
our hearts. We could all feel the presence of "Our Blessed Mother" as
we walked along. While in Lourdes we saw many sites associated with the life of
St. Bernadette. The life of this poor peasant girl spoke to each of us and gave
us all a new found fervor in our devotions to "Mary Our Mother".
Now it was time for Paris the famous "City Of Lights". What can
we say about Paris? Paris is not a city to tour but to be experienced! The Arch
de Triomphe and Eiffel tower are more beautiful than any post card can show.
Some of our troupe opted for an excursion to Lisieux the town associated with
the beloved St. Terese the "Little Flower". Everyone enjoyed their
visit to the great Basilica dedicated to her, the convent where she lived and
the Buissonets (home of the Martin family). All too soon our journey was over.
We left Paris sad but with fond memories to keep for years to come.