Pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima

Nearly a year ago Ron and I made a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes with some wonderful stops along the way.  We traveled from Portugal through Spain to Lourdes in France and back to Spain before we journeyed home again.  It was a treasured journey.  

Our first stop was at Fatima and though it was cold and rainy the beauty of this place is just indescribable!  There is so much to see and such a quiet place in which I could contemplate.  There was no stress of crowds as we were there two months before the beginning of the centennial. 

Another stop along the way was a stop by Avila.  It was amazing to walk the streets of this medieval fortress town that was also the home of St. Teresa of Avila and where she and St. John of the Cross collaborated. 

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Our days at Lourdes were also quiet and reflective.  A quaint town where this peasant girl was blessed by a visit by the Blessed Virgin. We did a candlelight procession praying the rosary.  Unforgettable for me was praying the Way of the Cross.  

 I was and still am in awe of these Holy Places.  And my admiration for the courage of the Saints who have walked here is a wonderful reminder that I. too, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. can strive toward holiness. as well.  There is nothing I can say that can compare to the experience you will have if you are privileged to travel there.  

And now with only 4 weeks until we leave for the Holy Land I have to say I am very excited.  We arrive on Ash Wednesday and I cannot think of a better way to begin Lent and my journey to the holiest day of the year, the day of Our Lord's resurrection.

~~~^J^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy