(Nov 2016) Greetings to all of you! (Pilgrimage continued)
Last week I began to write about our Pilgrimage to Italy and Medjugorje beginning with Venice and now we move on to Padua, the home of St. Anthony, the Patron Saint of Italy! As you may know, St. Anthony is the one in whom we pray to find things we have lost. Not sure how he got that job, but it seems to work every time I pray to him. Anyway, St. Anthony isn't really Italian at all, he's from Portugal. But, don't tell any Italian that fact! You may definitely get a dirty look or one of those hand signals we Italians are known for in giving people to whom they disagree. Anyway, our trip through the city was amazing. There is an old University that is well known throughout the world. It used to be THE place for learning and young people throughout Europe continue to attend this very important place. The Shrine itself is amazing. The Church that was built over the tomb of St. Anthony is huge and the art pieces would make even our Museums blush. We were allowed to touch his tomb which was surrounded by many pictures of those who had asked for his intercession for healing. It was there I prayed for your intentions and a special prayer for a family member who is undergoing cancer treatments. I wish we had more time to explore the Church but it was onto the bus for our next stop: Florence, the home of the great artists and poets, including Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri! More on that next week!
On another note, we will be travelling to the Cathedral on the Feast of Christ the King to attend the St. Jude Award ceremony. This is celebrated every year to honor those in various parishes that have given of their Time, Talent, and Treasure in abundant ways. This year’s award goes to our very own steward, Louise Adams, who has been running our gift shop for many years! She is always faithful and she has been a blessing to St. Mark for all she does. Offer her a special thank you and blessing for her outstanding achievement.
Well, that is all for now. As the Advent Season approaches, may you have a peaceful time in contemplating the coming of our Lord into our lives.