In the Quiet

+ J.M.J. This is another post about my pilgrimage to Europe. We went to Assisi, and there we visited the basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare. I am always inspired by lives of holiness. It was amazing to be able to see the cell in which St. Francis was locked up, and the place where he might have been born. Assisi itself was gorgeous.  It did rain for awhile, but the sun came out later. Cell of St. Francis (where he was locked away) As I walked into the basilica of St. Clare, I was struck how deep her spirituality was. Her holiness lived on in that place where her relics were kept. The world may look at a consecrated religious like St. Clare and think, "what a waste of a life." On the contrary, though, I can vouch for the deep connection I felt with her while I was in that place. She was a woman of God in deep communion with Christ and all His Church. Religious life is a wonderful vocation that some are called to and it is full of joy. Until...

+ J.M.J. During my pilgrimage to Europe recently, I had many spiritual experiences. This is the first of many that I will share with you. They are highly personal, but as I have learned, there is great power in sharing your encounters and yes, even your struggles with others. None of us are alone in this journey of life. Christ is always there, and I want to share with you all how I experienced Him more fully than I ever have before.  This picture came near the end of a very challenging day. We started out the day with Mass. We then proceeded to hike 8 miles in the heat of the day with thousands of pilgrims headed toward Bolonia Park, where we were to spend the night. The closing Mass the next day would be celebrated by Pope Francis himself! This spending the night experience was called the vigil.  Trudging along the sometimes rough path with people all around you is trying for anyone I'd imagine, but I supposed that I was having quite a hard time. You see, ...