The Road To Heaven

 

  I had dreamed of going to Montana for years. In fact, it was on my bucket list. Halfway through the vacation, my family and I drove from the southern border of Montana to the northern border to hike in Glacier National Park. It was one of the most beautiful drives I have taken. I was drinking Diet Coke and belting out song after song on my "Jesus Jams" playlist as I wound through the mountains and open meadows. Every turn in the road was more beautiful than the last.

 This road was definitely less traveled.  I only occasionally passed other vehicles. The road was a series of ups and downs that kept my heart racing to the beat of the songs.  At times, the road seemed to climb straight up, and all I could see were the blue skies above me and puffy white clouds.  I couldn't even see where the road was taking us.  I smiled widely, turned to my daughter in the front seat, and said, "I don't know where this road is taking us, but it feels like we are going straight to heaven!"  We just kept laughing and singing as these ups and downs continued for an hour.  It was an exhilarating ride.  I felt like God was with us the whole time as we admired the beautiful world He created.

  Even now, I smile when I think about that drive. Glacier Park was stunning.  Glacier was the destination, but I feel the journey there is an important part of the story and has taught me a lot as well. The twists and turns, the highs and lows, and the inability to see what lay ahead seemed to capture my life metaphorically.  I am doing my best to steer toward heaven, but I feel the journey is incredibly important.  God's beauty is all around me through every high and low, every valley, and every green meadow.  God is right beside me. The path I am on often looks like the road less traveled, but with God beside me, I know it is the path He has chosen for me.

-Susan

Cathedral of the Holy Cross

 

   While vacationing with my family in Boston, we had the chance to attend Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. It was a stunning cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture and art. The impressive stained glass windows, each depicting a different biblical story, bathed the cathedral in a kaleidoscope of colors. What caught my eye before Mass began was the gold angels in front of the ornate white altar. A crucifix in the center of the altar reflected the radiance of God's love. Statues of the saints, each a work of art in its own right, were scattered throughout the cathedral. This cathedral was magnificent, but that wasn't what took my breath away. 

 The art was beautiful, but more importantly, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and reminding me that the angels, saints, and Mary celebrate the Mass with us.  Even though I know this is true, I can sometimes take it for granted. Looking at the gold angels above me, I was filled with awe, wondering how many angels were present during the Mass. This reality was nothing short of a miracle. I could experience heaven's glories by opening a church door and entering Mass. God's generosity and love are more than I ever deserve.

 Celebrating Mass with my children by my side always fills me with joy. Feeling the presence of my heavenly family beside me lifts my happiness to new heights. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude and thank God for this moment. This is the family vacation of my dreams!

-Susan

The Fragrance of Love

 

 

  I visited this beautiful lavender farm while on vacation.  I love the smell of lavender, and its promises to bring a night of relaxation and restful sleep. Unfortunately, this technique isn't always successful. The day's stress cannot always be rubbed away with a fragrant lotion. True peace has only one source--God's love.

  God's love can heal my heart when broken and calm my racing thoughts.  The balm of God's love releases my angry thoughts.  It encourages me to breathe hope into my future.  God's love softly touches my face and tells me, "Don't worry, dear child, we will face this together,"

  The peace of Christ can be found in a pew, a field, on a mountaintop, in your own home, in a smile, or in an outstretched hand. Christ's peaceful love is yours for the asking. Just open the door to your heart and say, "Lord, you are welcome here.  Please come in.  I want you in my life,"

-Susan

  

  

Vacationing With God #15-Bascilica di Santo Antonio, Padova Italy

 

  I have always been drawn to St. Anthony. He has always felt like a dear friend to me. Do I ask for his intercession when I lose things? Definitely more times than I would like to admit, but that's not why he is one of my favorite saints., but rather his commitment to preaching the gospel. He was a fantastic preacher! So, with the feast day of St. Anthony being June 13th, I thought I would share my experience of visiting the Basilica di Santo Antonio in Italy.

 The basilica is beautiful, with large frescoes depicting the life of St. Anthony. However, it was not the artwork that made my heart race. The moment I walked into the basilica, I felt like I had entered a good friend's home. There is no mistaking Saint Anthony's presence. I wish I could explain it more clearly, but my heart felt warm as if I had just been embraced by a close friend. I prayed by his tomb and then by the relics displayed behind the glass enclosure. His holy tongue and vocal cords still remain intact hundreds of years later. I imagined how amazing it would have been to listen to St Anthony teach and preach with the power of the Holy Spirit! He touched the lives of so many during his lifetime and still continues to do so.

 I would like to share a portion of one of St. Anthony's prayers. "You who made the darkness and the light put forth your hand and touch my mouth. Make it like a sharp sword to utter eloquently your words, make my tongue, O Lord, like a chosen arrow to declare faithfully your wonders. Put your Spirit, O Lord, in my heart that I may perceive. Put it in my soul that I may retain. Put it in my conscience that I may meditate. Lovingly, holily, mercifully, clemently, and gently inspire me with Your grace."  There is no doubt that God answered "yes" to his prayer.  

-Susan

Hands Up

 I had the opportunity to escape to the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains this past week.  While visiting I attended Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Hands up this was a wonderful experience. 

  As my family and I approached the church, an usher greeted us with a warm hello and asked us if we would like to receive holy water. “Yes!” I replied and held my hands up as he placed a small amount of water in them so I could bless myself with The Sign of the Cross.  As I sat in the pew before Mass began, I was intrigued with a banner of St. Joseph near the altar.  St. Joseph held the child Jesus in one hand and the other hand was stretched out.  

  The deacon gave a very moving homily centered on the need for our hands to be held up in life, so that we may receive the graces God desires to bestow upon us.  Filled with God’s graces we would be equipped to lend a hand to those who needed our help.  If we walked through life with our hands in fists or our arms crossed tightly across our bodies, we would be unprepared to receive God’s graces and the gifts of the Holy Spirit  

  After receiving Communion my eyes were again drawn to the banner of St. Joseph.  St. Joseph held Jesus close to his heart with one hand, and the other hand was open to God’s plan. As I continued to pray I realized that I had just received Jesus in one hand, and I too, must keep my other hand open and available to God.  I felt overwhelmed with God’s Presence. He had inspired me to come and receive Him high up on these mountains.   I was in awe of the beautiful mountains He had created, but I felt more than experiencing the beauty around me; He needed me to hear this important message of love.  

  My stay on this mountain will not be long, but it will be remembered.  Refreshed and strengthened,  I will come down the mountain holding my hands up. In fact, my hands look so much different to me now.  I realize that God will touch my hands with graces.  God allows me the privilege of holding the Body of Christ in them.  Now as I look at my hands, they appear to be stronger and more beautiful than I have ever remembered.  

-Susan

  

Vacationing With God #13- The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

   As I walked up the steps to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., I could feel my  excitement growing.  I was so thrilled to be back again!  Thirteen years ago I had walked up these same steps with my parents and husband and had consecrated my heart and life to Jesus, through Mary.  At the time, I thought I was making a pilgrimage to this beautiful shrine as a sign of my love for Mary.  What I have since realized, is that this act was just the beginning of my pilgrimage with Mary.  A pilgrimage that has encountered challenges, pain, and suffering, as well as moments of joy, growth and love.  I asked Mary to dwell in my heart; day by day, little lesson by little lesson, she has been teaching me how to draw closer to the heart of Jesus.
  If you have a chance to visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, you will not be disappointed.  It is the largest shrine in the United States. There is a beautiful cathedral on the main floor and the basilica has over 80 little chapels as well.  You could spend hours visiting the many different chapels filled with artwork dedicated to Mary and her loving influences upon the world throughout history.  It would be difficult to leave this shrine without being touched by Mary's heart.  I think a visit to the basilica could best be summed up by two little prayers from St. Teresa of Calcutta, "Lend me your heart, dear Mother" and "Keep me in your most pure heart."

-Susan

Vacationing With God #12 - St. Anthony's Chapel, Pittsburg Pennsylvania

  From the outside, St. Anthony's Chapel appears to be a typical yet beautiful brick church  with a statue of St. Anthony standing between two towering steeples.  However, once you step inside this chapel you will discover there is nothing typical about this church.  St. Anthony's Chapel has more than 4200 relics contained in 800 different cases.  Outside the Vatican, no other church contains this many relics. There were relics from the twelve apostles, a piece of wood form the true cross, a piece of wood from the table of the last supper. There were bones, skulls, remnants of clothing from hundreds of saints including St. John the Baptist, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Anthony, St. Lawrence, St. Stephen, St. Catherine, St. Nicholas, St. Sebastian, St. Frances, St. Phillip Neri, and the list goes on and on.
  My children were taken back.  Their previous exposure to relics was very limited.  My son asked, "Why would someone take a saint's bone? "
  I explained that the Church has a long history of venerating sacred objects from the saints.  The relics remind us to pray for the intercession of that saint.  We remember their example of living out the Gospel and they inspire us to do the same.
 Then my son said very quietly, "I'm not sure if I can believe these relics are real."
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because if these are all real, how come this church isn't filled with people?  Why wouldn't everyone want to see this?"
  "That's a good question," I said.  "The streets sure were crowded back by our hotel with everyone going to the Pirates baseball game."   
  This church shouldn't be packed just to see the relics, though, the church should be packed in order to spend time with Christ in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  Our actions always speak volumes of what we hold dear.  As I looked around at the hundreds and hundreds of relics from so many different saints, I wondered if this wasn't a small taste of heaven.  In heaven we will be together amidst all the saints worshipping God. As I knelt down to pray I couldn't help but smile when I imagined how incredible that day will be.

-Susan

Vacationing With God #11- San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas

  I wanted to share with you my experience at the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas.  I had traveled there in early December.  The Cathedral was beautiful inside and out, and I'm sure I will be sharing many of the interior pictures in the future.  Today, though, I wanted to share what occurred outside the cathedral.  Projected on the facade of the cathedral was an approximate 24 minute projection mapping show demonstrating the rich history of San Antonio.  It was a stunning visual delight as the cathedral changed from one scene to the next perfectly accompanied by music.  The show itself was not "spiritual", but it demonstrated the struggles and victories that this cathedral and it's parishioners had witnessed since 1750.  Through the joys and sorrows of life, God is always in our midst.                                                             

This is the San Fernando Cathedral before the show begins.

Let the show begin...

-Susan

Vacationing With God #10- St. Joseph's Oratory, Montreal, Canada

  It was Spring Break, the car was loaded, and we were ready for our spiritual pilgrimage.  We were headed for Mount Royal, St. Joseph's Oratory.  With hope and confidence we came to honor  and pray with St. Joseph and St. Andre.  We could see the large dome from miles away.  The Basilica was massive, and impressively sat on top of Mount Royal, but once inside, the humble love of St. Andre continues to touch all who visit.
  Brother Andre (as he was known during life) was not well educated and had poor health, so he was given the job of greeting those who came to the door.  He had a very special devotion to St. Joseph and encouraged others to ask for St. Joseph's intercession.  Over the years, many healings were attributed to those who visited Brother Andre.  Inside the Basilica there was an entire wall of crutches/canes that were left behind from those who were healed.  Brother Andre always insisted the healings came from God or through the intercession of St. Joseph's prayers.
  One of my favorite quotes from St. Andre is "It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely beautiful pictures."  St. Andre please pray that we may all remain small brushes in God's hand.

-Susan

Vacationing with God #9- San Giovanni Rotondo, The Friary of St. Pio

  We drove down the beautiful  Adriatic coastline alongside rolling mountains adorned with grapevines and olive trees.  The Shrine of St. Pio sat on top of the highest mountain.  The narrow road up the mountain was probably better suited for cows or donkeys, but St. Pio is near and dear to my heart, and I would have gladly walked up the mountain to see where he had lived.
  Excitedly, we walked into St. Pio's friary.  His friary was completely preserved.  His bed, chair, desk, the tiles he walked on were all completely protected with glass.  We saw the many altar cloths used while he said mass.  Chills ran through me as I saw the how the blood from the stigmata on his hands was present on all the cloths.  We also saw the many pairs of brown gloves he used, his different vestments-everything tinged with blood.  There was an entire wall of thousands of letters, rosaries, and holy cards that people had sent imploring his prayers and blessings.  We also saw the cell where he lived and died and the window he used to lean out in order to bless the crowds.
  Slowly, we descended the stairs leading to St. Pio's tomb.  Flowers were everywhere.  As I knelt beside him to pray,  I could almost feel his presence in the room.  I prayed for my family members in need of healing and I asked St. Pio for guidance.  I asked him what I could do to be a better follower of Jesus.  My prayer was answered almost immediately.  In my mind I heard four words- "Prayer, sacrifice, suffering and confession." As I repeated these words over and over so I would not forget his precious advice, I received one more piece of advice, "Learn from the wounds."  As I continued to pray, I could feel my tears running down my face.
  Before leaving St. Pio's Shrine, I stopped to write a personal letter to St. Pio again asking for his intercession with family members.

 I placed my letter into the offering alongside so many others.  Amazingly, St. Pio still receives thousands of letters.


-Susan

World Youth Day at Home Detroit 2016

    This past weekend, my youth group got the amazing opportunity to go to World Youth Day at Home Detroit 2016. I had never been to a youth conference, or anything like this before, so I didn't really know what to expect. My Mom and sister had the opportunity to celebrate World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI a few years ago, and I have always enjoyed hearing them speak about their journey. When I found out my youth group would be participating in a similar, more condensed, local event, I was so excited to go. 

    When I got up on Saturday morning and drove to my church, I had a lot of questions. Would there be lots of parishes there? Would there be Polish food? Will the weather hold up? I really had no idea what I would be experiencing this weekend. Before we left to drive to the event, we were all given the World Youth Day at Home T-Shirts. They had a picture of Pope Francis on the front, with the words "Vote For Mercy" framing it. This set the tone for the entire event- Mercy. Although I have heard a great deal about mercy since the Jubilee Year of Mercy began,  this event changed the way I saw mercy.  

    One of our first activities was the "Pilgrimage Walk". The purpose of the walk was to be in solidarity with those at World Youth Day in Poland, who had to do a much longer spiritual walk. Fortunately, our walk was only around the campus, but unfortunately, it rained. Actually, it poured, but this did not break our spirits.  We were all here for a reason-to connect with others and share our faith, and a "little" rain was not going to ruin that. While we were on the walk, we were given a list of questions to discuss with people from other parishes. Through this experience, I met so many cool teens who shared the same passion for my faith as I did, and it was truly inspiring.

   Throughout the day on Saturday we were given talks by the truly inspiring Mike Patin. Often it can be difficult to get teens excited to listen to religious talks. Nothing could be farther from the truth with Mike. He knew how to engage us, and I could tell everyone there was truly influenced by what he had to say. He talked a lot about mercy, forgiveness, and other topics that made us really take a look at our faith and our actions. 

    We also did some cool corporal and spiritual works of mercy stations which helped us understand how to show mercy on global and local levels. We learned how one company was dedicated to providing clean water to developing countries, by collecting and donating gently used tennis shoes. We made blankets for the Pope Francis Center in Detroit, gift bags for the sick, and decorated crosses for people in nursing homes. We got to experience a new way of praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, which made this prayer even more special. Also, there were exhibits on "Miracles of the Eucharist". 
    Saint Pope John Paul II had stayed at this same campus back in 1987 when he had visited the United States.  We got to see the room in with he stayed and the kayak he used during his visit. I thought it was so cool, getting to experience some of the same things an actual pope, and saint got to experience not too long ago.

    After an amazing dinner featuring some awesome pierogies,  we got the opportunity to participate in Eucharistic adoration, and hear an inspiring talk from Bishop Byrnes. Perhaps the best part of the night was the beautiful mass we all celebrated together. We had the awesome opportunity to get to hear a homily given by the archbishop, and connect with each other and God in the best way possible, through the Eucharist.

    Although we were planning on sleeping outside under the stars that night, like they were doing in Poland, the rain spoiled that for us. Sleeping in the gym wasn't that bad though!

    The next morning we had our closing ceremony and prepared to leave. The closing ceremony was a tribute to everything we had done that weekend, and made me a little sad to leave. We sang "Blessed are the Merciful" one last time together, were given a bottle of Holy Water and a blessed rosary, and then were sent forth to spread the message of mercy to the world.

    I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity to attend World Youth Day at Home Detroit, and feel incredibly inspired. Before I went, I was feeling kind of hopeless, because I feared many of the youth didn't care about their faith anymore. Now my faith is restored after meeting so many amazing, inspiring youths. I am also so inspired to share mercy with everyone possible, and in every form, and I was reminded once again how amazing Jesus is. It was truly a life changing experience.

-Theresa

    

Vacationing With God #8-National Shrine of Divine Mercy, Stockbridge MA.

 This past weekend we packed up the car and embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge MA. After consecrating myself to Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday,  I had a great desire to visit the shrine.  Perhaps it was the voice of mercy echoing in my thoughts, or my desire to thank St. Faustina, or the inspiring words of the Marian Fathers and Pope Francis that drew me to this spot. 

 There was an overwhelming sense of peace as we walked the grounds of the shrine. There was beauty everywhere.  We stepped out of the car and followed the footsteps of our loving Savior as we prayed beside the life size stations of the cross. This was a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for mass.

 After we entered through  the Holy Doors of Mercy, we enjoyed a beautiful mass, prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and received a blessing with a the relic of Saint Faustina. We prayed along side others who were on their own spiritual journeys. We were strangers, and yet we were brothers and sisters,  searching and longing for one thing- God's loving mercy. 

  Although the mercy of God can be felt everywhere, sometimes it is good for the soul to take a break from  everyday routines, and travel on a special path focused completely on Jesus.  I would like to encourage everyone during this Year of Mercy, to put aside some special time to contemplate the mercy of God and how to "be merciful as the Father is merciful."

Merciful Lord open our heats so that we may hear your voice,
Guide our steps, that we follow in your path, 
Use our hands as if they were your own,
And  let our thoughts be centered on you.
Please bless us with your loving mercy.

Check out this video of our trip to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy!

-Susan and Theresa

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Vacationing with God #7 -Basilica della Santa Casa, Loreto, Italy

  We had been driving down the western Italian coast towards Loreto that summer evening.  We had never been to Loreto before, and we hoped it would be easy to find as evening turned into night.  Our nerves were instantly soothed when we saw a beautiful basilica radiating light from it's mountain ridge.  Instantly, I smiled.  Like any good mother, Mary had left the light on for her children who were arriving late.
  The next morning we awoke anxious to discover the Basilica dell Santa Casa, the home of the Virgin Mary.  The basilica was very, very beautiful.  As you walked into the basilica the sides of the church were adorned with numerous pictures of saints all in large gold frames.  Again, I was not surprised that Mary would have pictures of all her children on display.  The duomo of this basilica was absolutely amazing with breathtaking murals.  The most endearing part of the basilica, of course, was in the center- the home of the Virgin Mary and later the Holy Family.  Legend states that the house was carried by angels from Nazareth to avoid destruction during the Holy Wars.

   

  I slowly stepped inside the home with great reverence.  It was an honor to be within the walls of this holy home.  Imagine what these walls had witnessed and encompassed-family meals, conversations, jokes, and prayer.  I felt joy and peace as I reached out and touched the walls that had been a witness to so much.  At one end of the room there was an ebony statue of Mary and baby Jesus.  I knelt before the statue and allowed the wonder of Mary to fill my heart.  Ave Maria!

-Susan

Vacationing with God #6- Chicago, Illinois

  Old St. Patrick’s Church

My family and I love catching the Sunday mass at Old St. Patrick's Church whenever we visit downtown Chicago.  This beautiful Celtic church built in the mid 1800's boasts of Irish charm and magnificent stained glass windows.  However, even though this church is ornately beautiful, the true beauty of the church can be found in it's members.  The music ministers are very talented, the parishioners friendly, and the priests are very welcoming.   When you come to mass at Old St. Pat's you don't feel like a visitor,  you feel very much at home.  I imagine that is exactly how St. Patrick would want you to feel.  Please be sure to include Old St. Pat's the next time you visit Chicago.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
-Susan


"I bind myself today, -
To the power of God to guide me,
The might of God to uphold me,
The wisdom of God to teach me,
The eye of God to watch over me,
The ear of God to bear me,
The Word of God to speak for me,
The hand of God to protect me,
The way of God to lie before me,
The shield of God to shelter me,
The host of God to defend me"

 -St. Patrick

Vacationing with God #5 -Assisi, Italy

  Assisi.  is a beautiful medieval town sitting half way up Mt. Subusio.  The small, narrow steep streets first led us to the Basilica of St. Clare.  Inside this basilica is the Chapel of the Crucifix which displays the crucifix which spoke to Francis.  As St. Francis  prayed before this crucifix, Jesus asked him to rebuild His Church.  As you gaze upon this cross, you can't help but be caught up in that moment.  I imagine St. Francis' heart must have filled with great joy and love as he tried to understand what Jesus was calling him to do.
  Next we entered the large Basilica of St. Francis.  The upper church was flanked with large frescoes telling the story of St. Francis' life.  As we descended into the lower chapel we could hear a group singing "Make me a channel of your peace.." in Italian.  It was if the spirit of St. Francis himself was inviting us to come closer.  The lower chapel displayed the garments of St. Francis and St. Clare and also St. Francis' brevery.  His tomb was in the middle of an enclosed glass wall which reached all the way up to the upper church.  Around St. Francis' tomb were also those of his friends.  As we circled his tomb his peace seemed to linger in the air and you could almost feel the love these men had for Christ and one another.
  After exploring the town of Assisi and imagining St. Francis walking these same streets, we continued traveling up Mt. Subusio to Eremo Delle Carceri.  This monastery is the home of the caves that St. Francis and his friars prayed, meditated, and lived.  You can actually walk through St. Francis' cave which then leads out to an area (marked by a statue) where St. Francis gazed at the stars.  Many paths led in and out of this wooded area where St. Francis taught his friars.  We passed a rough alter made out of giant stone with surrounding smaller stones for seats.
  We decided to sit and meditate here as St. Francis may have done.  Here in the quiet of the forest, with God's beauty all around, I discovered that freedom within.  I thought about how St. Francis gave away all that he possessed.  I thought about how difficult that would be for me to do.  But I think if you gave away all your possessions and sat in these woods meditating on God--His encompassing love and everlasting peace--away from the world's worries and worldliness you would be free.  You would be free to just dwell in God's love.  I sat there placing myself in God's presence and imagining being a follower of St. Francis and it was in this moment that I felt truly free.

Vacationing with God #4- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels; LosAngels, California

       Right in the middle of downtown LA is the amazing Cathedral Of Our Lady of the Angels.  The modern architecture of this cathedral beckons you to step inside and escape from the business of the city. The cathedral is a work of art filled with beautiful works of art creating an atmosphere of wonder and awe for God.  

  One of my favorite parts of the cathedral were the beautiful tapestries.   I absolutely loved the Communion of Saints tapestries that adorned both sides of the nave. Twenty five of these fresco tapestries bring 135 different saints to life. It is incredible to look at the faces and names of all these holy men, woman, and children. It makes you feel as if you are catching a glimpse of the faithful in heaven as they pray and intercede for us here on earth.  I couldn't help but hum the infamous tune "When the Saints Go Marching In".  Standing there, I desperately wanted to march into heaven with them.  Yes, the calling of all of us to be saints could be heard and felt as one walks down the aisles.  As I knelt down and prayed, I thanked God for these amazing witnesses to the faith and I begged Him to create in me the desire and courage to follow in their footsteps. 

  

  
                                                                                                      Tomorrow is All Saints Day.  Don't forget to thank those who have spiritually helped you along your journey. 

--Susan

Vacationing with God #3- Carmel Mission; Carmel-by- the- Sea, California

  California is one of my favorite places to visit.  There are so many diverse things to see and do.  From the unspoiled rocky coastline, to the Napa Vineyards, to the majestic Redwoods, California is stunning!  Our family has truly enjoyed discovering California and it's many charming little towns such as Carmel and Monterey.  I would definitely recommend packing a picnic basket and blanket and enjoying an afternoon anywhere along 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.  Judging from it's beauty, I think God must have lingered awhile along this coastline.  And if you are spending the weekend in this area, be sure to stop at the Carmel Mission.

  








                                  The Carmel Mission makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time.  This Spanish mission church, which has been built and rebuilt a few times over, is as beautiful inside as out.  Surrounded by lovely gardens and courtyards it is a wonderful place to celebrate mass and then enjoy the peaceful surroundings.  The Carmel Mission was founded by Father Junipero Serra in the late 1700's.  If this name sounds familiar it is because Pope Francis just canonized Father Serra during his recent visit to America on September 23, 2015.  St. Junipero Serra's body is entombed here at the Carmel Mission.

  I have always admired missionaries.  Leaving the comforts of their own home, language, and culture behind in order to bring the gospel to another corner of the world is incredible.   And there is so much work still to do!   Sometimes we tend to think with all the modern ways to communicate, surely everyone has heard of Jesus by now.  Heard about Him....maybe....but does everyone recognize His presence?  I think we could all help continue the missionary work begun here, by bringing Christ to the people around us each day.  Perhaps we each live in the city we do, because our mission may be to enlighten those who live near us.

 
 One of the things I love about being on vacation is seeing the world and your own life from a different point of view.





  The Carmel Mission is a wonderful place to visit.  I definitely found this to be a great spot to dwell with the Spirit.


-Susan

Vacationing with God #2; Orvieto, Italy

Orvieto

  The town of Orvieto sits high upon a mountain and it's charm increases with the upward slope of the streets.  We walked the steep street which led to a large fourteenth century cathedral with an amazing facade of statues, carvings and sculptures that you could spend hours marveling.  Even though this was breathtaking, we were eager to enter the cathedral for what was actually miraculous.  The cathedral houses one of the "miracles of the Eucharist".

 For those of you unfamiliar with this miracle, let me share a brief description.  In the mid 1200's, a priest, Peter of Prague, stopped by a nearby town of Orvieto on his way to Rome to celebrate mass.  He unfortunately was having personal doubts about the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  When he lifted the host and spoke the words of consecration, he saw drops of blood coming from the host and dripping onto the alter table and even onto the floor.  At once he wrapped the host with the corporal ( a linen alter cloth).   It is said that Father Peter did not even finish mass and rushed to Orvieto because he knew Pope Urban V was staying there.  He showed Pope Urban V the host and corporal and told him what had occurred.

  Large frescoes adorn the walls of the cathedral to retell the miraculous event.  As we gazed at the blood stained cloth which wrapped the bleeding host,  I felt blessed to be so near to the relics.  As I stood there I wondered if Father Peter had echoed the apostle Thomas' words, "My Lord and My God!"

 Even though this was an amazing event in history, our Lord is so loving and generous that He offers each of us this miracle at each and every mass.  In our own churches the miracle of the Eucharist occurs daily transforming our own heart and those of our neighbors.  We may not see the drops of blood with our eyes, but certainly we are witnesses of His Presence when we reach out to help one another and when we ourselves receive help at difficult times.  Yes, I truly believe in the miracle of the Eucharist, not because I have gazed upon relics, but because I have witnessed faith-filled people in action.  As the song written by Ann Wilson goes, "How beautiful is the Body of Christ..."

-Susan

Vacationing with God #1: South Dakota

  We all piled in the big blue van and headed west for the Black Hills, South Dakota.  It was a two day  drive from home, but it was worth it!  First we stopped at the amazing Badlands.  God colorfully created these magnificent mountain peaks with skill.  No matter where you stood, the view was spectacular!  We traveled on to bike the trails in the Black Hills and enjoyed the 4th of July Fireworks show above Mt. Rushmore.  Lastly, we explored Custer State Park and one of the most beautiful and intriguing lakes I have encountered-Sylvan Lake!  The landscape here made us feel as if we were on another planet.  The rock formations surrounding the lake were incredible!  After a week of beautiful scenery and fun we headed back home.
  On Saturday we stopped at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls.  We were expecting to celebrate a nice mass in a beautiful church,  but we experienced something much more!  As we walked into the cathedral we learned that the associate pastor was from Africa.  Some of his friends from his homeland congregation came up to celebrate his priesthood anniversary.  The church reverberated with the beat of the African drums and instruments.  It was amazing!  In the middle of the United States my family had the opportunity to experience an African mass.  Of all the churches we could have stopped at on our two day ride home, God lead us here!  I felt He was really spoiling us with beautiful surprises this vacation.  We left the church smiling when one of my youngest children said, "So that's what church is like in South Dakota.  That was pretty coo!"

-Susan

Vacationing With God

I love to travel. God made this world so beautiful and to me traveling is an opportunity to discover a new facet of God's personality. His creativity is endless and I feel so fortunate for all the opportunities I have had so far. To me, vacationing is getting away from all the routines, responsibilities, and madness and just enjoying time with my family. It's a time for me to connect with my inner child and just have fun. God blessed me with beautiful, adventurous and fun loving children and they make my life very interesting and comical to say the least.  We never leave God at home while we are vacationing. How could we? He is part of us and I make a point of following His inspirations while we travel. So from time to time, I would like to share some of these moments with you. I hope that they might inspire you to invite God along on your next vacation and remember to ask Him, "Hey, what do you want to do?"

-Susan