When I was in college, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad at Franciscan University's campus in Gaming, Austria. The small village of Gaming is nestled in the hills of the Austrian Alps, once home to a 14th century Carthusian Monastery. While here, we took class for three and a half days a week. The remaining three and a half days were set aside for travel throughout Austria and its surrounding countries.
Gaming, Austria- my home for four months in college
Perhaps the greatest blessing of my time there were the many pilgrimages on which I was blessed to go. From pilgrimages to Lourdes, Fatima, Rome, Assisi, Medjugorje, and Poland, I was lead by many guides to experience the treasures our faith has to offer us. In each pilgrimage, I was drawn closer to Our Lady, Her Son, and fell deeper in love with my Catholic faith.
Pilgrims join in procession in Lourdes!
Praying in the grotto in Lourdes while on pilgrimage!
As the opportunity to go on pilgrimage looms on the horizon in just a few days time, I find myself reflecting back on how I prepared to go on pilgrimage the other times. I remember clearly our priest and guide for the first pilgrimage we went on telling us, "A pilgrimage is not a trip!". We were encouraged not to enter into the weekend pilgrimage expecting things to be easy. He shared with us how a pilgrimage mirrors that of our journey in life, hopefully towards Heaven. There will be ups and downs throughout the time on pilgrimage. Just like we strive to orient our lives towards Heaven, so too on pilgrimage should we strive to align our minds and hearts to be open to the Lord and all that He desires to show us during our time away. Crosses will occur, be it travel difficulties, lost luggage, weather, or a variety of other unfortunate circumstances, but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, each of these crosses will be used to show us a greater depth of His love and challenge us to grow and stretch in ways we may not otherwise.
Another piece of advice he gifted us with was considering who we might "take along" on pilgrimage with us. What a blessing it is to have the opportunity to share the graces and riches of the pilgrimage with those who do not have the chance to go on a particular pilgrimage! It is with this person or intention in mind that we can face the crosses presented to us on the pilgrimage and for which we can offer the graces that we receive while in the holy places.
On this pilgrimage, I will be carrying my mom close in prayer and heart. Just the other day, she found out her cancer that she courageously battled just a year and a half ago has returned with a vengeance. It is for her healing and strength that I will ardently pray for during my time in the Holy Land. As she unites her cross with the Lord, I too, will unite the crosses I encounter with that of Christ's cross. I will also be praying for my upcoming marriage to Adam. As we strive to grow closer to one another through Christ each day, I pray that the graces of this pilgrimage will abound in blessings upon our marriage.
My courageous and beautiful mom, whom I will be taking on pilgrimage!
My handsome and loving fiancé!
Intercessory prayer is a powerful thing and a gift to many. Even if you are not going on a pilgrimage, you are able to offer up your prayers, works, joys, and sufferings for another. Today, on your pilgrimage towards Heaven, I encourage you to consider for whom you can offer up your day.
Blessings,
Julie
Prayers and blessing for both of us as our wedding comes in a few months
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