Thank you, Christine for sharing your family's day trips. It is sad to see the unused sacred vessels - almost like a statement on Europe today. There is such a wealth of history and tradition there - if only people knew what they have so close to their grasp. I pray they may awaken to it. And God Bless you and your family! Jim
Jim,
Thanks for the note. Actually, contrary to the stereotype, there is a vibrant and living Catholicism here in France, especially among the youth. There is also a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother that is more profound than I have encountered anywhere (which makes sense, as this is a country favored by so many Marian apparitions; France was also the first country blessed to have Mary as its patron saint). Statistics only show so much; though the numbers have diminished, it seems the concentration of the faithful who remain are even more fervent and more devoted than ever.
Christine,
You make a great point. In fact, everywhere there are true, vibrant believers. It is up to us to find each other, strengthen the community, and be leavening to the bread - the world around us. Thank you for this reminder to every Christian in the world. Jim
Fabulous, simply fabulous.
You're both right, Christine and Jim....
Irishgirl,
Have you spent much time in Europe?
Yes-but only as a tourist and a pilgrim from the United States. I've been to England (7 times), France (5 times), Italy (4 times), Portugal (4 times) and Spain (1 time). I've visited Rome, Fatima, Lourdes; Assisi, Loreto; Lisieux, Alencon, Orleans, Domremy-la-Pucelle, Rouen, Paray-le-Monial, Nevers; Avila and Segovia; London, Canterbury and Aylesford (these are places with shrines). I saw Pope Paul VI once, and John Paul II three times in Rome.
I went to Dijon on my first French trip in 1985, but couldn't find where Blessed Elisabeth of the Trinity was buried-she had been made "Blessed" the previous November in Rome. (only last year I found out on the Web that her tomb is in the Church of St-Michel-saw a picture of it)
I loved going to Europe-I wish I could go back again! But it's too expensive now...
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