It's so hot here!! I went back to bed twice today, it's 4:25 in the afternoon and for a poor Irishman it would still roast you. Many hundreds of pilgrims were still milling about in the heat though. But I suspect they come from countries were such heat is the norm and were well able to stand it. Did an hours adoration before Mass , sitting through a German mass as I waited for the English speaking one. The poor German pilgrims; so few from what was once a Great Catholic country. They are now in the full flow of Apostasy with Catholics fleeing the Church in their millions. I hope to head down to the Church shortly to do another hours adoration in the wonderful air conditioned Church. Honestly I don't think I could stick it anywhere else I would fall over. It would be wonderful to be able to go to at least the foot of apparition hill again before going home but I doubt it. One time in Israel I got heat stroke and for those who never had it let me tell you it is terrible. Only a beautiful young Israeli army Doctor saved me from hospital, she was so kind. Her treatment? A big bottle of Coca cola!! She said it is the best cure in the World and it was, thank God.
6am and I hear the beautiful sound of the Church bells calling people to prayer. Everything all packed and ready for my taxi which comes at 8am to ship me away. I discovered packing that there was not one but many horrible biting mosquitoes in my bedroom when I glanced at the bathroom ceiling and saw a squadron of them glaring down at me. They make buzzing noises like German dive bombers as they attack. They may well miss me but I will not miss them.
I feel a sweet sadness at leaving. Sweet because I am very happy to be going. I am a home bird and that's where I am happy. It's to be 37c here and I just can't deal with it. I don't know how anyone can, plus the biting critturs. Sad because it was was an intense period of prayer and a deep spiritual experience. My big take away? The great goodness of which people are capable, especially young people. I have been far too ready to write the young off. The strong, deep Faith of so many Catholics. So for me, to my surprise, it was not about signs and wonders but simply about deeply good people and it doesn't really get much better than that.
Thank you Mary. Ryanair have sent my a message about a shortage of European flight controllers. Who knows? I could use a prayer.
Well I must see if I can make it up and down to the Church one last time to say goodbye before the taxi comes at eight. Excited and happy. Maybe a tinge of sadness. This is quite some place.
I always say goodbye to Our Lady there at the main entrance. She has answered many of my prayers at that spot. I'm saying a memorare for your safe journey.
Prayers for a safe journey home for you Padraig. I'm finally going to Garabandal today thanks to a very kind lady I've befriended at my local church in Santander. I ended up joining a charismatic prayer group which, for a TLM person like myself, is a big step out of my comfort zone. But they have been lovely to me and very welcoming. God is so good. So I will be praying for all of your intentions at the pines this afternoon. P.s. It's raining here today and a cool 16°C. Just like Ireland.
It's a powerhouse of prayer. I'm only a few hours away in Dubrovnik at the minute on a break with my wife and I can feel it when I lie down to sleep and I transport myself in prayer to Medjugorje.
Safe travels to both Padraig and Adoremus. I hope one day to visit Garabandal. And I hope also to return to Medjugorie. Like you Padraig, I found it a spiritual filling up of my tank. Like you said, to see so many priests, religious and lay people, especially the young who are on fire for Christ is the sign of hope. It does not mean all is going to be nice… in fact lije so many here have said, we are headed (or already at) the moment of Calvary for the Church and world. But like Our Lady asks… pray, have hope and have joy because Christ never abandons us and the Cross leads to Resurrection. thank you again for sharing your journey with us. Peace
It is I would guess the Major Marian Catholic Pilgrimage site in the World. With the possible exception of Guadalupe.
