Following JP II Pilgrimage to Poland Italy 2010
Fri 28 May 3.10 pm Back home :)
Thu 27 May "Arrivederci Roma"
On Thursday we visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a sixteenth century church, where we celebrated our last Mass in Rome. Our message from Don Luka, we have followed the footsteps of John Paul to the place where he was born, the places that he loved and the place that he is buried. His message is a simple one, to love each other as Christ loves us and to follow Jesus through his Mother who is also our mother, Mary. We have come to the end of our pilgrimage, but our life is a pilgrimage. Simply keep Jesus and Mary close to your heart. There are many chapels inside the church, we were in the Cesi Chapel. We stopped for a prayer at the beautiful statue of Our Lady of Peace where miracles are known to happen through her intercession. We made our way back to St. Peter’s Square for lunch and free time and finally made our way to the airport. Arrivederci Roma!
Unfortunately, the germs are following us. Some Bajans almost went to Beijing, 10 pilgrims are missing, but the majority are on their way home! Thank you, Don Luka for an amazing experience.
Unfortunately, the germs are following us. Some Bajans almost went to Beijing, 10 pilgrims are missing, but the majority are on their way home! Thank you, Don Luka for an amazing experience.
Wed 26 May
How can we possibly put into words what we experienced today? Our day started with an audience by Pope Benedict in St. Peter’s square. Our group was very close to the front and not only did we have a very good view of the Holy Father, but Barbados was also called out as one of the countries with pilgrims present. The Holy Father was driven around a part of the square, and once again we were privileged to be very close to him. After all the countries were announced, the Holy Father gave his blessing which he extended to the families of those present as well as any religious articles in the area. After lunch we followed Don Luka to the subway to take the train to St. John Lateran Basilica. All thirty-eight pilgrims arrived safely! Once again, our dear Don Luka had a surprise for us - the Holy Stairs. These stairs were the ones that Jesus descended to face his sentence. The stairs were purchased by Helena, mother of Constantine, and given to the city. The stone stairs are now covered with wood. This is where pilgrims to Rome in the early centuries completed their pilgrimage, climbing the stairs on their knees. Today, many of the Barbadian pilgrims repeated this custom. What a spiritual experience! At 5.00 p.m. Don Luka celebrated Holy Mass in one of the oldest chapels in the Lateran Basilica of St. John.
Tue 25 May
It is hard to believe that we only have 2 days left. We are having the time of our lives with a good balance of prayer, fellowship and sightseeing both historical as well as holy places. Roma, such a romantic city! Today we visited the birthplace of Vincent Pallotti and the Pallottine General Headquarters. Once again we met two priests who visited us in Barbados last year, Fr. Zenon Hanas and Fr. Gilberto. We gathered in the Church and were given a short historical talk by Fr. Murphy , an Irish Pallottine. The church is very beautiful, filled with frescoes, paintings and statues. The painting above the altar of the Transfiguration is truly beautiful. We were taken on a tour of the building where we saw the living quarters of Vincent Pallotti. We were also taken below ground level to see the first church. This is a small room complete with altar and is still used by the Pallottines and small groups. Fr. Murphy told us that there is also another level below but has been closed off because of flooding.
After our tour we made our way back to the Church for Mass which was celebrated by Fr. Zenon,and concelebrated by Don Luka and Fr.Murphy . Our message for the day was to live as Christ lived and follow in his footsteps just as Vincent Pallotti did. The body of Vincent Pallotti, which was exhumed many years after his death and was incorrupt, is in a glass coffin just below the altar.
After Mass we made our way to a restaurant for lunch via the pharmacy for cough syrup and lozenges old Roman style. The germs have hit us! … and is spreading like wild fire… hence the pharmacy and local WC’s! We are coughing, sneezing and probably overweight but we simply could not resist gelati (ice cream) and cappuccino Bernini (which is XX L). I think even the local medicine (Sambuca) does not work! Fr. Zenon joined us for lunch. Those who are usually very quiet, were very vocal today after a glass of local wine with lunch! Many are planning the next pilgrimage. We spent a very pleasant afternoon in the Piazza Navona, drinking cappuccinos and being serenaded by an amazing guitarist with a voice like Neil Diamond, while some went shopping for Italian leather! We also attracted the local carabinieri who were delighted to have a photo with two arrested pilgrims! No problem there! … see attached photo.
After our tour we made our way back to the Church for Mass which was celebrated by Fr. Zenon,and concelebrated by Don Luka and Fr.Murphy . Our message for the day was to live as Christ lived and follow in his footsteps just as Vincent Pallotti did. The body of Vincent Pallotti, which was exhumed many years after his death and was incorrupt, is in a glass coffin just below the altar.
After Mass we made our way to a restaurant for lunch via the pharmacy for cough syrup and lozenges old Roman style. The germs have hit us! … and is spreading like wild fire… hence the pharmacy and local WC’s! We are coughing, sneezing and probably overweight but we simply could not resist gelati (ice cream) and cappuccino Bernini (which is XX L). I think even the local medicine (Sambuca) does not work! Fr. Zenon joined us for lunch. Those who are usually very quiet, were very vocal today after a glass of local wine with lunch! Many are planning the next pilgrimage. We spent a very pleasant afternoon in the Piazza Navona, drinking cappuccinos and being serenaded by an amazing guitarist with a voice like Neil Diamond, while some went shopping for Italian leather! We also attracted the local carabinieri who were delighted to have a photo with two arrested pilgrims! No problem there! … see attached photo.
Mon 24 May
We are following in the footsteps of John Paul ll and for many of us, today has been the highlight of our pilgrimage. The Mass at St. Peter’s tomb which is right next to the tomb of John Paul ll was very spirit-filled and overwhelming. Msgr. Waldemar celebrated the Mass assisted by Msgr. Tadeusz and Don Luka. Both Monsignors visited us in Barbados during Holy Week and it was wonderful to see them again and a privilege to have them celebrate the Mass with us in such a sacred place. Msgr. Waldemar’s message to us was based on love. Do we really love Jesus as Peter loved Him? This was the question that Jesus asked Peter… Do you love me? Even though it will cost us a sacrifice, we must take that same love and dedication for Jesus into our homes and communities. At the end of Mass, he invited us to visit John Paul’s tomb to pray. Afterwards we made our way to the Vatican Museum. The queue was long and the wait was at least an hour, but worth every minute of it. The paintings and sculptures have to be seen to be believed. The Sistine Chapel is outstanding and surreal and depicts the history of Catholicism and our beliefs in the form of art. After lunch we visited the catacombs where over 500,000 Christians were buried after being persecuted for their beliefs. St. Cecilia was also buried there and we saw a replica of her. Unbelievable! You would think that that was it for the day, but we then made our way to St. Paul’s Basilica where we stood open-mouthed once again. His relics are buried in the tomb inside the Basilica. Many of the pilgrims knelt for a prayer at his tomb. There are pictures of all of the popes surrounding the upper walls of the church including Pope Benedict XVl. Barbara led us in saying the rosary and singing hymns to Our Blessed Mother on the way home. The weather has been perfect. Italy is beautiful.
Pilgrim’s thoughts…. “This morning’s Mass at the tomb was the ultimate privilege”. “Today I felt as though I was in heaven”.
Pilgrim’s thoughts…. “This morning’s Mass at the tomb was the ultimate privilege”. “Today I felt as though I was in heaven”.
Sun 23 May, Pentecost
“Lord, teach us to increase our ability to love and decrease our ability to hate.” “The spiritual healing felt while kneeling in the chapel looking at the Divine Mercy painting where Sr.Faustina’s tomb with relics are kept and saying the chaplet, made many tears flow.” “Absolutely awesome….The reverence of the voices of the priests saying mass in Polish.” “It has been much more that I ever expected”…”Fantastic!!” Some expressions made by the pilgrims. And these feelings continued today while we visited the chapel of the Franciscan Monastery in Assissi. The first glimpse of the monastery made us feel very insignificant. It is an awesome sight, on acres and acres of property situated on a hill overlooking Assissi. Fr. organized a private Mass in the underground chapel where only a privileged few are allowed to celebrate Mass. There we experienced the peace of St. Francis who is an inspiration to us all. St. Francis also asks us to cherish and appreciate all of God’s creation. After the mass we toured Assissi including the Basilica where we viewed the tomb of St. Francis where his relics are buried as well as the preserved body of St. Clare, who was a close friend of St. Francis’ and who dedicated her life to his work. After lunch we journeyed to Gubbio, another very old city with many steps and hills. Another very long day for us, we arrived back home at 8.15 pm. Tomorrow we return to Rome. We will have Mass at John Paul’s tomb and afterwards visit the catacombs. We will remember you in our prayers.
Sat 22 May
We have seen and experienced so much today in Vatican City. We are totally exhausted, but must update the website to keep you informedJ Mass was held in the chapel at Fraterna Domus. Fr. Luke’s message to us was that we are all called to be Apostles so let us go and follow John Paul ll. We wish you could have been with us when we entered the Basilica. We were very touched by the reverence shown by everyone while we were walking past the tombs of all the Popes. Announcements were made intermittently that “This is a sacred place, please do not talk in this area”. We were able to spend a few moments at the tomb of John Paul ll. Some tears were shed, some knelt on the bare marble floor in silent prayer. We will attend Mass there on Wednesday.
The tour of the Basilica took about two hours. We were awed by the many chapels as our very informative tour guide explained their history. Pope Benedict was in residence, but of course we did not see him. An open window to his library was quickly closed after our arrival. Lots of walking, even the oldest in the group kept up with us. Our visit to the Colosseum was amazing. We stood on the ground of the early Christians and the beginning of Rome. Our driver is Luciano and we now have a “Don Luka” who has done and is continuing to do an incredible job of organizing 37 pilgrims daily!
Fri 21 May
This morning, we awoke to brilliant sunshine, normal Polish weather for this time of year. We had Mass with Fr.Andy as the main celebrant (soon to be in Barbados), and Fr.Luke concelebrating. It was Fr. Andy’s first English mass and he did very well. He told us that the reason we are encountering a few problems (rain,flooding) was because we were following in the footsteps of John Paul II, who experienced many difficulties in his life. We are pilgrims on a journey as he was. A journey of faith, trust and hope. This trust was put to the test this morning when we were given the news that BA was on strike and the flight to Rome was cancelled. We however continued and arrived at Heathrow airport to find that BA was operating and that we must rush for the flight. “Will…..( the last three remaining Passengers)… travelling to Rome please go to departure gate A27 immediately”. We surely have been reminded that we must trust God at all times. Br. Kamil, a Polish/American Seminarian, told us about life in the seminary. We asked many questions which he was very happy to answer. Life as a Seminarian is hard work (7yrs total), lots of studying but also a lot of fun.
It is such a privilege to be following in the footsteps of John Paul II. It is wonderful to have Mass with Fr.Luke in places of such historical value and also which have special meaning for him.
Tonight we sleep at Fraterna Domus on the outskirts of Rome.
It is such a privilege to be following in the footsteps of John Paul II. It is wonderful to have Mass with Fr.Luke in places of such historical value and also which have special meaning for him.
Tonight we sleep at Fraterna Domus on the outskirts of Rome.
Thu 20 May
We have just been advised that instead of travelling to Rome tomorrow night via London, we now have to overnight in London and leave for Rome on Saturday. Jesus we trust in you. We are pilgrims and we would happily stay in Poland (at least some of us would). Today was very special and the evening has ended with a beautiful Mass. 12 new Pallottine Priests were present at their first Mass which was con-celebrated by a “garrison” of priests including our Fr. Luke and Fr. Andy. After the Mass the each of the twelve priests gave a special blessing to each and every one in the congregation, laying hands on our heads! What an awesome experience. Needless to say we are now very, very, very, very, very, very,….. ……blessed.
Earlier we visited the Wawel Royal Castle, a national Shrine and home of various Polish kings for over six hundred years. The architecture is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. We then walked to the Old Market Square of Krakow, a vast space full of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Poland’s oldest church is found in this square. We are constantly reminded of our faith and how special it is and the devotion of the Polish people. We leave with a very special feeling in our hearts.
Earlier we visited the Wawel Royal Castle, a national Shrine and home of various Polish kings for over six hundred years. The architecture is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. We then walked to the Old Market Square of Krakow, a vast space full of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Poland’s oldest church is found in this square. We are constantly reminded of our faith and how special it is and the devotion of the Polish people. We leave with a very special feeling in our hearts.
Wed 19 May
Here are some thoughts of some of the pilgrims:
”To be able to spend some moments at this shrine gives me a sense of calm and peacefulness. Oh Lord make it possible for me to experience this peacefulness in my life and help me to be able to extend it to others I might encounter”.
“We visited the home and shrine of St. Faustina Kowalska and the Divine Mercy today. It is a place of quiet serenity. I think the most striking thing was to see the people both young and old rushing to the Basilica for the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 o’clock. It is wonderful being in a country that is religious and where catholic traditions are not only done but expected and accepted without question or explanation”.
”To be able to spend some moments at this shrine gives me a sense of calm and peacefulness. Oh Lord make it possible for me to experience this peacefulness in my life and help me to be able to extend it to others I might encounter”.
“We visited the home and shrine of St. Faustina Kowalska and the Divine Mercy today. It is a place of quiet serenity. I think the most striking thing was to see the people both young and old rushing to the Basilica for the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 o’clock. It is wonderful being in a country that is religious and where catholic traditions are not only done but expected and accepted without question or explanation”.
“A little piece of heaven on earth! What an experience! What a joy and blessing. A green immaculate land covered in trees. Churches full of children, teenagers, women and men. Devout men kneeling, singing and praying!! The catholic faith, the Divine Mercy, Fr. Kolbe, Fr. Jerzy, patriots, martyrs. These people survived communism. They love their country and love John Paul ll for bringing the downfall of the Berlin wall and the end of communism. Their prayers God has answered”.
We visited Wadowice, the birthplace of John Paul ll, a humble apartment overlooking a square and next door to the Basilica where he was Baptised. The privilege of touching the Baptismal Font where he was baptized was very special.
After the spiritual privilege of the morning, the home of John Paul ll in Wadowice and the Divine Mercy Shrine, Fr. Luke arranged a “diversion” – a visit to the UNESCO historic Salt Mine at Wieliczka. We are justly proud of our Harrison’s Cave but this was a tourist attraction on a massive scale. A complex of excavated workings on nine floors, at depths of from 64 to 327 metres and with over 300 km of galleries. We negotiated over 400 steps and enjoyed walking for 2 ½ hours. Everything except the wooden stays and steps is carved from the salt. The highlight was the cathedral-like church of St. Kingas carved by three different sculptors over a period of 60 years. The spirits of the group were high, we even met “subterranean jumbies “! The return journey to the surface took 45 seconds in a” steel sardine can”. Dziekuje bardzo Fr. Luke, for a great day.
After the spiritual privilege of the morning, the home of John Paul ll in Wadowice and the Divine Mercy Shrine, Fr. Luke arranged a “diversion” – a visit to the UNESCO historic Salt Mine at Wieliczka. We are justly proud of our Harrison’s Cave but this was a tourist attraction on a massive scale. A complex of excavated workings on nine floors, at depths of from 64 to 327 metres and with over 300 km of galleries. We negotiated over 400 steps and enjoyed walking for 2 ½ hours. Everything except the wooden stays and steps is carved from the salt. The highlight was the cathedral-like church of St. Kingas carved by three different sculptors over a period of 60 years. The spirits of the group were high, we even met “subterranean jumbies “! The return journey to the surface took 45 seconds in a” steel sardine can”. Dziekuje bardzo Fr. Luke, for a great day.
Tue 18 May
7.00 a.m. departure to Czestochowa . Words cannot describe our experience at the Shrine of the Black Madonna, Poland’s national Shrine, but we will try... The shrine is adorned with many gifts and tokens of thanksgiving for favors granted…rosaries, crosses, hearts, medallions, crutches, photos etc. After touring the Shrine with one of the Pauline priests, quite a character with a sense of humor, we were taken to the Sacristy to await Mass at the Sacred Heart of the Universe Chapel while Fr. Luke, Fr. Peter and Fr. Andy prepared, assisted by one of the Pallottine sisters. We truly followed the footsteps of John Paul II since this was a place that he visited many times, loved and asked the people of Poland to continue the devotion to our Blessed Mother. As he has said “The Marian shrines are like oases in the desert formed to provide water and shade. Here the soul is spontaneously led to contemplation”. What a blessing it was for us to have had the privilege of having three priests celebrate a private Mass for us in this sanctuary. In the pouring rain and cold (brrrrr) we left the shrine and visited a few shops to purchase religious items, returning to the Pallottine House for lunch….seems like we are always eating. Father says you have to eat when it is so cold!!!! Before starting the meal and after grace was said, Fr. Adam, who gave St. Dominic’s the Divine Mercy Icon, was presented with a print of a Barbados village scene by Fr. Luke as a token of appreciation for all that he has done for us. On our way to the Pallottine House in Wadowice, we stopped at another absolutely beautiful Marian shrine (Kalwaria) where Mass was about to begin. We visited a side chapel and recited one decade of the rosary. What is so clear to us is the devotion and dedication to the faith among young, old, male and female in this country. Nothing is too much to give to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. It is truly an inspiration to us.
Mon 17 May
It is now 9.30 p.m…we have just returned through pouring, cold rain, from the shrine of the Black Madonna where the original image lives and is thought to have been painted by St. Luke ….. The experience was well worth the effort. We were a part of the very special nightly prayer to the Blessed Mother. We have never seen anything so beautiful and inspiring. The church was filled with pilgrims, many were young people, kneeling on the bare ground. There were newly ordained Pallottine priests and we were privileged to meet a Pallottine sister. …….Earlier today after breakfast, we checked out of the Pallottine Mission Centre and set off for the Church of Christ the King of the Universe. It was especially meaningful to us because Fr. Luke had worked a few years in this parish as a part of the Provincial Council. Fr. Luke celebrated Mass assisted by Fr. Andy our new future Pallottine in Barbados. He speaks really good English already! Our stops included a visit to Wilanow Summer Palace, filled with historical works of art. Supper was at the Pallottine House. We were treated to Polish sausage, bread, cheese and salad. Everything natural and fresh…the Polish way! Another spirit-filled day! We look forward to Mass tomorrow at the shrine of the Black Madonna……It is now 11.00 pm..we’re off to bed…good night!
Photos bellow form left: first shopping, royal summer palace Villa Nova, visiting Pallottines in Warsaw, lunch, Pallottine pilgrims office, Black Madonna ...
Photos bellow form left: first shopping, royal summer palace Villa Nova, visiting Pallottines in Warsaw, lunch, Pallottine pilgrims office, Black Madonna ...
Sun 16 May
Greetings from Poland! Another very meaningful day which started with morning Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. After a very tasty polish breakfast we boarded the bus for a tour and a stop and walk through the cobbled stone streets of old town. We enjoyed a typical peasant’s lunch in a quaint farmer’s house. Afterwards, we visited Chopin’s birthplace and walked the beautiful gardens while listening to his music. Our next stop was the museum of Fr. Jerzy Popieluskzo, who has been beatified. What an honor for us to have visited this very devoted and spiritual young priest who believed in “overcoming evil with good”. Our next stop was to “Walla Walla”( according to Mario), to visit the Saint Maximillian Kolbe museum. His life and death was for the glory of God and he is teaching us to do the same, with love until death. On our return we said the rosary, afterwards some slept while others pondered all that was experienced. We thank God for another spirit-filled day in Poland.
Fri 14 & Sat 15 May
We have finally arrived in Poland after many hours of travel. Fr. Luke welcomed all 37 pilgrims to his homeland. And what a beautiful country it is. We have not seen very much yet, but the landscape( from the air) and the hospitality of the people, remind me of Barbados. We were warmly greeted at the Pallottine's Mission Centre and after having a very delicious Polish dinner, we joined Fr.Luke and "Fr. Andrew jr (Andy) in the celebration of a beautiful Mass. Unfortunately we wake tomorrow very late ... at 6 am Wow :-)
See below from left: Gatwick VAP carriage, coach from Gatwick , sleepy, waiting at Heathrow, VAP quarantine, blue coach in Poland ...
See below from left: Gatwick VAP carriage, coach from Gatwick , sleepy, waiting at Heathrow, VAP quarantine, blue coach in Poland ...
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