Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Mother
12 September 2015
St Jean Pied de Port, France
Mother
If I was to describe my time in Medjugorie, Croatia it would
be as a prayer carried upon one soft and long low note of a cello. It was as if a bow was continuously drawn
against that deep single note allowing it to penetrate deeper and deeper into
the soul. Every holy site visited had
the same note of utmost holiness and soul gripping reverence. It didn’t matter
the number of people around. Everyone stared in deep reverence. Here are places
that graced me.
I hiked up a 1.5 km trail to Apparition Hill. This is the
location where the Blessed Mother appeared to the children. The trail itself cast a fear in me even
though I had experience with trail walking and the Camino. It is a steady climb up over irregular
shaped, softball and basketball sized boulders. They were polished smooth where
so many footprints had come over the years. There is no path. You concentrate
on where you think you can get a foothold and then plant your foot in faith it
holds. More surprising are those who carry toddlers sized children on the
shoulders. It was hard to balance for yourself. Then there were the many who
walk it barefoot. All ages make the climb. God bless those 70 year old elderly
ladies in dress shoes and skirt who climbed it.
At the top is a pure white marble statue of our Lady. Her
face is so serene and loving. I prayed rosary there and was moved by the
thought that I was perched on a spot where heaven and earth met. When fortunate
to even recognize a holy moment is around, it brings such a peace and love that
is unequalled. This was the aura of Apparition Hill. There were somewhere near
100 people there at one time all deeply silent and reverent. No one spoke, with
the exception of a wonderful moment one gentleman broke out his harmonica and
skillfully played a Marian song of praise. I felt as if my life, my prayers, my
very being was lighter, almost buoyant. Add to this the sky was a blue deeper
than the ocean and the mountain air so light and pristine. It was the air I
imagine heaven to have.
Another day I took the climb up Mt. Kruzidec, a distance of
about 1000-2000 feet, I guess. One site of the trail’s start made me shiver. It
was also like Apparition Hill with various sized irregular shaped boulders, no
footholds, and much more steep and treacherous.
Every step had to be carefully chosen and even then there was the
surprise of the rock being wobbly. This happened often and made you totter like
a tight rope walker. The trail was
actually a currently dry mountain river bed.
It took roughly two hours to reach the top where a brilliant white
marble cross shed its image on the entire village. My time here also had rich and blessedly holy
prayer time. Gazing out on the
surrounding mountainside and the awareness of this being the land where our
Lady visits regularly instilled a chord of gratitude and love within me. And
yes, there were parents there also carrying small children and numerous who
walked the trail over rocks and sharp stones barefoot.
St. James Church is the center of all liturgies and prayer
services in the area. The church holds about 1500 people. It is quaint and
beautiful in its simplicity. Surrounding the church is a large ampitheatre with
benches arranged in a fan shape facing a raised stage where the altar is
located. Masses continue all day in
different language. I attended one that
was done in English. Many Irish attend and they lead the singing throughout the
mass. Their Irish broug and harmonious
voices was so uplifting. A concert violinist played so skillfully that it felt
the music lifted my prayers right out of me toward heaven.
This mass was the feast of our Lady’s Nativity. I tried in earnest to be allowed to serve at
the altar as deacon for the mass. The Irish cantor lobbied in earnest, however,
a stern Sister in a habit, caught up with me and demanded, “No deacon. No!” and
continued her storm of preparing the altar. I had no hurt feelings for I soon
learned that 30 priests would concelebrate the mass. Besides, the music and
liturgy was so spiritually electrifying that this allowed me to really
experience the liturgy deeper.
Nearby the church was an ever flowing miracle. Yes, a
miracle. There is a site where a 20 foot solid bronze statue is located. It is
the corpse of Christ crucified and behind him is the impression of his body in
a cast of a cross. It represents his resurrection. Here is the miraculous
dimension. From one leg of the solid bronze leg there is a tear weep that seeps
through some of the metal’s irregularities. It doesn’t come from only one spot
nor does it occur at any regular intervals. I sat for hours in prayer here and
each time it occurred there was a holy, silent gasp at the appearance. People
will wait in long lines in hopes of capturing a tear on a piece of small cloth.
All stare at the figure of Christ and some weep inconsolably at the suffering
he endured. It was another very holy encounter.
The Adoration and Benediction at the church grounds is held
at 9:00 at night. The Monstrance that holds the precious body is a large, gold
star burst design about 3 foot in diameter. Singing, prayers, and long periods
of silence is respected by thousands in attendance. The music and singing was with all in full
voice, the violinist’s solo, and deeply reverent devotion. It was a palpable
presence of the Holy Spirit with so many in deep reverence.
Sometime earlier that night I caught up with a new
acquaintance that came to one of my Camino talks. His name was Thomas. We kept
in frequent text contact and shared spiritual insights that we had in
common. Coincidentally he would be in
Medjugorie with his family members on my last night there. We text and found
each other outside of St. James Church. How welcoming it was to have a
conversation with an American, especially one so steeped in Marian
devotion. It turned out he was fortunate
enough to secure lodging at the home of Ivan, one of the visionaries. He
offered, “Would you like to meet him? I can take you there as my guest. He
actually has a home in the U.S. and his home here. He is regular guy and you
can ask him questions, see his home, see where he prays, and learn about his
apparitions.” The word “Yes!” couldn’t fall out of my mouth fast enough. He
explained that a house rule is that everyone be present promptly for meal time.
I was to go tonight’s mass, then head to a free wifi station and text him. Then
I would be taken to Ivan’s home.
All was heading as planned. I did text him, but waited long
for his reply. It read, “Sorry, I’m now with the seven of my family members at
another shrine. Can’t make it.” This was only a minor disappointment to the
text that followed quickly thereafter.
“It was an amazing experience. Ivan
had an apparition. We got to witness it.” This was because it was our Lady’s
birthday, the Nativity of her birth, and as a gift Ivan was granted an
apparition. With Thomas and family present, they were able to witness it
intimately. It broke my heart largely because I was that close to such a rare
opportunity. But then, I know the guy who knows a guy who knows our Lady. We promised to meet up back at home to share
the details.
This leads me to the theme of my day’s reflection: Mother.
So much of my time in Medjugorie centered on her appearance there. But it was
more about allowing her spiritual presence into my spirituality. It is a new relationship for me that had been
largely undeveloped. Gratefully I’ve come to relate to her as a child with my
own little Italian Momma. I think fondly
of how I would sit as a little boy nestled under her arm at her bosom. Oh how sweet a mother’s love. It is that
memory in my felt childhood that has become my new relationship with our dear
Mother. It took only a new perspective to allow the relationship to emerge.
I am currently in St. Jean Pied de Port, France about to
begin my long awaited Camino. Because my
backpack was lost in the airport I was forced to stay an extra day in Pamplona.
This has created the opportunity to do the first day of the pilgrimage on our
Lady’s appearance on September 13. What
a coincidence?! So, why was my luggage lost? To attempt this I must surrender
my only opportunity for a night’s lodging midway up the Pyrenees Mts. This is intimidating because it will mean my
first day will be a behemoth walk of 27 km and a full, nonstop 5000 foot steep
ascent. This I do in honor of our
Mother.
More importantly I offer all the challenge and desperate
prayers for the soul of one particular mother who recently entered
eternity. I have a friend, Ishmael
Lamson, a strong and loving Vietnamese American immigrant who fought hard with
his wife to become Americans. They work extremely hard and struggled to catch
hold of the American dream. “Ish” works at Prince Industries and his wife just
succumbed to cancer at age 41, mother of a three year old and 22 year old, both
boys.
I offer the Pyrenees Mountains challenge to our Mother in
heaven as a love offering for Britany Lamson. I beg that you will offer prayers
for her soul as well.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria
Fondly,
Deacon Willie, DW
12 September 2015
St Jean Pied de Port, France
Mother
If I was to describe my time in Medjugorie, Croatia it would
be as a prayer carried upon one soft and long low note of a cello. It was as if a bow was continuously drawn
against that deep single note allowing it to penetrate deeper and deeper into
the soul. Every holy site visited had
the same note of utmost holiness and soul gripping reverence. It didn’t matter
the number of people around. Everyone stared in deep reverence. Here are places
that graced me.
I hiked up a 1.5 km trail to Apparition Hill. This is the
location where the Blessed Mother appeared to the children. The trail itself cast a fear in me even
though I had experience with trail walking and the Camino. It is a steady climb up over irregular
shaped, softball and basketball sized boulders. They were polished smooth where
so many footprints had come over the years. There is no path. You concentrate
on where you think you can get a foothold and then plant your foot in faith it
holds. More surprising are those who carry toddlers sized children on the
shoulders. It was hard to balance for yourself. Then there were the many who
walk it barefoot. All ages make the climb. God bless those 70 year old elderly
ladies in dress shoes and skirt who climbed it.
At the top is a pure white marble statue of our Lady. Her
face is so serene and loving. I prayed rosary there and was moved by the
thought that I was perched on a spot where heaven and earth met. When fortunate
to even recognize a holy moment is around, it brings such a peace and love that
is unequalled. This was the aura of Apparition Hill. There were somewhere near
100 people there at one time all deeply silent and reverent. No one spoke, with
the exception of a wonderful moment one gentleman broke out his harmonica and
skillfully played a Marian song of praise. I felt as if my life, my prayers, my
very being was lighter, almost buoyant. Add to this the sky was a blue deeper
than the ocean and the mountain air so light and pristine. It was the air I
imagine heaven to have.
Another day I took the climb up Mt. Kruzidec, a distance of
about 1000-2000 feet, I guess. One site of the trail’s start made me shiver. It
was also like Apparition Hill with various sized irregular shaped boulders, no
footholds, and much more steep and treacherous.
Every step had to be carefully chosen and even then there was the
surprise of the rock being wobbly. This happened often and made you totter like
a tight rope walker. The trail was
actually a currently dry mountain river bed.
It took roughly two hours to reach the top where a brilliant white
marble cross shed its image on the entire village. My time here also had rich and blessedly holy
prayer time. Gazing out on the
surrounding mountainside and the awareness of this being the land where our
Lady visits regularly instilled a chord of gratitude and love within me. And
yes, there were parents there also carrying small children and numerous who
walked the trail over rocks and sharp stones barefoot.
St. James Church is the center of all liturgies and prayer
services in the area. The church holds about 1500 people. It is quaint and
beautiful in its simplicity. Surrounding the church is a large ampitheatre with
benches arranged in a fan shape facing a raised stage where the altar is
located. Masses continue all day in
different language. I attended one that
was done in English. Many Irish attend and they lead the singing throughout the
mass. Their Irish broug and harmonious
voices was so uplifting. A concert violinist played so skillfully that it felt
the music lifted my prayers right out of me toward heaven.
This mass was the feast of our Lady’s Nativity. I tried in earnest to be allowed to serve at
the altar as deacon for the mass. The Irish cantor lobbied in earnest, however,
a stern Sister in a habit, caught up with me and demanded, “No deacon. No!” and
continued her storm of preparing the altar. I had no hurt feelings for I soon
learned that 30 priests would concelebrate the mass. Besides, the music and
liturgy was so spiritually electrifying that this allowed me to really
experience the liturgy deeper.
Nearby the church was an ever flowing miracle. Yes, a
miracle. There is a site where a 20 foot solid bronze statue is located. It is
the corpse of Christ crucified and behind him is the impression of his body in
a cast of a cross. It represents his resurrection. Here is the miraculous
dimension. From one leg of the solid bronze leg there is a tear weep that seeps
through some of the metal’s irregularities. It doesn’t come from only one spot
nor does it occur at any regular intervals. I sat for hours in prayer here and
each time it occurred there was a holy, silent gasp at the appearance. People
will wait in long lines in hopes of capturing a tear on a piece of small cloth.
All stare at the figure of Christ and some weep inconsolably at the suffering
he endured. It was another very holy encounter.
The Adoration and Benediction at the church grounds is held
at 9:00 at night. The Monstrance that holds the precious body is a large, gold
star burst design about 3 foot in diameter. Singing, prayers, and long periods
of silence is respected by thousands in attendance. The music and singing was with all in full
voice, the violinist’s solo, and deeply reverent devotion. It was a palpable
presence of the Holy Spirit with so many in deep reverence.
Sometime earlier that night I caught up with a new
acquaintance that came to one of my Camino talks. His name was Thomas. We kept
in frequent text contact and shared spiritual insights that we had in
common. Coincidentally he would be in
Medjugorie with his family members on my last night there. We text and found
each other outside of St. James Church. How welcoming it was to have a
conversation with an American, especially one so steeped in Marian
devotion. It turned out he was fortunate
enough to secure lodging at the home of Ivan, one of the visionaries. He
offered, “Would you like to meet him? I can take you there as my guest. He
actually has a home in the U.S. and his home here. He is regular guy and you
can ask him questions, see his home, see where he prays, and learn about his
apparitions.” The word “Yes!” couldn’t fall out of my mouth fast enough. He
explained that a house rule is that everyone be present promptly for meal time.
I was to go tonight’s mass, then head to a free wifi station and text him. Then
I would be taken to Ivan’s home.
All was heading as planned. I did text him, but waited long
for his reply. It read, “Sorry, I’m now with the seven of my family members at
another shrine. Can’t make it.” This was only a minor disappointment to the
text that followed quickly thereafter.
“It was an amazing experience. Ivan
had an apparition. We got to witness it.” This was because it was our Lady’s
birthday, the Nativity of her birth, and as a gift Ivan was granted an
apparition. With Thomas and family present, they were able to witness it
intimately. It broke my heart largely because I was that close to such a rare
opportunity. But then, I know the guy who knows a guy who knows our Lady. We promised to meet up back at home to share
the details.
This leads me to the theme of my day’s reflection: Mother.
So much of my time in Medjugorie centered on her appearance there. But it was
more about allowing her spiritual presence into my spirituality. It is a new relationship for me that had been
largely undeveloped. Gratefully I’ve come to relate to her as a child with my
own little Italian Momma. I think fondly
of how I would sit as a little boy nestled under her arm at her bosom. Oh how sweet a mother’s love. It is that
memory in my felt childhood that has become my new relationship with our dear
Mother. It took only a new perspective to allow the relationship to emerge.
I am currently in St. Jean Pied de Port, France about to
begin my long awaited Camino. Because my
backpack was lost in the airport I was forced to stay an extra day in Pamplona.
This has created the opportunity to do the first day of the pilgrimage on our
Lady’s appearance on September 13. What
a coincidence?! So, why was my luggage lost? To attempt this I must surrender
my only opportunity for a night’s lodging midway up the Pyrenees Mts. This is intimidating because it will mean my
first day will be a behemoth walk of 27 km and a full, nonstop 5000 foot steep
ascent. This I do in honor of our
Mother.
More importantly I offer all the challenge and desperate
prayers for the soul of one particular mother who recently entered
eternity. I have a friend, Ishmael
Lamson, a strong and loving Vietnamese American immigrant who fought hard with
his wife to become Americans. They work extremely hard and struggled to catch
hold of the American dream. “Ish” works at Prince Industries and his wife just
succumbed to cancer at age 41, mother of a three year old and 22 year old, both
boys.
I offer the Pyrenees Mountains challenge to our Mother in
heaven as a love offering for Britany Lamson. I beg that you will offer prayers
for her soul as well.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria
Fondly,
Deacon Willie, DW
Humility
9 Sept 2015
30 miles before Camino
Humility
Buen Camino!
I am just a day or two short of starting the Camino. I recall how God called me to this spiritual
adventure again. He had been warming my
heart to the idea for several months. Deep within me I was incredulous. It can’t
be? The wild notion of it became real for me on Dec.21, the traditional feast
day for Doubting Thomas, the apostle. I was doing a 16 mile faith walk on the
local prairie path when my prayer time was a bit of an argument with God.
My thoughts ranged from loving the idea to considering what
others might think of my trying such an adventure again. “They’ll think you’re a glory hound. They’ll
think you’re crazy to do this again at age 64.” Many questions shouted at me why
should I even consider such a thing and they tumbled in my discerning mind tumbling along with each footstep.
To my great surprise my spirit sensed a God moment and then
I heard something resonate in my beeing. So as not to be mistaken, I did not claim
I physically heard the voice of God. But
when something so holy whispers into your soul, you know the message is
undoubtedly from Him. My reluctant
thoughts came to a screeching halt with His words echoing in my heart, “I have
so much more to tell you.”
It was so profoundly holy and pure it shivered a warm
sensation from head to toe and then back toe to head throughout my entire body.
His Holy Spirit was blessing me. I knew
full well what it was like when He spoke his messages in me during my Camino in
2013. Those were a 34 day holy exercise
in “shut up and listen.” These insights I wrote in my blog with the Holy Spirit
coursing through me.
This was a new call. There 3 calls within one call. First I was humbly invited to walk the el Camino de
Santiago de Compostella AGAIN. I also believed that I was also called to share
stories of the insights of spirituality gained on the Camino. To this, I set out to offer at FAITH WALK talks as
local churches in the area. A third area of calling came as an insight into a future
book I’d hope to write about inspirations along the Camino that relate to our
FAITH WALK life events.
With 9 months of preparation ahead of me, I set out on a
mission to grow in body, mind, and spirit. I walked and exercised hard, read
and engaged in formal study of the spirituality of St. Ignatius’ 30 day
Spiritual Exercises, and prayed, prayed, prayed.
Along this faith journey, I encountered an undeveloped
aspect of my spiritual growth. I
awakened to a relationship with the Blessed Mother. A tender love for her grew until I happened
upon an opportunity to go to Medjugorie in Croatia/Herzogovinia where she is
appearing there today. A beautiful story of that at a different time, promise.
This takes me to my current experience. I embarked on, what I hoped would be, a holy
adventure on September 3 bound for the land of our Lady for a few day retreat
before the Camino. Just two days before
departure I came down with the start of a sinus infection. I was able to see a doctor for
treatment. However, on my departure
date, I hit the perfect storm. I was consumed in numerous last minute
activities prior to leaving me deeply fatigued, I suffer from lack of sleep, an
uncomfortable flight, and the heavy decongestant and other medications left me
battling extreme drowsiness. In addition, I was a circus show of sneezing, nose
blowing, and heavy productive coughing.
I was a complete mess once reaching Munich for my connecting flight to
Dubrovnik on route to Medjugorie.
It is here the good Lord blessed me with a strong lesson in
humility. During a four hour layover, I
fell deeply asleep in the airport just 6 feet from the gate. Never heard or
expected a single thing well into a deep silence that occurred through what I
first thought was mysterious. No one was around me anymore.
It was then that I soon discovered the flight left almost 90
minutes ago. I was directed to customer
service and after waiting in a long line with anxiety bubbling over, I
discussed the matter with the agent.
“You missed because you sleep,” he said in his strong, ridiculing German
accent. Shame washed over me. I felt an intense self-anger over what I allowed
to happen. No self-talk or comfort would take hold in me. I was so very angry
at myself and imaged what others would think of me allowing myself to create
such a stupid mess.
I became engaged in a lengthy call using precious
international calling minutes with the airlines trying to rebook a new
flight. This new one would not depart
for another 26 hours. Yes, a night sleeping in the Munich airport was to add to
my ugly sinus mess and profound humiliation. Not to mention, the new travel
arrangements were excruciation to my travel budget. This deepened my worry and
embarrassment.
Just when I thought matters could not be any worse, I get an
email from Medjugorie. The lady who ran the hotel had sent a taxi looking for
me. It was a costly two hour ride from the airport. I was not there and all
involved were upset with me. She would
have to recharge me for another costly taxi ride if I committed to paying
another fare. After some pleading emails, I convinced her of my desire for
another taxi to arrive the following day. This added to more anxiety and
disappointment with myself.
I arrived at the hotel at midnight the following night and
was greeted by Ivanka, who made taxi arrangements and ran the hotel. Turns out
she had to wait six hours past her work night hours for me. She is a lovely lady whose patience and
irritation gleamed at me upon walking in the door. “Why you no call me? Why you
make me send taxi and not call to stop him? Tell me why?” Why you take medicine
that make you sleepy when you going to ride airplane? Why? she challenged in
her distinct Croatian accent.
I could only offer my pathetic, sick to extremely sad and
exhausted response, “ I couldn’t. I was so, so sick.”
“Ok, here your key. Breakfast until 9:30. Go sleep. Then we
talk,” she offered in a surrendering tone.
Shortly after this while walking through the hotel, a group
of Irish were sitting and enjoying a late night cocktail. I was introduced and
one shouted, “You’re the guy who slept!” True, but grated hard embarrassment in
my broken spirit.
The next day I was greeted by Ivanka. Some rest eased both
of our feelings and outlook. By evening, I came to a profound respect and admiration
of Ivanka. I learned that her disappointment was what the inconvenience would
cause to my budget and lost time in Medjugorie. Even a day later, she
approached me at a meal and asked, “How come you look so sad. You still sick?
Or you sad?”
Being that she was the only English speaker, at least it seemed
to me, her attention of me and request made me feel encouraged. I replied, “I
am still upset with myself for causing so much trouble. I feel so sorry for
what I did.”
Ivanka’s reply was a lightning bolt of acceptance and call
for forgiveness. She looked kindly into my eyes across the checkered colored
dining table cloth and offered in a softened voice, “What be the past is the
past. No think about any more. Be thinking about now. Ok?”
What sweet Croatian fragranced spirituality! This unplugged
my own resistance for self-forgiveness. It also allowed me to see the blessing
that came for such a humbling situation.
For I see clearly the gift that event was. How profoundly loving and wise is our God.
How could I enter into a deeper, more loving pilgrimage over a 500 mile
distance without it?
Humility was the gift God presented. I had the choice to run
from it, complain of it, seek others sympathy, and/or even continue to cling to
a shame of it. I chose to embrace it. Sharing the story now is my attempt to
“man up” with it. What a difference that
perspective of seeing the event as a blessing has made!
As I see it now, I was so afraid to follow my carefully laid
plans, do everything ‘perfectly,’ make everyone confident in me, to grow even
more boldly confident in this adventure.
I am a first born, and I was crazy about doing it all right. I wanted to
be a, well, bigger me.
Instead, I grew to embrace who I am and “whose” I am. I
realized I could not nor would not be able to embrace all He had in store for
me in the days ahead with my mind and heart full of. . . (gulp) ME. The more I
gripped even harder to my bloated self-image, the more turmoil I felt inside.
Feelings of shame, what ought to be, must be, need to be are attitudes that
separate from the feeling of love of God. Don’t misunderstand, His love is always
there, but these ego saving thoughts clutter and distract from His love
wavelengths.
It’s an enigma. What draws a closer feeling of love with God
is counter intuitive. It is embracing faults and weaknesses. It is seeing the
truth of the real self and admitting imperfection. His love cannot be grabbed
at with clutching hands. It comes only in open hands. The open palms of hands
are the holy gesture of beggars pleading for His love and mercy.
Here was His path. Truth that led to humility which led to
more love. This was my gift of humility in which He graced me.
I wish this as a memory for my pilgrimage days ahead. I pray
it for you as well.
Fondly
Deacon Willie, aka DW
Friday, June 26, 2015
Local Faith Walks Start
Hello Friends,
I'd like to offer the opportunity to join me on what I call a "Faith Walk" at some of the local nature trails listed below. We meet at the designated locations at 7:30 a.m. We will begin in simple prayer and the reading of a scripture choice I will offer for that day. The spiritual dimension of the "Faith Walk" is aligned to the meditation practices of St. Ignatian's Spiritual Exercises. After a brief discussion of the scripture, we will begin the walk in a prayerful silence. I'm convinced that the beauty and peace of God's nature will provide the inspiration for your prayer walk .
Walk however long your legs and time permit. I anticipate we will walk somewhere in the three mile range taking about an hour. Nonetheless, do as much as you can spare for the morning.
There will be an opportunity during the return to our cars for us "day pilgrims" to unpack any spiritual insights that may have surfaced during your walking meditation.
It's that simple.
UPCOMING FAITH WALK OPPORTUNITIES
All begin at 7:30 A.M
Wear comfortable clothes/shoes/bug spray
Bring water and any snack you may like
JUNE 27
County Farm and Geneva Rds
Elgin Branch
JULY 11
Blackwell Forest Preserve
north of Butterfield Rd (Rt 56) and
1 mile east of Rt. 59
JULY 18
Fox River Trail (north)
Meet at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (west lot)
1145 N 5th Ave.
St. Charles, IL
AUGUST 8
Waterfall Glen
A stunningly beautiful hike with an option for more distance
I 55 and Cass Ave
Buen Camino,
Deacon Willie
I'd like to offer the opportunity to join me on what I call a "Faith Walk" at some of the local nature trails listed below. We meet at the designated locations at 7:30 a.m. We will begin in simple prayer and the reading of a scripture choice I will offer for that day. The spiritual dimension of the "Faith Walk" is aligned to the meditation practices of St. Ignatian's Spiritual Exercises. After a brief discussion of the scripture, we will begin the walk in a prayerful silence. I'm convinced that the beauty and peace of God's nature will provide the inspiration for your prayer walk .
Walk however long your legs and time permit. I anticipate we will walk somewhere in the three mile range taking about an hour. Nonetheless, do as much as you can spare for the morning.
There will be an opportunity during the return to our cars for us "day pilgrims" to unpack any spiritual insights that may have surfaced during your walking meditation.
It's that simple.
UPCOMING FAITH WALK OPPORTUNITIES
All begin at 7:30 A.M
Wear comfortable clothes/shoes/bug spray
Bring water and any snack you may like
JUNE 27
County Farm and Geneva Rds
Elgin Branch
JULY 11
Blackwell Forest Preserve
north of Butterfield Rd (Rt 56) and
1 mile east of Rt. 59
JULY 18
Fox River Trail (north)
Meet at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (west lot)
1145 N 5th Ave.
St. Charles, IL
AUGUST 8
Waterfall Glen
A stunningly beautiful hike with an option for more distance
I 55 and Cass Ave
Buen Camino,
Deacon Willie
Sunday, March 1, 2015
THE CAMINO CALLS...AGAIN!
FAITH
WALK
stories inspired while walking the ancient pilgrimage
El Camino de Santiago de
Compostela
Deacon Willie
Williams
St. John Neumann Parish
St. Charles, IL
60174
FAITH WALK-
History
On March 23, 2012, during
a simple morning prayer meditation, a call to walk El Camino de Santiago (The
Way) pilgrimage in Spain
blessed me. I had no prior notion or life ambition to attempt this. It was an
unmistakably rich, spirit-filled invitation. God's grace led me in preparation,
and He provided miracles of His provisions to begin this ancient walking
pilgrimage on April 23, 2013. It started on the southern border of France, crossed the Pyrenees
Mountains, and reached the Cathedral
of Santiago 500 miles later on the western
border of Spain.
God blessed me with His
overwhelming peace and presence traveling at foot pace through northern Spain's
mountain landscapes, forests, farms, meadows, and quaint villages.
The pilgrimage was immensely
peaceful and spiritually rich. As a result, I have been emboldened in my
FAITH WALK. My hope is that in sharing my stories inspired while
on the Camino, your walk with the Lord may grow stronger, richer, and more intimate.
Buen Camino,
Deacon Willie
FAITH WALK-
Opportunities
† Participate
in a local FAITH
WALK. Join Deacon Willie on a prayer walk along beautiful local nature
trails- Saturday mornings Spring through Summer 2015. Begin with prayer,
scripture, spiritual direction on meditative walking and practical advice on
long distance walks.
Details on blog.
† Gain spiritual mentoring and learn pilgrimage training by Deacon Willie.
† Join
Deacon Willie on his next Pilgrimage along El
Camino de Santiago de Compostela
September 10-October 24, 2015.
† Learn of
opportunities for shorter distances on the Camino requiring less time in which
you may FAITH
WALK with Deacon Willie during his
upcoming pilgrimage.
FAITH WALK-
Contact
Information
·
deacon.willie.williams@gmail.com
·
williesfaithcamino.blogspot.com
·
Willie's
Camino Faith Walk on YouTube
·
Sample a one hour FAITH WALK presentation for your church, bible study and small
faith sharing group. (Includes songs/ worship;
teaching; adult drama; short guided meditation, fellowship) see links below:
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