"But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here." – John 14:31
Hello my dear friends in Christ! This summer has been filled with wonderful blessings so far, and still more to come. This week I plan on going to visit my new home at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN! I can't wait to meet everyone and see the place for myself. I know it's a very far journey, but traveling is always a fun and exciting adventure.
Meanwhile, as I've been planning to head to Minnesota, I believe God has been planning a trip for my family and I to go much further. Over the weekend my mother came to me with exciting news about a pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Rome next year with Father Donald Calloway, MIC. I had briefly seen something on Facebook about it, but didn't read much into it until she brought me the flyer. As I looked at it more closely I felt a strong yearning in my heart, a holy tug on my soul, that wanted me to go there. Since my family and I have already been to Medjugorje before sometimes I feel that other people should go on those pilgrimages to see and experience the graces for themselves, like I did. However, this pilgrimage not only stops in Medjugorje, but also in Rome! I have never been to Italy or the Vatican and I have always wanted to go, even before I knew about Medjugorje.
During my last year in college I studied Italian Renaissance art in my art history class. This course heavily concentrated on images from famous artists—such as Michelangelo, Leonard, and Raphael. Looking at the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica in the textbooks was always so fascinating...but I never really thought I would have the opportunity to see them in person. Now, all of a sudden, one of my favorite priests is offering a pilgrimage to go there along with a joint trip to Medjugorje on the way. How exciting!?
I have known Father Calloway for several years now, at least since 2008 or 2009. Since then we have kept in contact and my family and I would see him every time he came to our area in Florida. It has been a joy knowing him! But actually I don't think we have seen him in person since late 2010...so I definitely miss him very much. He is an extremely devout Roman Catholic priest with a high admiration for Our Lady. His book No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy is a MUST read. His conversion story is incredible...a true blessing from Mary. Plus, he also came out with a new book called Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest. I have yet to read it, but I can't wait to get my hands on it.
So as my family discussed the subject of this pilgrimage we became very concerned with the amount of money. First of all, it is about 4,000 per person! Yikes!!! On top of that we would have to pay for our own transportation to New York for the departing international flight...possibly another $500 a person. Then we have to have our own money for lunch, other food, and possibly personal transportation. Easily another $500 or more per person. That comes out to at least $5,000 a person and there are 4 people (including me) in my immediate family. I'm not the best at math, but I realize a trip like this for our entire family is going to cost around $20,000! Meanwhile, I'm just a poor college grad student trying to make it day by day.
There is a LOT to consider when you don't have the money, but you really want to do something. However, it's not impossible. Three years ago I went with my family to Medjugorje and somehow God provided a way for all of us to go. People just came to us with money out of the woodwork because they wanted us to go on this pilgrimage together, as a family. It was incredible! Definitely only something that God Himself could orchestrate.
Although I realize it seems like a far fetched idea, I still believe. God was able to get us to Medjugorje once, I know He can do it again! This pilgrimage is in a year (June 2014)...so between now and the time the money is due I believe He will find a way for us to get there. Why wouldn't God want us to go as a family with Fr. Don Calloway, one of our beloved priest, to Medjugorje and Rome—the Eternal City!? As a very devout Catholic there is nothing more I want to see in this world than the Vatican and the Pope. It would be amazing to have that opportunity! Plus, we would get to see so many historic artworks, like I learned about in my Renaissance class, and relics from some of the most amazing saints.
With a faith stronger than ever, I truly believe God will send my family and I next year to Medjugorje and Rome with Fr. Calloway. This is definitely something He would want us to do together, to grow in faith and love among some of the greatest treasures the Catholic Church has to offer. The other day I messaged Father about my excitement and how I believe God will provide a way for us. In reply he said, "Sounds good. You are a living example of 'Jesus, I Trust in You!' See you in Rome and Medjugorje! Blessings to you always!"
With that message in mind, the next day my family and I attended Sunday Mass together in the morning on the Feast Day of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ. It was sad to see how few people came to this particular Mass, especially since it is a Solemnity. Even so, our family was chosen out of all of those who were there to bring up the gifts to the altar. We've done this several times before, as a family, but this time we felt very much "chosen" to do so. Just as we were picked from the crowd to go before God with our humble hearts, offering the gifts of bread and wine, I believe He has "chosen" us again for a family pilgrimage with memories that will last a lifetime!
Thank you for reading my blog! If you would like to contribute to our pilgrimage please send donations through PayPal or GoFundMe. You can use the donation widget on the sidebar if you wish to give. Thank you so much! If you cannot give because of your own financial hardships I completely understand. Please just send up a few prayers so that we can go! I know God will provide...and when He does I can request your petition to bring to the Father of Mercy at the Vatican and in Medjugorje. I appreciate all of your prayers, love, and support. Thank you! ♥
