We have arrived! After an exhausting and extended travel day the 78 pilgrims on the Archdiocese of Portland Pilgrimage arrived in Assisi and hit the ground running. With many stories about prior travel experiences and last-minute packing, we bonded over the anticipation of the Lord’s work in our lives through this journey. There are many prayer-intentions that we are bringing, but most of them pertain to healing of family members and relationships. We are in need of the saint’s intercession and example to practice the virtues of humility, patience, obedience, and fortitude.
Archbishop Sample celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which houses the church that St. Francis of Assisi built, the Porziuncola. His homily was centered on the message that God is particularly using each of us for His glory. He said, “The pilgrimage is a microcosm of life, with many afflictions, hardships, and inconveniences. This life is passing. It is necessary to see it in light of eternal things, which are worth our investment. In this upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope, each of us can bring the hope we have in Jesus to the world.”
Thank you for your prayers. We are certainly keeping yours close to our hearts. God bless you.
