Final Post

I think this will be my final post. Thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement. I’ve been faithfully praying for all those who asked for my prayers and many more who need them, especially today as I’ve had a lot of time for reflection. 

I heard today that my friend Chris died  suddenly yesterday. An old soldier and a lovely kind man who was one of only a few SAS soldiers to get their faces published in the newspaper at the Iranian Embassy Siege. His widow Gill was pleased when I text her to say I was going to say prayers for him at the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. 

I also lit a candle for him and one for all those I’ve been praying for, both of which were quickly consumed by the towering inferno that was the votive candle stand. Honestly, it was like one of my barbecues but ten times worse. 

The modern concrete space ship style basilica of the Holy Trinity really is an incredible space. It holds the silence in a way that makes you want to stay just a little bit longer. I worked out that it must seat 5,000 people. With its sloping floor and no support pillars you could see the altar from any seat in the building. 

I attended the mass in English this afternoon in the Chapel of the Apparitions. The only problem was that it was in Italian. I don’t suppose they had a priest who could do it in English. 

Despite nodding off to sleep a few times, I managed to get myself out to the chapel of the Apparitions again for 9.30pm rosary prayers. This was followed by a candlelit procession of the Holy Sacrament around the square with around 300 pilgrims in attendance. The monstrance was carried by the priest under a huge canopy until he arrived back in the chapel and then gave benediction. 

Tomorrow I’m getting the bus at lunchtime back to Lisbon ready for a 6.10am flight the following morning. I’m looking forward to coming home now and to our Advent Sunday services and the build up to Christmas.

Comments

  1. Luce29 November 2024 at 02:44

    I’m sorry to hear about Chris , May he rest in peace,and rise in Glory. Will remember him and Gill in my prayers.
    When I’m in Florence and go to Mass in Italian I always think we know the patttern of worship you still know where you are.

    That’s what we are missing from Benediction,a canopy!!! Or an ombrellino , I jest.!!

    As we didn’t get to Mass for Christ the King at BF last Sunday ,I’ll make some more cattern cakes/biscuits. St Catherine patron St of lacemakers.

    We have enjoyed our breakfast reads, thank you.
    Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karl29 November 2024 at 05:19

    Thanks for the updates. It has been good to share the pilgrimage with you. And thanks for you your prayers
    I am sorry to learn of the death of your friend Chris. May he rest in peace.
    Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures

    ReplyDelete

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