In a few short days I will be boarding a plane and heading to Europe, with my first stop as Germany. For the first leg of the journey, I will be partying, reunited with a former roommate, to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary. This is the spark that led to the decision to go to Europe and I am very much looking forward to catching up in person, exploring her home bases, and watching her and her husband glide across the dance floor surrounded by a host of people who love them.

After that though, the pace will shift a bit. Today is the Feast of St. James, who is the patron saint of pilgrims and earlier today, I placed the journey into his hands, asking that he might go ahead and prepare the way for me. I will be walking in the footsteps of the many holy people who have gone before me. Saints like Francis and Clare of Assisi, Paul in Rome, Brother Roger of Taize, and Catherine Laboure will lead the way into the depths of silence of my own heart and stir my spirit in ways yet untouched.

Several friends have walked The Way of St. James recently–El Camino as it is called. He accompanies many pilgrims on the walk through Spain. I pray that he might accompany me too, interceding for those intentions that I will carry in my heart. I have a deep desire to reconnect with the Sacred on this trip.

So I pick up my cross and follow those who followed the crucified and risen Christ. I hope to learn much from them. May my heart be open to all that comes. May the Spirits of the communion of Saints whisper loudly to me and show me the way to holiness that I may be further converted and confirmed.

Pray for me as I pray for you.

Peace,

Suzanne