God in all things

As I walked to work today, my eyes were still on vacation channel. They sought out beauty, lingering on the colours and smells that stimulated the senses–the fuchsia flowers, the bread from the bakery, a smile on the face of a passerby. Small, simple blessings in a day will infuse it with peace and joy if we pay attention. 

I am slowly unpacking the lessons of my trip. What did you learn so far this summer that might transition you into the fall as a different person?

Peace, 

Suzanne

You can plan all you want but you cannot ensure control. I awoke at 3:00 am and prepared to return home to Canada. I arrived in plenty of time and had a lovely flight to Zurich. I was looking forward to having a day at home, catching up on things prior to returning to work on Wednesday. Instead I find myself in a hotel room near the airport in Zurich after a day of standing in lines to get here. 

God willing, I shall arrive home tomorrow evening and get somewhat organized before heading to work on Wednesday.  I took a bit of a nap today and then a walk with my camera. I replayed certain events of the day. A woman raised her voice at the man at the Air Canada counter, trying to shame him. He simply kept his cool and responded with, do you know what time it is in Canada right now? He had no control over the situation. By the time I finally got my suitcase, new boarding pass, and vouchers for food and the hotel, I had encountered many people, each dealing with the unexpected change in various days. Several of us kept each other entertained and updated on events.  Even when things are out of control, you can control your reaction.  

I had my own moment of not being so patient when I was told that I could not check in to the room for three  hours. My face fell but I followed up with a smile and an apology. In fact, I was able to check in early which was great and then took a nap. I am now off to bed, after watching the BBC News. Really, a night or two of little sleep is nothing compared to what some face this night. In Palestine, Liberia and Missouri, havoc rules.   Here I have simply lighted on a different leaf for a short time with not too much harm done at all.

Peace,

Suzanne

In some ways, we are all beggars, relying on the mercy of a bountiful God.  I think the saints such as Francis, Clare and Ignatius knew this. Some people know this well. This woman, bent over, head pressed humbly to the ground, rosary in hand, clearly knows she is dust. I pray she also knows she is Light, a reminder that points the way to those of us who think we cannot fall from grace and end up in her situation. I have worked with the least of these in life- abused women, male inmates, homeless people, and severely disabled young people. All of these people know poverty in some form.  I have learned lessons of humility from them.

I do not know this woman’s story nor the many other beggars I have seen on this pilgrimage of mine. I do know that it is people like this that spark our hearts to be changed. Francis and Clare both embraced poverty as a way of life. As I head home, I wonder how my own heart will be changed because of this trip. At the moment I do not have any inklings or if it is just confirmation to continue the way I already serve. I may finally embrace a simpler way of life. 

At the source of my being is gratitude. I know that not everyone can take tree weeks of vacation (assuming that people even have a job to take a holiday from). I also know that not everyone is blanketed in the care and prayer of friends and family as I have been. God is good.  I pray that the woman in this photo also somehow experiences that too–that she will know mercy and compassion in this life. I also pray that she may unsettle our comfortableness and call us to seek the One who was born poor in a stable. 

Peace,

Suzanne

Rome causes one to be in a state of wonderment at all times. You think it cannot get any better and then you stumble upon a new place of beauty. You stand in the Pantheon and are in awe that such a place still exists…and that once again a great cloud of witnesses has been there.

You enter St. Peter’s Square at night and marvel at how the sky is so red.

You stroll into St. Ignacio Square and gaze at a church so big that you wonder if the people who attended knew anything of the Spiritual Exercises of this saint or found God in all things. 

As the hour grows late, I am thankful for all of it. Even these magnificent angels that keep watch over my bed tonight. 

As In the Franciscan way, I leave you with peace and all goodness. May the blessings of The Lord be upon you today and always. 

Peace,

Suzanne 

 I am sitting in my hotel room in Firenze, watching the BBC News, and having had a takeout salad for supper. This whirlwind day has this wanderer weary. I am catching up on news missed and updates on the Ebola outbreak and other items. 

The day began well aware of the fact that it was a special feast day. I awoke early but remained in bed reviewing the amazing elements of the trip thus far. I have been running at a crazy pace, trying to take in as much as I can. My body is feeling it tonight. 

So because of this and a fast internet link I decided to come back and write a blog post. As I journeyed up the hill to Assisi this morning, I began my prayers for those who I have been holding in my heart on this mini pilgrimage. When I arrived at the Basilica of St. Francis, I learned I had an hour before mass began in the upper church. I went into the lower church to decide what to do and heard a mass being said in English. The liturgy of the word was over and the Eucharist just beginning. I settled, thinking I would have dessert first, though the way was barricaded so I was not sure if I could partake in the meal or not. When it came time, I turned around and saw another woman trying to figure out how to get around the blockades. Suddenly a security guard appeared and smiled as he ushered us in. How wonderful!

From there I went upstairs for the proclamation of the Word. The upper sanctuary was soon packed. Today is a national holiday in Italy because of this feast honouring the Virgin Mary.  I sat near the back so I could slip out and head back to my hotel in order to catch my train on time. 

As I journeyed I thought about one of the triple blessings today: May you who have devoutly gathered on this day, carry away with you the gifts of spiritual joys and heavenly rewards. I think my bag is heavy with these gifts. I have yet to unpack it all but do marvel at the journey itself. I am not sure what the final destination will be.  The other thought that came to me as I flipped through my photos on the train was something Francis heard God say, when he asked the question, “Lord, what do you want me to do?”: “Go back to your city and you will be told what you must do.” Francis we are told is convicted to do only the will of God.

As I read this, something stirred inside of me and I felt myself release the quest for answers now. I will live into them as I return home. I have no doubt of this now. The photo above is of Elizabeth and Mary greeting one another–one of the paintings on the ceiling of the Basilica. Neither woman knew exactly what God was asking, but each stepped out in faith. I have always loved the image of these two dear cousins welcoming each other’s mystery and rejoicing in it. Each of us is given a sacred life that is meant to be shared and celebrated. 

As I have journeyed I have had my lonely moments on this trip. It would have been amazing to share this experience at times with someone although I have shared it with you dear readers and my Facebook friends.  Last night over supper I watched couples not really sharing a meal together and was puzzled. They seemed to be as alone as I was. One couple hardly spoke to each other the whole time. One of the other men was on his mobile phone for a majority of the meal. I wondered about the sacredness of breaking bread together and how we miss the moment sometimes. 

Spiritual joys are offered every minute. My little pilgrimage has shown me that if I have eyes to see there is much beauty to embrace. The Holy whispers continuously if we have but ears to hear. I don’t mean real ears either. My first morning in Rome I took a tour bus and a couple was not sitting together and not using their earphones . I quickly noticed the excitement of the woman as she turned towards her husband and yes, there it was–a language I did not recognize per se but I signed without thinking–are you Deaf? Her joy at whatever she had glimpsed turned into a new excitement. This unexpected encounter with a Deaf couple from France brought joy to my heart as we attempted to communicate. The woman in particular seemed to have an infectious joy about her. As they got off at the first stop and I continued on I smiled at how God arranges encounters and sometimes we can miss them. I was glad I had met these folks. 

I have had no favourites this trip. Every time I think this is it, I am surprised to discover a new joy, a different wonder. God is so incredibly generous. I am humbled by the holy ground I have walked on here. Early on, I began to take my shoes off at various sites so as to absorb the footprints of the great cloud of witnesses that have trod on the earth prior to me. I would let the coolness of the ground infuse my feet as I closed my eyes and breathed in the sacredness of the moment that lasts an eternity. Clare, Francis, Br. Roger, St. Catherine of Laboure, and the many nameless saints that have gone before me, welcome me as I acknowledge them.  The earth itself knows the holiness present. Can we too seek it out? Can I remember to do that when I return to daily routine?

Pax and bonum-goodness and blessings await. Will you embrace the moment when you can?

Peace,

Suzanne 

I am now in Assisi and soon off to see what lessons are here for me. I hope to understand St. Francis and his desire to simplify and be at peace with nature. As I walked around town last night it was easy to see how he had an eye for beauty. The light here is stunning and everything excites the eye and soul. My aunt had mentioned years ago that Assisi was a place of beauty and that remained with me all these years. I knew one day that I would have to visit. So many of you have asked for me to pray for you here and I will, as I walk and as I visit the holy sites here. 

This is little pilgrimage has been amazing and gratitude fills my heart. I’m not sure what it will all mean but I know I have time to process it all eventually. For now I will keep it simple–walk with eyes open to see the Holy before me. Simplify. Breathe. 

Peace,

Suzanne

I probably need a day off from walking. I have walked constantly since I left Winnipeg. I offer up my weariness some days for those of you who cannot walk or breathe. Maybe Rome gets its name from roam. This is a city built for walking. I have not seen as much as I would like to and the Trivi Fountain was closed for renovations so no coin toss for a return trip. 

I was deeply moved today walking into St. Peter’s Basilica. It is a holy place. I was surprised by the Square–it looks so much bigger on TV. The Sistine Chapel was amazing. The Vatican Museum too large to appreciate. I cannot write long at the moment as I am on the go but I hope to write again tomorrow night. 

All is well. God is good. My heart breaks at the death of Robin Williams, a man who brought so much joy and laughter to others but could not hang on to it for himself. May perpetual light shine upon him. For those struggling with depression and addiction, seek help. My prayers rise in this eternal city for you all.

peace,

Suzanne 

What do we take with us on our journey through life? I was struck by the image of a sculpture last night in Lyon called the Weight of Oneself. We can drag around heavy burdens or we can release them. My friend in Germany teased me about how light I was traveling. I have managed fairly well and have not bought many souvenirs yet. I am carrying mental baggage though and the prayers of those who have asked me. When I get lost or am tired of walking, I offer it up by praying for whoever comes to mind.

In Taize I was deeply moved by the sharing of a woman from Belarus whose suffering due to war and oppression. My own tears joined hers as I listened to one calamity after another. Still she holds fast to hope despite it all. Such faith! We can choose to lug the luggage or we can transform it and carry it with Christ.

There is much to say yet but I must catch a plane. I hope more later but internet is not so easy to connect here.

Peace,

Suzanne

This trip is a bit of a whirlwind but it is about to slow down for a few days and I will probably be offline for a few days. Today I walked through many parts of Paris. I began with the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, to which my grandmother had a strong devotion.

There is something about the blue and white chapel that instills peace. Knowing that Mary appeared here to St. Catherine Laboure may have infused the building with sacredness but something greater washed over me as I participated in mass. My grandmother gave me my first miraculous medal just prior to a major surgery I was going to have at age 21. I did wear it for the longest time and then never have again. Still something drew me here. My grandmother was a remarkable woman with a steadfast prayer life. If ever any family member could grant a miracle, she could.

Holding my family very much in my heart today, I prayed that St. Catherine might intercede for our needs. Then I felt moved to pray for the poor and those in need.  Our world is pretty messed up at the moment. On the flight to Paris I read a 7-day journal of someone in Palestine right now. I could have wept for the images he painted at the horrors happening there. The people of Ukraine too are suffering. Memories of what I had learned in Germany and what I have seen around this globe convince me I must pray for peace.

St. Catherine knew the sufferings of people well and was moved to assist people. She had a heart of compassion and mercy. Paris has surprised me with the number of beggars now. I don’t remember that from my other visits. They sit outside the Chapel and other tourist attractions. This morning in the subway, a man held his young son, silent, only a cup in front of him to show his plight.

I must pray for peace and for a transformation of my soul. I am not sure what God has planned for me in these two weeks but I do know that God is faithful. May I be as well.

Peace,

Suzanne

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration, one of my favourite feast days. This seems like a fitting day to begin my pilgrimage. I am off to Paris first and then on to other sacred sites, in search of the Holy.

This angel caught my attention yesterday and I wondered how our angels feel watching humanity either choose life or death. How do they feel watching the disciples experience a taste of heaven on earth when Jesus encounters God blessing him with the words “You are my son, the Beloved”? What emotions do they experience seeing our struggles and joys?

Everyday we have the choice to be transfigured and to be a light for Christ in our world. Each moment presents us with an opportunity to be peace for others and to help one another know we are part of a beloved family. As I prepare to depart, I pray that my face might shine with God’s abundant love and mercy.

I will pray for you as I go, surrounded by my angels and carried with your prayers for me. My heart is grateful. May a brilliant Light dazzle you with wonder and joy today and always.

Peace,

Suzanne.