Today was yet another amazing day. After breakfast, the Father General of the Jesuits spoke to the lay collaborators and I was so impressed with his spirit of inclusivity, wisdom, and gentleness. This is a man who loves and serves God.
From there we went to the Martyrs Shrine to pray before setting out on our pilgrimage. The rain was pouring at breakfast and was still coming down as the first group set out to do the 10 km walk. I had registered for the 5 km walk. All participants were blessed with the relics before starting out. Fortunately, the rain stopped and so I made my way outside to the area where I could light a candle for both my personal intentions and those of my parish.
I boarded a bus which, I was to find out later, dropped us off at the wrong place, turning the 5 km walk into a 6 or 8 km walk, depending on whether you jumped back on a bus or not to make up time. All the pilgrims arrived late at St. Ignace which is where the photo was taken. This is where it is believed that St. Jean de Brebuef was tortured and killed. Now it is an empty field but I could feel the power of the sacred in this spot. Many of us commented on how meaningful it was to be there.
I will comment more on today but for now, I must get to bed again. Tomorrow is a very intense day with long meetings. I pray that I may lead the group well. What really matters is service and I am doing that here. Tonight I delivered a presentation in remembrance of Fr. Brian Massie which was well-received and I am facilitating the spiritual conversation of the small group I am in. Give without counting the cost is an Ignatian expression. So be it!
Peace,
Suzanne
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