Time for a Pilgrimage?

[Andruschak]

I used to go on overseas vacation before the year 2002. But the year 2002 saw me entering Chapter 13 bankruptcy for 3 years, a drastic surgery, and a change of living quarters.

Well, maybe it is time to think of another vacation. A pilgimage, in fact. This one…

206tours.com/tour36/default.html

The tour starting 1 March 2009 to Fatima looks good, and MIGHT be affordable.

Of course, the way the Post Office works, I would have to put my year 2009 vacation bids in by November 2008, and get the results by December 2008. The tour might be sold out by that time

But if I did get the dates I wanted, and the tour was not sold out, would it still be a good idea to go? Or would this violate our Franciscan Simplicity? And what if the only way to afford it would be to cut down on my contributions to the Catholic Church?

Questions, questions, questions. And yet, this is Fatima.

 

[bpbasilphx]

I’m not belitting a trip to Fatima, but if you’re worried about Franciscan simplicity, why not make a pilgrimage to a monastery close by to make a retreat?

 

[MarieVeronica]

I can understand your financial and spiritual concerns (Franciscan simplicity), yes. But oh! A chance to visit Fatima! Remember, St. Francis himself, traveled as a pilgrim to Rome. It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity (for me, anyway). Maybe the Holy Spirit is “calling” you to Fatima? You never know. Pray for Light… and He will help you in your decision.

P.S. I grew up in Torrance, California! Whenever I see your posts, it brings a smile (and a bit of homesickness) to my heart. God bless

 

[Andruschak]

I can understand your financial and spiritual concerns (Franciscan simplicity), yes. But oh! A chance to visit Fatima! Remember, St. Francis himself, traveled as a pilgrim to Rome. It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity (for me, anyway). Maybe the Holy Spirit is “calling” you to Fatima? You never know. Pray for Light… and He will help you in your decision.

P.S. I grew up in Torrance, California! Whenever I see your posts, it brings a smile (and a bit of homesickness) to my heart. God bless

It could be argued that sitting for those long trans-Atlantic flights in those narrow, uncomfortable, unable-to-nap-in seats would be a glorious penance

 

[daughterofmary]

double post

 

[daughterofmary]

I don’t know how to answer your questions, but I did go on a pilgrimage with 206 last year. I did enjoy it. It was very nice and an experience I do not regret, but if I were to go on another pilgrimage I would not go with them. A lot of things changed once we got to where we were going. There were a number of things the tour guide did not show us that we were suppose to see. They also messed with the schedule so we did not see things the day we were scheduled too and … well it just didn’t work out right.

Maybe you could plan the pilgrimage yourself? It might be cheaper. You could stay at convents in the area (inexpensive), and spend more time in the places at Fatima your most interested in. Of course, it would be more work on your part, but it might cut down on some costs and you wouldn’t have to worry about the tour having room for you. You could also see some other very important places in Fatima that the pilgrimage would not allow you to see (i.e. the tomb of Bl. Alexandrina) Portugal is a safe country (Fatima is especially safe), so you wouldn’t need to worry about that. It is an idea though. Prayers!

When I returned from my last pilgrimage I felt a strong desire to go to Fatima. I had never had a devotion to our Lady of Fatima either. It was just a very strong desire though. I told our Lady that if she wanted me there, she would have to find a way for me to go because I couldn’t. She did. I will be making a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes in September. She worked it all out. Pray. If she wants you there, she will provide the means to get you there.