Church: our lady at the bottom of the hill. Sept. 30, 2012

Went to mass in French this morning. It is exactly like our mass only in French. This little church has the most beautiful stained glass windows but it is the dozens of lit candles that draws me to the Light. All these candles symbols of the Light of Christ shining in the darkness ...our darkness. I light one for the people of st Teresa of Avila and the people of st rose of Lima I'm Haiti. may the Light guide us and bring us together in Christ. May his Light shine in your hearts and guide you on your own journey. Burn camimo. Fr Frank

St Jean Piede Porte. Sept 30, 2012

Here I sit in a a small church in this beautiful town in France almost at the border into Spain. I am waiting for Mass to begin, I hope. Thank God for my I phone with its app for all the mass readings and prayers. This me technology is great!!! I slept we'll after a treacherous taxi ride from Pamplona to st Jean. The twists and turns of the highway into the Pyrenees were frightening but I made it to the pilgrim's office. The people wee so kind and welcoming and made sue I had a bed for the night since it was already 10 pm. The weather is bright and cool which is perfect. I think a man looking like a priest just walked into the church. Maybe Mass will begin as I sit here with iPhone and readings. Tomorrow I begin the walk. I will keep praying for you all. Buen camimo. Fr frank

September 29, 2012

I made it to Barcelona and am on the train to Pamplona. Everything is going well and I'm feeling very peaceful not knowing where I am actually going. Not understanding much Spanish is definitely a challenge so I am winging it a bit. And TRUSTING...I continue to pray for all of you in this time of solitude. Many windows open when we enter into solitude the doorway to God who is the greatest adventure. Burn camimo. Fr. Frank

September 28, 2012. The Journey Begins

Sitting here at ohare. Made its afraid sound feeling a bit apprehensive. I love the airport as it is the best place to people watch. Everyone is going somewhere on a journey and the look on most people's faces says that they don't want to be here, they want to be at their place of destination. I am so blessed because I like being here and seeing the people. As the poster for the movie The Way said so beautifully, " the journey is the destination." The inner transformation occurs along the way, on the journey, itself. Like every human being, my pilgrimage began the moment I entered this world. Going to Spain is one moment on the pilgrimage of faith. The inner excitement of this journey is not dependent upon traveling to exotic or unusual places but it is our ability to make the connect tion within our hearts to the creative God who anchors us in the present moment infusingus with renewed hope. It is in living in the present moment,
in ordinary and everyday life, that our journey gets exciting and adventuresome. The journey is the destination. Burn camimo. Fr. Frank

September 27 2012

Just said goodbye to Annie as she begins her long stay with tom and Cathy. Right now I feel a bit sad but know she is in a great home with lots of love. I'm still rearranging the backpack to lighten the load to get it to 30 pounds. Much of what I am doing is saying goodbye to family, friends and dog and I always get second thoughts when I sad. I just need to leave and get the journey going. And I carry with me many beautiful memories of all of you who have called and written so many notes of support. Thank you so much. Buen camimo. Fr. Franl

Sept 24 2012

I have packed and unpacked my backpack several times and get it to weigh less than 30 pounds. Right now it stands at 34 pounds! It reminds me of all the excess baggage we carry in our hearts. Past wounds and hurts ; memories of painful experiences ; all our fears that limit current potential and possibility ; the list is endless.
Now of the time to let go of all that inner baggage. This can only happen when God's Grace takes possession of our hearts. The great prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola comes to mind:

Take Lord receive all I have and possess...my memory,understanding,my entire will. Give me only your love and your grace, they are enough. Buen camimo. Fr. Frank

The comino in my own backyard

Went on a hike walking the Prairie Trail which used to be the line of rail tracks that extended the congress expressway. What a magnificent trail that begins in and around maywood and winds its way past Geneva. You pass by marsh areas that witness to our own wetlands. I passed by children on their bikes, moms and dads with their babies, runners of all stripes, walkers, and a number of homeless people finding a place to rest.
I talked with one gentleman who has been homeless waiting for his disability to kick in. Walking allows one to see the vast diversity in the human family.
The weather spoke to my soul : the overcast clouds, the mist in the air, the changing colors of the leaves, all give a depth of spirit, one that grounds and comforts at the same time. Buen camimo!

September 18, 2012

This is my very first blog believe it or not! I am working with Aldo who is very helpful. He has 18 nuns and priests in his family. He even had dinner with Pope John Paul II! Now we are going to attach a photo, God willing.