An Incredible Week in Mexico
Week in Review
Last Saturday, I accompanied a group of pilgrims from St. Joseph’s Parish in Raleigh for a pilgrimage to Mexico. We stayed near the historic city center and visited the Cathedral. Although I have been able to visit Mexico City on numerous occasions, it was perhaps the 3rd or 4th time I had been able to visit the Cathedral. I loved seeing the Chapel of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, and an incredible of St. John Paul II that has the image of the Blessed Virgin on his chasuble. It looks like he is a new Juan Diego and it is his tilma.
We visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday, some of the first of perhaps 10 million pilgrims who went through this week. Mexican devotion to Our Lady is incredible and the Basilica is at the center of it all. We celebrated Mass at the main altar and some people remarked that it looks like Jesus came to say mass with us.
Monday, we flew to Monterrey and drove to Cuatro Ciénagas for the second leg of the pilgrimage. We walked the Way of St. Joseph and got to know Plan 2040, an effort to help all the children of the town build better futures for themselves. It was quite the week, and I am happy to be back in Durham.
In the news:
Pope Leo XIV reminded Italian intelligence agencies of their role to serve peace and protect human dignity.
My thoughts on the Sunday Gospel: As we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, are we Getting Better at Waiting?
What I’m reading: I finished Personalism of John Paul II by John Crosby. It is a short read, but an important introduction to the thought and philosophy of Pope John Paul II.
Youtube Video of the Week: NT Wright and Bishop Barron met and spoke about the importance of Sacred Scripture. It is a fascinating conversation.