TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026 - SACRE COEUR AND NOTRE DAME

We had a beautiful Mass in the crypt at Sacre Coeur.  The church was first proposed by the Bishop of Nantes because of the moral decline of France after a defeat in the Franco-Prussian war.  He decided it would be named after the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  What is significant about the church is that perpetual Eucharistic adoration has been practiced in the church since 1885 perhaps in reparation for the sins of the people of France.  The church’s architecture is interesting in that it was built under 5 different architects and represents various styles but predominantly Neo-Byzantine Romanesque.  It is a very popular tourist site not only for its beauty but for its dominant site on the hill of Montmarte noted for its spectacular view of the city of Paris below and its location next to the art community of Montmarte.  

I was fortunate to meet up with one of my former Holy Angels Parishioners, Justin Abbarno and his girlfriend Allison.  I performed Justin’s sister Erica’s wedding about a year or so ago and he happened to be in Paris and saw my post on Facebook and we met up for Mass at Sacre Coeur and met up for lunch afterwards. It’s a small world!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026 - PARIS AND THE AFTERMATH OF RIOTS

As you may know, Saturday, October 16th was a day of rioting in Paris and throughout various regions of France.  In the city of Limoges, about 1.5 hours from Paris, the historic city hall was burned to the ground.  In Paris there were riots in various places, many store windows were smashed, monuments were graffitied and there were approximately 2,400 arrests.  Curfews have since been placed in effect in some parts of the city.  Though we were virtually unaffected by any of this, we did see the aftermath of the riots and I have included some of those photographs here.  It reminds us that there is an ache, a longing in so many people for something more than this world offers.  We want peace, we want harmony, we want justice.  And as I so often say we must build a peace within that can withstand any storm; a peace that brings calm in the midst of life’s chaos and confusion and discord.  For me, faith in the Lord is that center, that peace that the world cannot give.  I pray that His peace may reign more and more in the hearts of those whose unrest is longing for an answer.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026 - CHATEAU DU BRUEIL

Chateau Du Breuil was a short little visit to a Calvados distillery in a former castle-like estate.  This area of France is known for its apples and it is known for a special alcohol called “calvados.”  It is distilled into whiskey and brandy and other liqueurs.  We were introduced to the process of growing the apples (sour, not for eating) and harvesting, processing, heating, and making the apples into alcohol.  We were shown the fermenting process and then the aging process in special oak barrels.  Then we were given tastings of the whiskey and brandy and, of course, given the opportunity to purchase the specialties to share with our families and friends back home.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2026 - LISIEUX

Today we had the great privilege of visiting the city of Lisieux and the beautiful basilica of St. Therese of Lisieux.  From the outside the basilica looks rather cold and unremarkable but inside, it is filled with magnificent mosaics.  The apostles are featured at the top of pillars as if they are holding up the foundations of the church.  The inside of the church is magnificent and colorful and warm and inviting.  

The story of St. Therese’s life is so interesting.  She entered the convent at only 13 years old and plead to the Bishop to enter the order early (normally you couldn’t enter until 14).  Her sisters had already entered.  She had lost her mom when she was 9 years old.  She was a simple child who loved the Lord and saw God in simple things.  She died at the age of 24 of tuberculosis.  She would often choose the crankiest nun to sit with in the refectory knowing that it would test her ability to be kind.  She could find God in the ordinary of everyday life but she knew him deeply and intimately.  She was a mystic and became a doctor of the church.  I’ll post some pictures and some of her beautiful quotes below.  

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2026 - MONT SAINT-MICHEL

Imagine what it would be like living on top of a mountain on the top of an island surrounded by water!  Mont Saint-Michel is such a place with an active abbey at the very top of a mountain.  The curvy walkway consists of steep walks and staircases and can be physically challenging.  In the early days you’d traverse lots of sandy beach with areas of quicksand and the possibility that the tides could sweep you away if you didn’t time it just right.  This beautiful castle like setting has been in existence since the year 708 A.D.  When Bishop Aubert was visited by 3 persons who urged him to build a sanctuary on what then was called the Tomb Rock.  A community of Benedictine monks would be established in 966 A.D. And then a Romanesque Abbey church would be erected between 1204 and 1228.  At one time the island was even used as a prison with 14,000 inhabitants.  One of the displays had some beautiful quotes about the meaning of the abbey and the meaning of the pilgrimage site for its visitors: 

 Whether demanding of joyful, the paths leading to the Marvel invite us to detachment.  The at immense flatness of the bay contrasts with the vertical thrust of the abbey reaching toward heaven.  The walker experiences that through physical effort, an inner journey begins.  By journeying toward this rock alongside Saint Michael, we do not merely reach a remarkable historical site: we listen to a spiritual call that transforms our lives . . . 

It is such a moving experience to be able to pray in this place, which for centuries has seen prayers raising up to God in a unique way.  Here, it feels as though a little bit of heaven has come down to earth.  Ot is it perhaps that we ourselves are lifted up a little through prayer? I therefore feel particularly inspired to ask for intercession or to pour out everything that weghts on my heart.  What also helps me is seeing all these people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures, coming to admire this marvel and pray in their own way.  . . 

A sanctuary is as place set apart, carrying a universal message.  Here, for 1,300 years, the faithful have come to seek teh protection of the Archangel Michaell. They pray to him to entrust their departed, find strength in daily trials, or experience forgiveness.  Whether a fervent pilgrim or a simple visitor seeking meaning, the Mount offers everyone a place for reflection.  Under the benevolent gaze of the Archangel, everyone can lay down their burden and find peace. . . 

Knowing how to be silent before the power of Creation and the pilgrims’ paths . .. .Each crossing calls me to humility.  The guide listens.=, leads across the sands, and warns of pitfalls.  I leave no trace; my footprints are washed awqy with every tide.  From the tip of my staff, I simply point to the sanctuary’s spire, a sacred direction pointing to Heaven.  The Archangel Michael, our ultimate Guide, stands ready to lead our souls there. . . .

Reaching the Mount seems easy today, thanks to the footbridge and shuttles.  But it was not always so.  From the 8th century, drawn by St. Michael, pilgrims ventured into the bay “at the peril of the sea”, braving tides and quicksand.  Many wrote their wills before risking it.  Crossing the bay today, accompanied by passionate guides, we walk in the footsteps of these men and women driven by profound faith. . . 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026 - AMERICAN CEMETERY, OMAHA BEACH

Nothing can really prepare you for the 9,500 or so graves you encounter at Normandy. On June 6, 1944 the invasion of Allied forces against the Nazis was a remarkable victory that forever changed the world and saved Europe from the scourge of Communism and brought about the defeat of the German forces.  It was a choreographed and synchronized military operation that cost thousands of allied lives but gave the world the gift of freedom and democracy that we remain ever grateful for.  The deep appreciation and somber respect for what happened on these beaches is evident in the tangible signs of prayers, flower memorials, rituals, and searches for loved ones who served and died for the protection of freedom and liberty.  In a world which can take freedom so easily for granted this is a place of honor and gratitude for those who made it possible and gave their very lives to insure that we continue to live today the values and  ideals they fought for.  We walked along Omaha Beach and then visited the remnants of German bunkers which were built by French citizens recruited by the Nazi as forced laborers, most of whom were conscripted to support the Nazi regime under penalty of punishment or death.  

LOURDES - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 - The Feast of St. Theresa of Avila

Today is the Feast Day of the Great mystic, St. Therese of Avila.  She plays a special role in the life of the Church in the fact that she wrote much of the deeper interior castle and of a deep and intimate personal relationship with Jesus.  The famous statue of Bernini, the Ecstasy of St. Therese in Rome shows the almost hypnotic passion she had for the Lord as she was pierced by the sword of love for the Lord by an angel from heaven.  

For us at Lourdes, we have been invited to a personal retreat day - a day to draw closer to Jesus, through the Blessed Mary.  This day is a day of time alotted for personal prayer and reflection.  A day to wander the shrine grounds - to pray at the grotto, to join in the stations of the cross, pray the rosary, go to confession, bathe in the waters of Lourdes or to join the Eucharstic procession with the sick - whatever we would choose to do to grow closer to the Lord and to deepen our faith.  The bishop invited us, in his homily, to spend the day deepening our relationship to the Lord.  So there is not much to report here.  

I took a group up the steep stations of the cross just to the side of the main basilica - up the winding hills at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains - away from the noise and haste of the souvenir stores, streets and tourists.  This journey was not for the faint of heart - it was a more challenging journey - probably not unlike Jesus’ own final days on his way to Calvary.  The prayerful stations walked us through many reflections - from the saints and other authors - bringing the story of the final days of Jesus to our own world and its many issues, problems and possibilities.  

The final two pictures depict the basilica where we had mass this morning and a Eucharistic procession that takes place every day at 5:00 p.m. With the Blessed Sacrament.  This is a special procession that includes all the sick in wheelchairs and stretchers.  I can watch this procession from the balcony from my room.  It is both beautiful and very humbling.  Here in Lourdes there is a designated lane on the streets for wheelchairs and stretchers only.  The sick and suffering are treated as the most important people in the world.  I imagine they are treated the same way in heaven!

Tomorrow will be a day of travel as we board a high speed TGV train from Lourdes to Paris and then we’ll take a 3 hour bus ride from Paris to Normany to explore its rich history and role in World War II.  I will write if there is anything to report.  Otherwise look for another update on Saturday.  Until then, Go Guardians!!!