Today is day 11 of our Marian Pilgrimage and we bid goodbye to Portugal, France and Spain. This is the culmination of our pilgrimage. We were off to visit the Shrine of Montserrat. We had a quick continental breakfast or perhaps a "konti-nental" breakfast, quipped Rose as they only served coffee and 2 pieces of bread. Again, we pushed our luggages same way as the night before 500 meters to the bus stop.
It was a long 3 and a half hour drive to the Shrine of Montserrat. It was a very scenic drive on a two lane road and really frightening as you are almost at the very edge of the mountain cliffs. It is part of the province of Catalunya which is reputed to be the richest in Spain as they have the main industries here. There is even a movement to secede from Spain and become independent but this is not allowed. Montserrat means serrated mountains as it really looks like that the mountain range was cut neatly. The shrine of Montserrat is again awesome and magnificent. The basilica sits on top of the mountain about 1500 meters above sea level. This is where the Statue of the Lady of Montserrat was enshrined. It was found in a cave centuries ago and it was discoloured, hence later on called the Black Madonna. Butch and I managed to go all the way where the statue is. I just felt overwhelmed with emotions as I cried after embracing the lady of Montserrat.
We had lunch in the area and off we were again to Barcelona which was another one and a half hour drive. This time, we got to see the Sagrada Familia church designed by the most famous Spanish architect Gaudi. Although, unfinished yet, the church is both magnificent and beautiful and after a short visit, we went straight to Hotel Expo where we are staying for the night but have to leave by 5:00 am to catch our flight back to Vancouver via Frankfurt in Germany. Again, we are so grateful to Ogie and Chong who have always been there to help.
This may be the culmination of our Marian pilgrimage but this is not the end of our journey. In fact, it will be a continuing pilgrimage in life. On day 1, we said that it was not a coincidence that we took this pilgrimage. Our Virgin Mary wanted us to be here and we have to discern what She wants from us. We may have an answer to that lingering question and it could be the message from the homily of Father Ho in our mass today. Our pilgrimage does not end here. Our Mother Mary wants us to continue with this pilgrimage of life, a continuing journey to our promised land. And like having provisions in a pilgrimage, we need to have the graces and prayers as we embark on this path towards the kingdom of God. We need also the support of community and it is providential that we are with brothers and sisters in Christ in enjoying the journey towards our ultimate pilgrimage destination
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