A Word from Your Pastor - April 20-27 Octave of Easter

Dear Parishioners and Guests:

Happy Easter to All!  We can now sing out Alleluia as we celebrate the awesome Gift of New Life in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Our Lenten Journey has brought us through the remembrance of the suffering and death of the Lord and now we can proclaim boldly the Truth of truths that He is Risen from the dead.  Jesus Christ is Risen!  Alleluia!

The next several weeks of the Easter Season, lasting from now until Pentecost, invite us to contemplate the meaning of the Gift of Resurrection and to open our hearts and lives to the influence of the Holy Spirit Who has been poured out on us in Jesus Christ.  May we continue to grow in our gratitude for all that God has done for us, and may we share our Joy in the Resurrection with the world.

This Monday, April 21, our group of pilgrims will depart for an adventure of a lifetime: the visit to the Tomb of our Patron Saint Timothy in Termoli, Italy, and then the experience of Rome at the time of the Canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II.  I will share the day-by-day itinerary in the bulletins this week and next so you can follow us with your prayers.  Be sure you and all your concerns go with us as we journey together.

Day 1 –  Monday, April 21: Depart U.S.A. 

Day 2 – Tuesday, April 22: Arrive Rome / Termoli  After arrival in the "Eternal City", we will be met at the airport and board our motor coach for the drive to Termoli located on the beautiful Adriatic coast.

Day 3 ‐ Wednesday, April 23: Termoli  Today we will enjoy a tour of Termoli including visits to the Cathedral which contains the relics of St. Timothy, the Castle, the Old Town. 

Day 4 ‐ Thursday, April 24: Termoli / Lanciano / Manoppello / Termoli  This morning we will take an excursion to Lanciano, site of the 8th century Miracle of the Eucharist, where bread and wine became real flesh and blood. After Mass in Lanciano we will proceed to Manoppello where we will visit the Basilica of Volto Santo which contains an image on a thin veil which is known as the Holy Face of Manoppello and has been reputed to be the Veil of Veronica.

Day 5 ‐ Friday, April 25: Termoli / San Giovanni Rotondo / Termoli  Today we will take an excursion to the nearby town of San Giovanni Rotondo. We will spend the day touring this quaint 11th century town where the famous Padre spent most of his life. We will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine for Mitigating Suffering which he founded, the Capuchin Monastery where he lived, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church which was completed in 2004 and Padre Pio’s Tomb. Next drive up to Monte Sant’ Angelo for a breathtaking view of the Gargano Peninsula and a visit to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel.

Day 6 ‐ Saturday, April 26: Termoli / Rome  This morning we will depart for Rome. Upon arrival in Rome we will enjoy a walking tour including visits to the Trevi Fountain where a coin thrown over your shoulder will guarantee you another visit to Rome; the Pantheon; Piazza Navona with the famous Bernini's fountains; and Campo de' Fiori, one of the most colorful street markets in Rome.

Day 7 ‐ Sunday, April 27: Rome Today we will attend the canonization ceremony of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII.

Choose one or the other of these sites and do some research for yourself about the place we are visiting and the Saints associated with that place.  That way you can share in the graces of the pilgrimage a little more personally.  You’ll also be able to ask the pilgrims questions when we return.

Since I will be out of the Country next weekend, you get a preview of the bulletin for Divine Mercy Sunday with the continuing itinerary.

This week, the Pilgrimage continues with the Canonization Sunday and the experience of Rome in the days to follow.  Again, you can join us day by day in thought and prayers.
 
Day 7 ‐ Sunday, April 27: Rome Today we will attend the canonization ceremony of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII.

Day 8 ‐ Monday, April 28: Rome  Today a full day of exploring Rome begins with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica. Our guide then takes us through the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel with its awesome frescoes painted by Michelangelo. In the afternoon our sightseeing includes visits to St. Mary Major Basilica, St. John Lateran, San Clemente, the Holy Stairs, the Old Appian Way and the St. Sebastian Catacombs.

Day 9 – Tuesday, April 29: Rome  This morning our sightseeing of "Ancient Rome" includes visits to the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, St. Peter in Chains featuring Michelangelo's "Moses" and St. Paul Outside the Walls, where Mass will be celebrated. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10 ‐ Wednesday, April 30: Rome / U.S.A.

As we return, we will be getting ready for the many events of the month of May, including First Holy Communion on Saturday and the celebration of May Crownings for the PSR and for the School.

Friday evening, the Diocese of Columbus will ordain five young men to the diaconate.  They will serve as deacons for a year and then be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese.  As you know, I am personally eager for a young man from St. Timothy Church to join their ranks.  Do you notice any who show the marks of such a call to service?  Tell them you are praying for them to answer my prayer!