I post this at the end of the Day 9, which was February 1st, after a long day in the Old City.
Wow. What a day. It is amazing how such a horribly lousy weather day can enhance our religious experience in such a powerful way. But, it did. Later, I will share our powerful journey in a cold and miserable rain. ( Ahmed told me they hadn't had this much rain in a long, long time.)
This place (the Notre Dame Center) is really hopping. When we got back to Notre Dame this afternoon, Steve Ray, seen and heard often on EWTN and a consistent Holy Land Group Leader, was checking in to Notre Dame with his group. He and I chatted for a while (we had corresponded over the last couple of years).
As I was dealing with some group issues at the front desk (I am becoming quite the mid eastern negotiator when Fr. Peter's and Ahmed's are not present,) I realized I was standing next to Fr. Jonathon Morris, a regular Catholic priest contributor on Fox News. He and I chatted for a while...what a nice guy. He seemed very sincere despite his "fame." Several of our pilgrims had spotted him and some had talked to him.
Finally, after dinner, we gathered in soon-to-be Cardinal Dolan's part of the dining area so that Fr. Peter could present him with a special gift in appreciation for his (Cardinal Dolan's) contribution to the Franciscan Holy Land Foundation. In case you missed it, Cardinal Dolan is on Fr. Peter's Board of Directors.
Fr. Peter presented the Cardinal with a nice gift from the Holy Land:
After that presentation, Cardinal Dolan suggested that he take a photo with the STA Pilgrims, and we went out into the lobby and did just that. Trust me, folks, the pilgrims were IMPRESSED. And BLESSED.
He mingled for a while, and went on his way for his busy schedule.
Cardinal Dolan and Fr. Peter have a special relationship and it was quite a blessing for us to see and share that interaction today (Wednesday) here in Jerusalem.
So...just wanted to update you on what happened unexpectedly this day.
After having just met with your pilgrims (as we do each night after supper for prayer and reflection), I continue to reiterate that they are coming back home to you this Saturday forever changed. They have been touched by this experience, but they may find it difficult to put into words what they have experienced. I would encourage you to listen to their passion. They will attempt to share their experiences, but it will be their passion that will be what best conveys their experience.
Shalom (peace) to all back home.
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