Pilgrims give abundantly

It is hard to believe, but for those pilgrims who started the pre-tour in Cappadocia, today marked the 16th full day of our journey.  It has been quite the experience and from that we have many things to give and share, as we have received so much.  Our final text for study and reflection comes from Philippians 4:15-23...it is our responsibility as pilgrims to give to others the gift of community as we have learned and lived it in the small group that we have formed, as well as the larger community that we are a part of in this world.

Another full day was on tap, as we had much to see in the culturally rich and beautiful city of Rome.  We started out on the Scala Santa, then walked through central Rome to see several different sites, statues and churches.  A short ride on the coach took us to the Catacombs of Rome, where we were fascinated by the underground tour and learned that there were more than 150,000 tombs in the many levels discovered below the ground.  We saw approximately 100 of them and took the fine people at their word that there were more!

From a pilgrimage perspective, our visit to the Basilica of St. Paul (outside the walls) was an appropriate stop on our final day of the journey, for this is where the remains of Paul are said to be.  Having followed through so many of Paul's footsteps, seeing so many of the churches and ancient locations that he traveled to in his lifelong journey to bring the word of Jesus to the world, it was meaningful to sit quietly and reflect on what Paul showed us and how today it continues to give us hope and faith and joy.

The weather started to shift a bit and look stormy in the afternoon, but the pilgrims were not daunted!  We enjoyed lunch and some shopping around Trevi Fountain, then it was over to the Forum, Mamertine prison, (it is rumored but not proven that Paul and Peter were imprisoned here together), Arch of Titus, and the Coliseum!  It should be noted (and will be evident in the PICTURES when you view them) that it rained...quite a bit.  You would be proud of the pilgrims, they innovated and adapted and kept going strong. We would never let a little rain slow us down!

Tonight is the final night together before we start the long journey home.  We are ready to come home to share our experiences and of course, we have missed our family and friends.  Watch for an entry in the next day or two, encapsulating some of the feelings and emotions that the pilgrims share during our last evening prayer.

What an amazing journey, we are so glad to have had all of you to share it with!