New Life - Poland Pilgrimage 8b

This photo shows the baptism font in which George - the husband of our friend Dona from Gdansk - was baptized as an infant. It is very ornate and reflects the importance that Catholics around the world place on baptism. Some Christian faiths wait to baptize their members until they are old enough  - or at the age of "reason". However in the Roman Rite - baptism is conferred upon all who ask - or upon those too young to ask for themselves. Baptism is one of the seven sacraments celebrated in the Roman Church - in each sacrament Grace is received from God. It is through the Grace of God that Catholics are able to live and function in the World around them. Some scripture verses hint at but do not specifically mention infant baptism - but a few references are given that mention entire families or the young. In the Roman Rite baptism is often referred to as the "gateway" sacrament since none of the other six sacraments can be cellebrated without first being baptized.

There are many ways that Jesus comes to us - both sacramentaly and otherwise. He comes in both Word and Sacrament - in Sacred Scripture and In Holy Eucharist. For each of us we pray Come Lord Jesus - fill my life today.

Deacon Dale 

Pentecost - Poland Pilgrimage 8a

As we were coming to the end of our self directed pilgrimage in Poland - it was only fitting that we were able to celebrate Pentecost Mass in our last church we visited in Gdansk. It was in this church that our friend's husband was baptized and therefore a special church to visit. As we celebrated Holy Mass on this last day of pilgrimage we prayed "Come Holy Spirit Come" 

Throughout our pilgrimage we had so many special experiences that surprised us and caught us off guard. Although we had planned what places to visit and the religious sites to see - so often we were side tracked and exposed to blessings that we could have never imagined. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours in the presence of Religious Sisters and Monks, "accidentally" meeting up with the English speaking Polish priest from Krakow, being allowed to celebrate Holy Mass in the Chapel of the Black Madonna at Jasna Gora - and so much more. God truly was with us as we  wandered from the southern part of Poland to its northern tip. The next time we visit we hope to lead a group on a pilgrimage perhaps in 2013. With God - all things are possible!

Deacon Dale 

Three Generations - Poland Pilgrimage 7b

While at Malbork Castle we visited numerous displays available to the public. We viewed a collection of Amber and Amber jewelry - many hand carvings - collections of swords and battle vestments worn by the knights. One unique piece caught our attention and is shown below. It is a statue of Saint Mary - her mother Saint Anne - and Jesus. Never before had we ever seen Holy Mother - Grandmother and Jesus depicted in a statute or painting. It immediately made me think of all the multi-generational pictures that are printed in newspapers celebrating the longevity of families. Here in this piece of carved wood is a three generation depiction of Jesus' maternal family - very unique indeed.

Jesus came to us as an infant and grew into the most important man ever to walk the earth. In His own life and in ours He blesses and holds close to His heart the model of family. Today you are invited to bring your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - to be Loved by Him - to experience His closeness. He wants only the best for all of us - Trust Jesus - Trust His Most Sacred Heart.

Deacon Dale 

Malbork - Poland Pilgrimage 7a

In the town of Malbork is the Marienburg Castle which is the largest castle in the world by surface area and the largest brick building in Europe. It was built by the Teutonic Knights - a German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders. The order named this structure Marienburg - Mary's Castle. In the course of its development and expansion which spanned some 230 years  - it became three castles in one - the High - the Middle - and the Lower castles surrounded by three defensive walls. The first time we visited in 2000 there was no provision for English speaking guides - this year we were provided with English language audio guides that explained the castle in depth and we learned much more not only about the knights but also their prayer lives. Malbork Castle at one time housed about 3000 "brothers" - over the many years it has been occupied by many different groups. Today it is undergoing renovation and reconstruction as more  than fifty percent was destroyed in World War II. It is now a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There is something special about castles that peaks my interest. It is not necessarily the size of the structure but the idea that so many people lived and worked in complexes like this is very interesting.  In a way it reminds me of our parish when we do certain events on a large scale. Today - June 10th - is Corpus Christi and at Holy Mass we celebrate the Body and Blood of Christ as given to us by Jesus in Holy Eucharist. As in previous years we acknowledge this awesome moment in the Liturgical Year by participating in an Eucharistic procession that will lead us from the church to the town square and back - all the while with our priests carrying our Monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament in procession as a visible sign of God's blessing upon the people of the parish and the world in general. 

As we worship the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist - as we reverence His presence in our lives - as we walk the streets of our town - we pray "Come Lord Jesus Come".

Deacon Dale 

Royal Castle - Poland Pilgrimage 6b

The Royal Castle or Zamek in Warsaw is located in Castle Square and at the entrance to the Stare Miasto - the Old Town area. At one time the royal court of Poland resided here - today it is a museum and the office of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. About 500,000 people visit the Royal Castle each year. Inside,  the rooms have been restored to their original grandeur. The amount of gold in most of the rooms is almost unbelievable - especially in The Great Hall. It is apparent that Zamek is not a castle in the normal sense of a structure for defense - rather it is a palace of great beauty to be lived in and enjoyed.

In John 14:2 we read "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." Jesus - the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords has prepared a room for us? Shouldn't it be the other way around? You would think that it is you and I who should build a palace for Him - but not so. Jesus loves us so much that He wants us to spend eternity with Him and His Father. The rooms may or not not be painted with gold - but they are lined with the great love of God. Accept Jesus' invitation today - enter into His presence - He stands at the door - waiting.

Deacon Dale 

Warsaw - Royal Route - Poland Pilgrimage 6a

In Warsaw, Poland, what is known as the "Royal Route" begins at Warsaw's Castle Square by the Royal Palace and runs south down a street that changes its name four times until you arrive at Wilanów - King Jan III Sobieski's personal residence. Along the Royal Route you will see the Royal Palace, St. Anne's Church, Holy Cross Church, St. Joseph the Guardian's Church, the University of Warsaw, The Presidential Palace, Łazienki Palace  and more. It is a street filled with awesome buildings of special significance.  As you head north towards the Royal Palace the street has been narrowed to allow for an enlarged pedestrian walkway on each side and is restricted to pedestrian traffic only once you enter the Castle Square area. 

Shown above is Holy Cross Church where Frederic Chopin's heart is entombed in one of the pillars. To worship in this space was a pleasure and a surprise when my wife pointed out the pillar at our side with Chopin's heart in it.

Walking up the street from Holy Cross you first pass St Anne's Church then close by the  seemingly non-descript church of St. Joseph the Guardian's. Upon entering this church - we actually entered and prayed in every church we came across - we noticed that all the altars were adorned with an unbelievable number of relics. As seen in this photo there appear approximately 100 relics! Each of the six or eight altars in this church were also adorned with as many. We did not have time to research as the church was actually closed and under renovation.  Although the Royal Route is quite long and would take hours to walk from beginning to end - the true "Royal Route" - the distance from your mind to your heart is only about twelve inches - and the journey from unbelief to belief can be made in an instant!  Jesus is waiting to walk this route with you!

Deacon Dale 

Stations at Jasna Gora - Poland Pilgrimage 5c

Walking and praying the Stations of the Cross is always a special spiritual devotion observed by many. Typically done during Lent - it is also observed on many retreats. While visiting the Jasna Góra  Monastery at Częstochowa with our friends in the Irish - Scot group we were invited to join them as they walked and prayed the Stations located there. Because construction was going on at the time the only safe way to accomplish this was from the roof of the Shrine. It is interesting that as part of the re-construction a walkway has been built into the roof to safely allow pilgrims the ability to walk around while looking at each Station. The Station shown in the pircture is actually some four stories tall. Many pilgrims have been known to pray the Stations at ground level - while progressing from one station to another on their knees

When you come to God and ask Him to become a part of your life you do not have to drop to your knees - unless you feel that is the thing to do. God is less interested in the position of your legs and feet than He is in the position of your heart. Is your heart cold and stony - have you stoned yourself against life and the love offered you by God? Or - is your heart fleshy and loving - seeking all that is good and wholesome in your life? Only you can answer that question - only God can change your heart from a stone cold one to a loving warm one. Ask Him today - ask Him in humility - He will make it new!

Deacon Dale 

Irish & Scots & Poles - Poland Pilgrimage 5b

While traveling throughout Poland - on our self directed pilgrimage - we had the opportunity  to meet and speak with many Poles. Although our Polish was limited we were able to communicate with no difficulty. At the Jasna Gora Monastery - which was discussed in the previous post - we did have some difficulty with the personnel at the information desk. We were persistent and on our third attempt - God surprised us with an English speaking Polish priest from Krakow who was spiritual director for an English speaking group from Ireland and Scotland. He invited us to join his group which we immediately accepted. Shown in the photo below is that group and the Polish priest.

When traveling on pilgrimages in a group - as on our scheduled trip to Israel later this summer - we will have the benefit of a professional guide who will translate for the group when and if needed. When traveling on your own - as we were doing - you have only yourself to rely upon. To some this may be enough to scare them away from attempting foreign travel - but to my wife and I - we jump in with both feet - we study the culture and learn enough "survival language" that we have never had a problem. Because of this we have witnessed many local events and customs that a tour group might miss as not being a "major event" or "site worthy". Shown below is a group of Poles celebrating their pilgrimage to Jasna Gora. We were blessed to also view many first communicants who wear their white garments for an entire week and spend the week traveling to religious sites in celebration of their first communion.

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When making a pilgrimage to any location - we look for God's presence - not only in the places and buildings that we visit - but also in His people. He has never disappointed us!

Deacon Dale 

Czestochowa - Poland Pilgrimage 5a

Częstochowa is a small southern Polish town known for its Pauline Monastery - Jasna Gora - the site of the Black Madonna.  It is about a two hour drive northwest of Krakow and is the focus of annual pilgrimages in which thousands of students and young adults will walk from Warsaw and Krakow - taking the better part of a full week to accomplish the journey. Many stories are told of conversion experiences and multiple blessing received on these pilgrimages. One young fellow we talked with told us about a couple that met on a previous pilgrimage and the following year were married by their priest who joined the pilgrimage and performed their ceremony while on the 7 day journey. 

We are told that the  image of the Blessed Mother with Jesus was painted by Saint Luke on a cypress table top taken from the home of the Holy Family. In 1430 the image was damaged by Hussite raiders who made two slashes on the face of St. Mary. According to legend - efforts to cover the scars were unable to be accomplished as the scars would re-appear - thus the decision was made to leave the scars as is - as if God wanted them to remain. Today the scars are clearly visible to pilgrims. We looked for an English speaking tour to join when we arrived at the monastery but none was available. On our third attempt an English speaking Polish priest overheard our request and invited us to join his group of English speaking pilgrims from Ireland and Scotland. As part of their group we were given access to the chapel area immediately in front of the icon where we celebrated Holy Mass with six priests and a bishop. On previous visits, we were only able to stand outside the immediate shrine area - but on this visit we were blessed to actually enter the immediate shrine area. It only goes to prove - it is in His time that He answers our prayers.

Deacon Dale 

FALL ITALY PILGRIMAGE ANNOUNCED!

GREAT NEWS!  

The fall pilgrimage to Italy has just been announced.  DeaconTravel - a Pilgrimage Apostolate of Deacon Dale Metcalfe and Deacon Jerry Heitschmidt - has made arrangements to travel to Italy this fall. Departing November 7, 2012 for an 11-day spiritual journey through Italy - this group will visit Venice - Florence - Padua - Assisi and Rome - one special highlight of this pilgrimage will be a Papal Audience with the Pope! Registrations are now being accepted. The group is limited to the first 36 persons to sign up. Cost is #3092.00* per person - double occupancy. 

I have traveled to Italy three times in November and the weather has always been great. Father Michael Callea, MIC will be traveling with us and offering daily Mass. We expect this trip to fill up quickly so please register early to guarantee your spot on this exciting trip! You may register at www.deacontravel.com or send an email to deacontravel@comcast.net


Deacon Dale