Wednesday 18 September 2013

Day 18, Wednesday 18th September. Rest Day Zaragoza.

We all enjoyed a welcome day of rest in this ancient, historic and beautiful city. There are Roman ruins, Arabic architecture, and world wide recognized Christian heritage. The highlight being the Basilica of Our Lady of Pillar which bring pilgrims from all over Spain and beyond. Pope John Paul 11 made a visit here in the 80s:

During his two visits to the shrine, Pope John Paul II affirmed Our Lady of Pilar’s role as the “Mother of the Hispanic Peoples,” a title that recognizes her importance not only to Spain, but also to the entire New World. Today she beckons the faithful as she has for nearly 2000 years, calling her children home to this picturesque and historic city in northeastern Spain.

Looking out over Zaragoza from above the Basilica.

 

 

Visitors flock to see and pray at this vast and beautiful shrine of Our Lady.

The surprisingly small statue of Our Lady of Pillar is the focal point of much prayer.

The Plaza in front of the Basilica has an exquisite water theme, not surprising with the great river Ebro flowing just meters away.

 

I joined in Mass in the Cathedral in the evening presided over by a gentle priest who spoke encouragingly and affirmingly to the congregation. We had a few words together after mass where he told me formerly his diocese had sent 40 - 50 priests to Sth America. Now there are 40-50 priests in his diocese from Sth America.

 

No comments:

Post a Comment