The morning we spent in San Giovanni Rotondo with Padre Pio. We started with Mass in the very chapel where Padre Pio regularly celebrated Mass with his famous confessional to the side. I gave a brief overview of the life of Padre Pio with some fun facts and spiritual challenges.
We visited and venerated his body which is in a glass case for easy. This was the highlight of the trip for many folks so we were not rushing anyone and gave them plenty of time to pray and appreciate this magnificent site.
Then we went to the new shrine, very modern in design, but beautiful in its own way, visiting the expansive museum and shop.
Then we boarded our bus and headed to Rome. Teresa and Dominick told the story of their saved marriage and coming into the fullness of Catholic life and I shared my conversion story as well. The priests shared their vocation stories.
We pretended Teresa was hosting a live “Catholic Connections”. Teresa, Fr.James and I fielded questions from the pilgrims. Had a grand time. Stopped several times along the way times for restrooms and sandwiches and such. We arrived at our exquisite hotel — the Michelangelo — which is only a five minute walk from St. Peters. Joan Lewis from EWTN joined us for dinner. Great dinner and to bed.