Posts

Assisi, Italy – A Pilgrimage to the Tomb of Bl. Carlo Acutis

/0 Comments/in , /by

Come on a journey with Angela Sealana and Jason Nunez as they spiritually travel to the Church of Saint Mary Major Assisi, Italy. Inside one of the oldest churches in Assisi, is the Shrine of the Stripping. This site recalls the incredible act of St. Frances renounced his patrimony, including his clothing, in the bishop’s residence in the presence of his father. This is also the final resting place of Bl. Carlo Acutis. He was only 15 years old when he passed in a hospital in Monza, Italy, in 2006, offering all his sufferings for the Church and for the Pope.

During this program:

  • Learn about the life of Bl. Carlo Acutis and the legacy he has left for the world.
  • Discover the significance behind The Shrine of the Stripping and why Bl. Carlo’s tomb is located there.
  • Take away some lessons of how Bl. Carlo lived his life.
  • Much more!

Images captured from the Official website for the Carlo Acutis Association and the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Click here to view a live stream of the Tomb of Bl Carlo Acutis
*Webcam at the time of our recording appears to be temporarily down.

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.” – Pope Francis, quote of Carlo Acutis as highlighted in Christus Vivit

Websites Created by B. Carlo Acutis:

Quotes from Bl. Carlo Acutis:

  • “The Eucharist is the highway to heaven.”
  • “Our soul is like a hot air balloon. If by chance there is a mortal sin, the soul falls to the ground. Confession is like the fire underneath the balloon enabling the soul to rise again. . . It is important to go to confession often.”
  • “Continuously ask your guardian angel for help. Your guardian angel has to become your best friend.”
  • “All people are born as originals but many die as photocopies.”
  • “Find God and you will find the meaning of your life”.
  • “Conversion is nothing more than moving your gaze from the bottom up, a simple movement of the eyes is enough”.
  • “Only those who do God’s will be truly free”.
  • “The true disciple of Jesus Christ is he who in everything tries to imitate him and to do God’s will”.
  • “Why do humans care so much about the beauty of their body and then don’t care about the beauty of their soul?”
  • “What will truly make us beautiful in God’s eyes will be only the way we loved him and how we loved our brothers.”
  • “A life is truly beautiful only if we come to love God above all else, our neighbor as ourselves”.

The Tomb of Bl. Carlo Acutis:

Church of Saint Mary Major
Tomb of Bl, Carlo Acutis

Images captured from the official website of the Carlo Acutis Association and the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis

Where is the Church of Saint Mary Major Assisi, Italy?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

A NEW JOURNEY: Monte San Angelo, Italy

/0 Comments/in , /by

Join Deacon Tom & Mary Jane Fox as they spiritually travel to Monte San Angelo, a city and comune in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo, Italy. This small city was made famous by an apparition of St. Michael the Archangel. His appearance has made this holy site a place of healing for pilgrims who travel from around the world.

During our journey, our hosts will discuss:

  • Basilica of St. Michael–the only one consecrated by a celestial being, St. Michael.
  • Historical site in many ways –small groups would spend time on retreat here before sailing to the Holy Land during the Crusades.
  • Why the prayer of St. Michael is so powerful.
  • Consecration to St. Michael

Click here (Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel) for the St. Michael Chaplet and other intercessory prayers to St. Michael the Archangel.

For more information on Saint Michael and the Angels (TAN Books), click here.

Featured Image by Mboesch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Listen to this program now:

Protection Prayer to St. Michael:

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits
who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Consecration to St. Michael the Archangel:

Prayer of Consecration Oh, most noble prince of the angelic hierarchies, valorous warrior of Almighty God,
and Zealous lover of His glory, terror of the rebellious angels, and love and delight of all the just ones,
my beloved Archangel, Saint Michael, desiring to be numbered among your devoted servants,
O, today, offer and consecrate myself to you, and place myself, my family, and all I possess under
your most powerful protection. I ask you not to look at how little, I, as your servant, have to offer,
being weak and sinful, but to gaze, rather, with favorable eye at the heartfelt affection with which this offering is made,
and remember that if from this day onward I am under your patronage, you must during all my life assist me,
and procure for me the pardon of my offenses and sins, the grace to love with all my heart my God, my dear Savior Jesus,
and my sweet Mother Mary, and obtain for me all the help necessary to arrive at my crown of glory.
Defend me always from my spiritual enemies, particularly in the last moments of my life. Come then, O glorious prince,
and help me in my last struggle, and with your powerful weapon, cast far from me and into the abyss that proud angel that one day
you defeated in the celestial battle. Saint Michael, defend us in our daily battle so that we may come to glory in the last judgment, Amen

Jewel for the Journey:

“The battle against the Devil, which is the principal task of Saint Michael the Archangel, is still being fought today, because the Devil is still alive and active in the world.” –  Pope John Paul II

A Closer Look at Monte San Angelo, Italy:

The Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel – Itto Ogami, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel – Interior – Nikater, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Postcard from Monte Sant’Angelo
Gethsemane Chapel-St. Michael Statue & Relic Stones
St Michael the Archangel Protection Prayer

 

Where is the Basilica of St. Michael?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Italy – San Giovanni Rotondo and Padre Pio

/0 Comments/in , /by

Come on a journey with our Media Production Assistant, Jason Nunez, as we spiritually travel to San Giovanni Rotondo, located in southern Italy. San Giovanni Rotondo was the home of St. Pio of Pietrelcina from July 28, 1916, until his death on September 23, 1968. Mary Jane Fox will join Jason in the first part of our journey, to share her experiences to this sacred destination! The life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina will be the focus in the second half of this week’s audio pilgrimage.

During this program, our hosts will discuss:

  • What is the journey from the United States to San Giovanni Rotondo like?
  • What kind of an experience can pilgrims expect to have?
  • What does the Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy look like?
  • How can Padre Pio help us on our daily pilgrimage of life?
  • Much more!

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“The life and mission of Padre Pio prove that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted out of love, are transformed into a privileged way of holiness, which opens onto the horizons of a greater good, known only to the Lord.” – Pope Saint John Paul II

A Closer Look at San Giovanni Rotondo:

Padre Pio Church
Padre Pio Church – Interior
Confessional of Padre Pio
Padre Pio Monastery
Padre Pio with American Bomber Squad who saw him in the air.

Where is San Giovanni Rotondo?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Emmitsburg, MD – National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

/0 Comments/in , /by

This week’s virtual pilgrimage will take us to the incredible National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD! In the first segment, our Media Coordinator, Angela Sealana, will welcome Robert Judge, Executive Director of the National Shrine! They will discuss what the Nation Shrine has to offer its community and all who visit. Mary Jane Fox & Eddie Reyes, a Pilgrim Center of Hope Staff Member and Pilgrimage Leader, will continue in our second segment, as we take a closer look at Mother Seaton, as she was often called. She is the first American-born citizen to be canonized. She also founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first community for religious women established in the United States!

During our time together, our hosts will:

  • Take a closer look at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
  • Discuss what would a pilgrim anticipate seeing or experiencing in visiting the Shrine?
  • Share more about the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
  • Much More!

For more information on the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, click here.

Image courtesy National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. All rights reserved.

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“Afflictions are the steps to heaven.” – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

A Closer Look at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton:

Image courtesy National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. All rights reserved.
Image courtesy National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. All rights reserved.
Image courtesy National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. All rights reserved.

Where is the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Santa Fe, NM – A Hidden Gem, Holy Dirt, and a Miraculous Staircase

/0 Comments/in , /by

Come on a journey with our Media Production Assistant, Jason Nunez, as we spiritually travel to three pilgrimage destinations in Santa Fe, NM. Our itinerary includes visits to St. Anne’s Catholic Church, El Santuario de Chimayo (Chimayo Sanctuary), and The Loretto Chapel – home of the Miraculous Staircase. Each one of these holy sites offers its own unique charm and beauty! Catholicism is so beautiful!

During our time together, your host will discuss:

  • A brief history of New Mexico.
  • What is Holy Dirt?
  • What makes the staircase in The Loretto Chapel, miraculous?
  • Much More!

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey: 

“For those with faith, no evidence is necessary; for those without it, no evidence will suffice.” – St Thomas Aquinas

A Closer Look at these Holy Sites:

St. Anne’s – Circle Above Altar
St. Anne’s – Altar
St. Anne Pray for Us!
Map of El Santuario de Chimayo
Mass at El Santuario de Chimayo
Entrance to the Loretto Chapel
Loretto Chapel – Altar
The Miraculous Staircase
Miraculous Staircase in Use

Statues at St. Ann Catholic Church:

 

Where is St. Anne Catholic Church?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Where is El Santuario de Chimayo (Chimayo Sanctuary)?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Where is The Loretto Chapel?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Marytown – National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe

/0 Comments/in , /by

Join Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox as they spiritually travel to the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, in Libertyville, IL in the Archdiocese of Chicago. It is a ministry of the Conventual Franciscan Friars of St.Bonaventure Province. In the first segment, Fr. Benedict La Volpe, OFM Conv., Rector and Guardian of the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe joins Mary Jane Fox for a wonderful conversation about all things, National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe!

During our time together, we will discuss:

  • Why is Marytown referred to as the “Third City of the Immaculate”?
  • An audio walk through the National Shrine.
  • The life of St. Maximilian Kolbe – Priest, publisher, evnagelist, and martyr.
  • Much More!

For more information on the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, click here to visit their website.

Image courtesy National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. All rights reserved.

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe

A Closer Look at the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe:

Marytown Chapel – Image courtesy National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. All rights reserved.
St. Maximilian Kolbe
Holocaust Museum – Image courtesy National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe. All rights reserved.
Group Picture with St. Maximilian Kolbe

Where is the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Philadelphia, PA – Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel

/0 Comments/in , /by

Come on an audio pilgrimage with Mary Jane Fox to the Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel! The shrine of this American saint is located in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, PA.

During our time together, we will learn:

  • About the life of St. Katharine Drexel
  • Her Religious Life and Canonization
  • Take a closer look at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
  • Much More!

For more information on the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, click here.

Image of Tomb captured from Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine Facebook Page

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“Holiness consists in one thing: to do God’s will, as He wills it, because He wills it.” – St. Katharine Drexel

Saint Katharine Drexel Prayer:

Ever loving God, you called Saint Katharine Drexel
to teach the message of the Gospel and
to bring the life of the Eucharist to
the Black and Native American peoples.

By her prayers and example,
enable us to work for justice
among the poor and oppressed.
Draw us all into the Eucharistic community
of your Church, that we may be one in you.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Meet St. Katharine Drexel:

Where is the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Western Wall and Saints Joachim and Anne

/0 Comments/in , /by

This week’s spiritual pilgrimage, Angela Sealana, Media Coordinator for Pilgrim Center of Hope, will lead us on a journey to the Western Wall of the original Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.

During our spiritual pilgrimage, Angela will discuss:

  • Take you on a guided walk around the Western Wall.
  • We’ll hear about the history of the original Temple, and what it was like during the time of Jesus,
  • And we’ll meet two people known for their association with the Temple, Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Where is the Western all?:

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Avila, Spain – The Extraordinary Life of St. Teresa of Avila

/0 Comments/in , /by

Join Mary Jane Fox as she unpacks the extraordinary life of St. Teresa of Avila, the first woman to be honored as a Doctor of the Church! Her life is one that will undoubtedly leave you amazed and inspired! Did you know the Child Jesus appeared to her in her convent? An angel from Heaven appeared to her and she experienced a miraculous healing?

During this program, Mary Jane will also discuss:

  • A brief history of Avila, Spain.
  • Teresa’s quest to the land of Moors, to become a martyr at the age of 5 years old, along with her brother.
  • Her illness with Malaria.
  • Much more!

Want to take a deeper dive into the medieval city of Avila, Spain? Click here to listen to an archived episode of Journeys of Hope.

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.” – St. Teresa of Avila

Prayer by St. Teresa:

Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You,
always follow Your plans,
and perfectly accomplish Your Holy Will.
Grant that in all things,
great and small,
today and all the days of my life,
I may do whatever You require of me.
Help me respond to the slightest prompting of Your Grace,
so that I may be Your trustworthy instrument for Your honor.
May Your Will be done in time and in eternity by me,
in me, and through me. Amen.

A Closer Look at Avila, Spain:

Avila City Wall
Avila City Wall at Night
Statue of St. Teresa of Avila
Avila Cathedral
Convent of St. Teresa

Where is Avila, Spain?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Italy – Abbey of Montecassino

/0 Comments/in , /by

Join Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox as they spiritually travel to Montecassino, Italy, the site of an ancient Benedictine Monastery where the tombs of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica are located.

During our time together, our Hosts discuss the following:

  • A look at the history of the Abbey of Montecassino.
  • Meet Saints Benedict and Scholastica.
  • Learn about the Monastic Rules of Life and the famous St. Benedict Medal.
  • Much more!

For a complimentary St. Benedict medal along with a card explaining its significance, call us at 210-521-3377.

Cover Photo by Abbey of Monte Cassino, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Listen to this program now:

Jewel for the Journey:

“The first degree of humility is prompt obedience.” – St. Benedict

A Prayer by Saint Benedict:

Gracious and Holy Father,
give us the wisdom to discover You,
the intelligence to understand You,
the diligence to seek after You,
the patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You,
and a life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord.
Amen

A Closer Look at the Abbey of Montecassino:

Abbey of Montecassino Trolvag, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Interior Plaza of Abbey of Montecassino
Statue of St. Scholastica, Abbey of Monte Cassino, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Statue of St. Benedict, Abbey of Monte Cassino, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The aftermath of the Battle of Monte Cassino

Where is Abbey of Montecassino?

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.