The Long Goodbye
Place: a delayed flight to Poland.
Today we really did become pilgrims. As often happens on a pilgrimage, actually, ALWAYS, happens on a pilgrimage, our plans changed. Last night we decided that we needed to visit the tomb of John Paul II. True to form, I had totally missed it when we were in St Peter’s earlier in the week. I was caught up in my role and presumed that he was buried in the crypt underneath the basilica. It turns out I wasn't the only one. As we will now be walking in the footsteps of JPII in Poland we needed to go there. So we planned, discussed different scenarios and decided we could make it happen. Our plans were made, communicated and set in motion. Then, shortly after breakfast, we found out that our flight was delayed 3 hours. Great! Extra time in Rome! So,we headed back to St Peter’s and straight to the resting place of JPII. This seemed right. We needed to visit here, as a group, before continuing on our JPII trail.
It seems that the delay was meant to be.
However, we are just taxing out on the tarmac now. Further delays. We won’t have dinner until after 10 tonight. (No, I am not connected to the net now, working offline).
This is the way of Wyd. We are no longer tourists. It is in these moments that people stop, chat, laugh and recharge.
Bishop Terry spoke at Mass this morning about embracing the unexpected and I think this is what we have done today.
Whilst the day did not go smoothly for all pilgrims, the strength of our pilgrimage group had ensured that we have left Italy with smiles on their faces and joy in their heart. It has been a truly blessed time.
I can't wait to see what Poland had install for us.
Place: a delayed flight to Poland.
Today we really did become pilgrims. As often happens on a pilgrimage, actually, ALWAYS, happens on a pilgrimage, our plans changed. Last night we decided that we needed to visit the tomb of John Paul II. True to form, I had totally missed it when we were in St Peter’s earlier in the week. I was caught up in my role and presumed that he was buried in the crypt underneath the basilica. It turns out I wasn't the only one. As we will now be walking in the footsteps of JPII in Poland we needed to go there. So we planned, discussed different scenarios and decided we could make it happen. Our plans were made, communicated and set in motion. Then, shortly after breakfast, we found out that our flight was delayed 3 hours. Great! Extra time in Rome! So,we headed back to St Peter’s and straight to the resting place of JPII. This seemed right. We needed to visit here, as a group, before continuing on our JPII trail.
It seems that the delay was meant to be.
However, we are just taxing out on the tarmac now. Further delays. We won’t have dinner until after 10 tonight. (No, I am not connected to the net now, working offline).
This is the way of Wyd. We are no longer tourists. It is in these moments that people stop, chat, laugh and recharge.
Bishop Terry spoke at Mass this morning about embracing the unexpected and I think this is what we have done today.
Whilst the day did not go smoothly for all pilgrims, the strength of our pilgrimage group had ensured that we have left Italy with smiles on their faces and joy in their heart. It has been a truly blessed time.
I can't wait to see what Poland had install for us.