Day Two of our Pilgrimage could not have started better. The sun rose in its glory just after 6:30 a.m. to reveal a beautiful sunny day. This was followed an hour later with a wonderful breakfast. Every one's hearty appetites were in full display as we got ready for our day. We were on the bus at 9:00am with our first stop being Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. It is the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Montreal. Its layout is modeled after St Peter's Basilica in Rome (though scaled down). The picture of the Altar here gives you a good sense of that. During our quick visit, we were given an explanation of the difference between a shrine, oratory, cathedral and basilica. It was good to have that cleared up. Then we made our way to St Joseph Oratory.
As we approach the Oratory at 10:00 a.m. in the bright sunshine we all agreed it was majestic. Upon our arrival we made our way to the Community Chapel where Father Freitas celebrated Mass for us on this the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The focus of his homily was on Mary's openness to the Father's will for her life. Her simple desire to "let it be" became the focus of our day also as we sought in prayer to let the Lord's will for us be fulfilled. Following Mass, a short tour of the crypt area took place, including seeing the tomb of Brother Andre, and then we were given time until 1:30 p.m. to make our way thru the Oratory on our own.Many had a chance to visit the Basilica Church, to see the Museum dedicated to St Joseph and the Holy Family, to visit the original church built by Brother Andre and to see the simple porter's room where he lived. The grounds were also part of the viewing, and the beautiful carillon at Noon gave an audio background for all we saw.
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t 1:30 p.m. the sunshine was covered by a few rain clouds and so we decided to do the Stations of the Cross inside the Basilica Church instead of outside on the grounds. The focus was Discipleship as we reflected on each station in light of the Jesus doing the Father's will, all with the question, how can we be more faithful in doing the same. Following that another hour to visit the oratory followed, this time with a little more sunshine, and so some got the chance to see the outdoor way of the cross and to see the site of the Oratory from the main entrance below. Many also returned to the Tomb of Brother Andre to pray and to remember intentions we had been asked to pray for.3:00 p.m. came and we prepared to conclude our visit to the Oratory. As we departed we did so with a feeling that we had spent a very special day together. Our road trip home then turned a little quieter for a few hours as many caught up on their sleep and rested from a full day. At 6:00 p.m. we stopped for dinner just outside of Kingston. At 8:00 p.m. we began to prepare for the conclusion of our pilgrimage by thanking our Blessed Mother on this her feast day for the graces received. The bus echoed with the recitation of the Rosary. It was a great way to end our pilgrimage and were home again at 11:00 p.m.
The hours that transpired were memorable, but even more so, grace filled. We agreed, these pilgrimages should continue.