Early last Saturday morning three pilgrims struggled their way up the driveway.
Normally the driveway is relatively easy to maneuver but the night we got 5 inches of snow and as the sun rose it began to turn to freezing rain.
This meant a quick trip up and down the driveway with the plow truck to make a path, and with a few tries the first car made it.
We were all a bit surprised that the third member of the party, who drove a smart car, made it with no problem at all!
It may have helped that he was a Priest!
Although there were to be a few more in attendance, illness and weather kept them away. After a greeting and a short tour we all settled down to a mid morning Mass in the chapel. Both these young men and the Priest were visiting from Burlington VT.
After Mass the weather turned even more awful as Father made his escape back to Burlington.
The lads stayed on for quiet study and
meditative reflection in the retreat center and in our, "upper room" meeting space.
The only time I found to talk to them a little, was during the lunch break.
After their individual prayer and discussion time, there was some time for snow shoeing
and exploring the grounds.
As night fell and the ice increased these two intrepid pilgrims said their good byes and
made their way back to Burlington as well.
made their way back to Burlington as well.
It was a pleasure having such conscientiousness and focused young men here.
Their outlook on the faith is an inspiration and I hope they will make good on the idea of visiting us again.
In the end I was happy that another set of pilgrims came to Mary Theotokos and found silent time to be with God. Time in the wilderness with our Lord, a fitting and potentially transformational activity for Lent.
Now the snow is melting, the temperature is in the 50's and tomorrow it will be in the 60's. Only two visitors today had to give up and park at the bottom of the driveway then walk up through the ice slush/mud!
I myself took the last hill a bit sideways, this afternoon, but made it.
Here comes Vermont's famous mud season, break out the rubber boots!
Pax et Bonum
from
The Mary Theotokos center in Newark VT.
