"It Is Good That We Are Here!"

We arrived a bit late to our accommodations at Maria Mater Ecclesiae. Such is the case of travel plans. However, we did arrive, thanks be to God. It was as though a weight was lifted or at the very least lofted about temporarily. Things are going to forgotten and items perhaps misplaced, lost, or even damaged, but it is truly a blessing after a day of traveling to be greeted to to the image of Our Lady under the bright blue skies of Rome with their puffy bright clouds.

The atrium further along the beautiful grounds leads one to prayer, even when busy—such as arriving for a special pilgrimage. Some rested and others went forth, but I feel a very special patronage of Our Lady that will put me, God willing, at ease for the hiccups to come along the way.

The weather remains a blessing: temperate with cool breezes that loft through the building, which likely date to the early 1960s. All of it contributes to the calming peace in the center of the busy city of Rome.

We even have this blessing here at the Seminary... A beautiful place to pray as pilgrims on the Way.

We will keep all of you in our prayers; Mass shall begin shortly. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all that we have met along the way. Sending a gentle breeze, a prayer, and a smile from Rome. All the best, friends!