Saint Paschal Baylon Church

On September 23, a group of pilgrims left from Pearson Airport, in Toronto to go to Europe.
The arrival at Lisbon airport came about early in the morning, after connecting in Paris. On our way to the town of Fatima, we had two brief stops to visit St. Anthony's Church and then in Santarem where one of the first Eucharistic miracles took place.
After a few resting hours and a good dinner we attended Mass and candlelight procession in the beautiful square in front of the Shrine.
The following day we able to visit the house of three children of Fatima and then to celebrate our own Mass. After dinner, we went back to the shrine to join the nice sizable crowd of faithful for the impressing procession, amid songs and prayers.
On September 26, we left Fatima to cross the border and get to the north side of Spain. After a few hours on the bus we got to a hotel, where we spent the night.
The following day we visited the beautiful Shrine of Santiago in Compostela, an old cathedral where many pilgrims arrive especially in the summer months. In the church we celebrated Mass and honoured in a special way the tomb of St. James the Apostle.
The following day we left for Burgos. It was our longest day on the bus, but we managed to survive. After a little rest in the hotel, we made our way to the cathedral and celebrated Mass We were amazed at the beauty of the church, and even the chapel where we were celebrating was spectacular.

The following day, after a few hours on the bus we were able to cross into France and get to Lourdes. The scenary was majestic. The small town was right at the foot of the Pyrenee Mountains. Right around the Grotto of the Apparitions, many people and stores animate the small area. We were able to celebrate Mass in a couple of chapels and to join the many faithfuls for the candlelight procession at night.
From Lourdes, we flew into Parish where we visited the city and the shrine of our Lady of the Miracolous Medal. After celebrating Mass in the church, we also visited the church where St. Vincent de Paul is buried, as well as Notre Dame Cathedral.
The following day we were flying from Paris into Rome... because of a delay there we were able to see a famous Italian singer: Albano!
Once in Rome, the next day we left for Montecassino Abbey where we celebrated Mass in the crypt, along with a nice group fo young Croatian singers. After leaving the beautiful church, we got to the old Pompei, where we visited the ruins. The day ended with Mass and visit of the shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary. The bishop of Pompei welcomed us and blessed us.
On October 3rd we left the hotel on our way to the Vatican, where we attended the Papal Audience. And in the afternoon we met up with Bishop Velasio (a Scalabrini Father) in order to go in the catacombs and celebrate Mass. After the Eucharist, we paid our homage to John Paul II's tomb and prayed together. That evening we then went to a beautiful restaurant in the Old Appian Way and enjoyed a magnificent dinner and wonderful music. Maybe we did drink a bit too much wine!
The following and last day of our tour we visited the city of Rome and its major Basilicas. The weather once again was gorgeous, and we enjoyed every minute of it.
After leaving Rome, we arrived in Paris and the next day, we took the flight back to Toronto.
We did see a lot, but we felt we slowly became a nice extended family.
A follow up will soon take place to remember what we experienced and eventually making new plans...