I take a pilgrimage walk to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church via the boardwalk along Lake Superior and then up the hill to the church. I have not checked out the mileage, but I took a good hour and a half to walk and reflect as I made my way up the hill for noon mass. (Warning: August 15th landed on a Thursday so I prayed mysteries that were my favorite mysteries that featured Mary instead of the Luminous ones).
View of Lake Superior
View from the Garden where I started to pray the Rosary
The Annuciation
I sat to pray this mystery and enjoyed the view. The way had been rocky and not comfortable. The sun was beating down on me and when buildings were between myself and the lake it was stifling. This view was breathtaking and the breeze off the lake made it even more. To reflect on this mystery of the beauty of the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and the beauty of Mary's reply also took my breath away. As I moved off this rock where I had been sitting and praying, I was removed from this poetic moment by the reality that I was very close to dog poop the entire time. God's continuous gifts of beauty and consolation and a sinner's constant closeness to his own filth.
The Visitation
More rocks to sit on than the first stop. More chances to get closer to nature and bask in the ever present peace. To enjoy the sound of the waves as they lap against the rocks. Seagulls calling all around me songs of the sorrowful souls. How strange to feel a kind of sadness when reflecting on such a joyful mystery. Maybe its knowing that this is the prelude to Mary's Seven Sorrows.
The Nativity
Climbing up the steep hill to the church with the sun upon my back, no wind to refresh me, no consolation of seagulls just the noise of traffic and ambulances from the nearby hospital. Suddenly, I find myself in the presence of the Lord at the Holy Innocents chapel. It is there I find peace, serenity and Our Lord in a tiny cramped chapel that is 4 chairs wide and 8 chairs deep.
The Assumption
After Reconciliation and receiving the Holy Eucharist, I felt within me "My soul doth glorify the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my savior!"
Mary, Queen of Heaven
I prayed after lighting 2 votive candles (one was for the booking of the North Dakota tour and the other for the conversion of hearts). I can testify that the North Dakota tour did happen. Here are two pictures from St. Joachim and St. Ann in Fargo, ND. The picture of Mary running up the stairs captivates me every time I look at it.
In regards to the other intention...Mary, Holy Mother of God, pray for us!
