The Streets are Quiet Now

We have taken our malades home leaving the streets more quiet, the churches less filled, the plaza less traveled but the presence of pilgrims to Mary and her Grotto remain. Their was plenty of laughter, the cafes were filled, the shops busy, and now the sound of footsteps on an empty street, echoing off the walls, that will wait for the return of the Order of Malta pilgrims next year. Our resolve when we arrived was to escort our beloved malades to the healing presence of our Lady and her Son, Our Lord. We now take that resolve home to be the presence of Christ, in our suffering and in our service, to each community of believes and searchers we encounter. The carts that held our beloved malades now sit empty as they await new passengers. The last candle of this pilgrimage has been lit, but the remaining fire of devotion and of hope will consume our doubts in the days, weeks and months ahead. We will continue to serve, and we will walk humbly in the presence of our God. Ave Maria