Today we had Holy Mass in English at a church dedicated to the Holy Spirit just one block from St. Peter's Basilica. In this church there is an altar dedicated to Blessed John Paul II with the relic of his blood procured from a nurse who worked at the hospital where he was treated. Also, there is an altar dedicated to St. Faustina with her relics there as well. Following Mass we walked over to St. Peter's where we awaited Pope Francis' appearance and Angelus message on this 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was a very inspiring experience to be at St. Peter's with thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.
We had a wonderful Sunday dinner of veal, carrots and Italian pasta. At 5 p.m. we gathered in a small room off the chapel and had our first official spiritual conference given by Father Cassian Folsom, OSB. Father is the prior of a Benedictine monastery in Norcia, birthplace of St. Benedict (If you are interested, here is the website to their monastery: http://osbnorcia.org/). Father spoke for one hour on private or personal prayer and liturgical prayer addressed to Christ, to God as Father, to the Holy Spirit and to the Triune God. In summary, when one of the Sisters asked what Person or Persons of the Trinity would be the most perfect form of prayer, Father Cassian responded that the more perfect prayer is the one we do our best to pray. A holy hour followed Father's conference and the day ended with a light supper and preparations for our time with His Eminence James Cardinal Stafford, who will be with us tomorrow.
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| Father Cassian Folsom, OSB and Sister Mary Patrice, RSM |
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| Angelus with the Holy Father |
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