Montserrat to Manresa

Well, after about 115 miles of walking, not including our visits around the various towns, we reached the steps of the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Manresa.  It was a grueling 16 miles down from Montserrat, then up to Manresa, including 1 km hike up a very steep hill near a quarry in the height of the heat.  We made it up the last steps without any water between us, but we made it.

There were some tired faces of pilgrims at dinner last night, but some faces of accomplishment and relief as well.

The question we pondered on the way down out of Manresa was centered on where we take this experience.  How do we begin to or further commit to a life that is against the tide… one where we focus on serving God and others, in whatever form that takes.   We may not be there. The pilgrimage is a life long journey.  The important thing is that we try and always strive for the greater glory, not a glory of this world, but the glory of God.

Today we walk around seeing the places that were important in Ignatius’ life here in Manresa.

Yesterday, we walked up the final steps of the Jesuit Center together singing the Regis Alma mater. We are brothers forever, this bond is unbreakable.  We have forged that bond even stronger.

AMDG

Deo et Patriae

-Paul

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