Shortly after that, more pilgrims started to arrive and by then Barb and I decided to take at washroom break at the Mac Donald`s Restaurant on Bank Street near Fourth. Avenue. In order to use the washroom we had to purchase something so I bought a bottle of water, which I needed anyways because I forgot my water on the kitchen counter: typical me.
We started boarding the bus around 9:30 and we left the school at 10. Our bus driver Gilles was really awesome. He even sang us a song at one point
Early on in the trip I received the nickname "the tomato lady" because I managed to dump half of the baby tomatoes that I had picked from our garden earlier in the morning, all over the floor of the bus.
I was able to pick up the ones that I could reach but many of them rolled under the seats. Two kind pilgrims got down on their knees and came up with the rest of them. Half of my mid morning snack ended in the garbage.
We stopped at Saint Joseph's Oratory around noon
I think we spent about an hour and a half at the Oratory but because the grounds were under construction we had a bit of trouble navigating the area; the layout was quite different than it was the last time we were there. I remember the parking being below the Oratory. This time we parked close to the tiny Church where Saint Andre lived. In retrospect Barb and I should have visited the little Church when we first arrived at the Shrine because we didn`t have time to visit it later
The Crypt
As soon as we arrived and after making a washroom stop Barb and I visited Saint Andre`s tomb and we lit a candle and said a few prayers for the intentions of our dear ones and for all those who asked us to pray for them
Saint Andre and good Saint Joseph
Pray for us
Lunch
After that, we were able to find the beautiful Stations of the Cross
and that is where we had lunch .
After lunch we made our way back to the bus .
Barb took this picture in the parking lot before we boarded the bus.
Arrival at Madonna Hotel
We arrived at the Madonna around 5:00 and received our room keys and meal tickets.
After taking our luggage to our room and freshening up a little, Barb and I made our way to the cafeteria for dinner We were very hungry and the food was very good.
After taking our luggage to our room and freshening up a little, Barb and I made our way to the cafeteria for dinner We were very hungry and the food was very good.
Mass of the Holy Spirit at 8PM in the "old Shrine",
celebrated by Bishop Pierre Olivier Tremblay
celebrated by Bishop Pierre Olivier Tremblay
8:45 PM Candelight Procession
By this time I was starting to feel a little weary so I thought I would just sit on a bench and watch the beautiful Candelight Procession but I changed my mind and joined in. I took a little video
By this time I was starting to feel a little weary so I thought I would just sit on a bench and watch the beautiful Candelight Procession but I changed my mind and joined in. I took a little video
Jesus Mary and Joseph,
Thank you for everything!