Zaragosa and beyond

We left Javier Castle bright and early. As the warm sun crept over the mountains, its rays made the hard stone castle look warm and soft.

 This was our driving day. We passed through the dry Aragon region and eventually ended in Catalan, which also is fiercely independent. The Basque separatists have decided to lay down their weapons to push for peace with the larger Spanish realm; the Catalans, though they don't advocate violence and are fully incorporated into Spain, retain a stiff attitude towards their identity.

 Along the route, we saw the Camino de Compostela with its signature icon of the scallop shell of the pilgrim. We traveled loosely the Camino Ignacio. Our arrival is Zaragosa took our collective breath away as we looked upon the Zaragosa Shrine to Our Lady of Pilar. It was set behind Roman ruins providing a contrast with its Baroque style.

Our Lady of Pilar is known for her appearance to the pilgrim James seven years after the death of Jesus in Zaragosa. James is said to have traveled to the ends of the earth - meaning northwest Spain and Our Lady appeared to him to encourage him on his journey. Mass was going on at the basilica. I think some Mass or Marian feast is always occurring. Many priests are on hand to hear confessions or to say Mass.

The traditional action of the pilgrim is to kiss the marble piece dedicated to Our Lady when one arrives, which we did. One is not to take photos of anything while Mass is occurring. An exhibition of Goya's works are at the shrine. A nearby museum contains more works.

The Cathedral is nearby. It is a place of many weddings. The Plaza Mayor is hopping with townspeople out for celebrations. Many wedding photos were being taken in the Plaza. Some of us pilgrims took a break from photography to eat a light lunch before we boarded the bus for a five-hour drive to Manresa.

The trip had more interesting scenery as we traveled through various landscapes and saw various fruit tree orchards. We remained south of the Pyrenees by 80 miles. The Pyrenees in winter is an attractive place for skiers.

 We arrived at Manresa at evening's first light. We became excited to see the River Cardoner where Ignatius found a cave opposite a hospital to spend some quiet time. He remained there for eleven months.

The shrine to Ignatius is set over the cave where he stayed. I had the great and awesome privilege of being the primary celebrant at the Cave. I'm astounded. My heart was elated. We had lovely singing by Marybeth Joyce andcred events of Manresa. We will return to the cave today to take some photographs and to spend some Euros on po Joe Castelano. Frs. Mark and Ed concelebrated. Clare gave a terrific reflection on the sastcards.

Dinner was at the Hotel Pere III where we are staying. We were about to burst for all the food and wine we consumed. All of us pilgrims were dragging. I wish everyone a rejuvenating rest so we can continue our pilgrimage with joy and energy tomorrow