Family and parish give trips of lifetime

For many years, Mrs. Lipscomb has thought of going to Rome. "It was just a pipe dream," she said. "I'm a very strong fan of Michelangelo, and I wanted to see the Sistine Chapel. I also had the desire to see Rome. It was a strong desire, but something I kept a secret."

When Mrs. Lipscomb read in The Evangelist of the October 2000 diocesan pilgrimage to Rome (see page 36), she thought of going. "I just mentioned it," she said.

Merry Christmas

The gift was organized by her husband George, and is a present from him and their three sons and daughter.

Mrs. Lipscomb is not the only pilgrim to receive the trip as a gift. Sister Annette Maria Allard, CSJ, principal of St. Mary's School in Ballston Spa is receiving the trip as a retirement gift from the parish.

"She's retiring after having been here for 13 years," Rev. John French, pastor of St. Mary's, said. "I thought we should do something in gratitude. I thought the trip would be a nice retirement gift. She's never been to Rome, and she's excited."

Overwhelmed

Of receiving the gift, she said, "it's an overwhelming experience."

Sister Annette is looking forward to being in the Holy City during the Jubilee Year.

Filling up

Pilgrims will leave Albany by charter bus on Oct. 20 and travel to New York City where they board a non-stop flight to Rome. A variety of accommodations will be available ranging from two-star to five-star hotels. Pilgrims will return Oct. 27. The pilgrimage is open to the first 260 people who register. Prices start at $1,449.

Half of the seats on the plane have been booked, and some of the hotels are almost filled.

Mrs. Lipscomb is excited to be marking the millennium in this way. "I look forward to this as both a spiritual and educational journey," she said. "With our Bishop going, it's even more frosting on the cake."

(For more information on giving the trip as a gift or to register, call The Evangelist at 453-6688 or visit www.evangelist.org.)

(12-23-99) [[In-content Ad]]