Grafton pilgrims deepened faith

A group of 28 pilgrims from the two parishes recently spent eight days in Rome, Florence and Assisi observing the Holy Year.

"It's given me a deeper appreciation of my faith and Church," said Mike Crandall, music minister at the two parishes.

First-timer

"I always wanted to see Rome," he said. "St. Peter's blew me away with its size. It's majestic and breath-taking."

Mass in the catacombs, celebrated by Rev. Ken Gregory, spiritual leader for the trip, was a highlight for Mr. Crandall. "I really felt in touch with the early Christians," he said.

Other pilgrims agreed. Bea Peterson, a parishioner of Sacred Heart, said that "Mass in the catacombs was the most incredible experience. You could feel the spirit of the early Christians. There was not a dry eye in the place."

Following Francis

Mr. Crandall agreed. After the crowds of Rome, he said, La Verna was "quiet, crisp and clean. It's off the beaten path. I know a lot more about St. Francis now. I knelt and prayed where he prayed."

This was a highlight for his wife Sharon, as well. "Seeing the tomb where St. Francis prayed was quite an experience."

'Holy place'

Mrs. Peterson enjoyed Assisi as well. "We sang the Song of St. Francis in his church," she said, describing it as a small chapel made of pink stone, with a rustic altar that sits atop a tree trunk.

She was impressed seeing these ancient sites. "To be in Rome with 21st-century traffic going by as your standing at the Colosseum was very impressive," she said.

Music along the way

Father Gregory said having Mr. Crandall there to lead the music helped the group of pilgrims develop a "beautiful sense of unity."

Said Mr. Crandall, "I couldn't imagine going on a pilgrimage without my guitar."

Renewed

One of the highlights for her was going to the crypt at St. Peter's "where the popes are buried. Seeing the list of popes from St. Peter on was impressive."

Mrs. Peterson said Father Gregory's presence allowed their group to see things that were not on the traditional tourist path. "We had Mass in the Lithuanian chapel," she said. "It was a little chapel, but it was very impressive."

Urging others

"You really should go over and experience it," Mrs. Crandall said. "I didn't want to come back."

Father Gregory returned with a new mindset. "I feel so refreshed," he said. "It was spiritually uplifting."

But it was also physically challenging. "There's a lot of walking," Mr. Crandall said. "If you go, bring good walking shoes. This is not a trip for anyone who is frail. I'm 40, and my feet and legs were sore."

Despite the physical challenges involved, Father Gregory said the Holy Year is a good time to visit Rome since much of the city, including the major basilicas, has been restored. "I found the city more beautiful this time," he noted.

(04-27-00) [[In-content Ad]]