A DC Odyssey

odyssey

 noun

od·​ys·​sey | \ ˈä-də-sē  \

Definition of odyssey

1: a long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortunehis odyssey from rural South to urban North, from poverty to affluence, from Afro-American folk culture to a Eurocentric world of books— J. E. Wideman

2: an intellectual or spiritual wandering or quest

Let's start with definition #2.

We headed down to Hagerstown, MD on Friday afternoon to stay in our very favorite hotel room...the "triple" at Homewood suites. Three rooms, three king beds, and three bathrooms! It's really extravagant but it was free with all the points we racked up during our CA trip and I knew it might be beneficial to start the trip with a good night's sleep. 

An excellent thought because the next morning we were up early and headed to DC...specifically the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 

I love it here...the side altars with all the different names of Our Lady, the main altar with "angry Jesus" lol...Jesus is back and He's not amused. But, this day, it was even more exciting...we were going to see 6 men dedicate their lives to serving God through the priesthood. It was Ordination day for the Dominicans. We have been blessed to have a man studying with the Dominican order from our home parish and, since we were going to DC anyway (ahem), we figured it would be a great opportunity to witness the ordination of a new order (having already seen and Oratorian and Diocesan ordinations). It was so moving, as they always are, to watch these men pledge their lives; especially in today's climate of religious intolerance. When the mother's took up the offertory gifts...sniff.  May God bless and equip these men to do His will - now and always (Fr. Joseph Martin is third from the left in the front row - St. Bernard's native son!)Oh, yes, did I forget to mention...The bishop who presided...BISHOP ROBERT BARRON!!! That was a great surprise when we found out and it was a blessing to hear his homily. The best part? He let the new priests distribute Communion up front to their family and friends and he walked back and back...and stopped at our section. Yes, we received the Eucharist (and G got a blessing) from the good bishop himself. Super, extra, fantastic...God is so good. 

Patron of our other home parish

This may be our new homeschool motto - after all, God knows best where we belong

❤

After the Mass, we waited in line to receive Fr. Joseph Martin's blessing as a brand new priest. More on that HEREWhile we waited, we chatted with one of the priests from our home parish. It is always an amusing time to talk to this priest. We allowed him to go in front of us to receive his blessing and I'm thankful we did...what a moving scene...a brand new priest conveying a blessing on his brother priest. Beautiful.

We were next and Father was kind enough to split us up into kids and married couple...the blessing for our kids was so perfect - all about their vocations and following God. So important for them to hear. 

Finally, our turn. It's always a welcome thing to have extra graces extended. The vocation of marriage is a great gift but like the priesthood, not without its challenges.

What an amazing way to begin our journey! Full of graces and blessings, we headed south to what would definitely be closer to the first definition above. We are blessed.