Day 1 - The great Jubilee/Benedictine/48-state Pilgrimage of 2025!

 Many years ago...a decade, actually, we inadvertently began an undertaking. That's usually how it goes around here - it starts as a unit lesson on Lewis and Clark and ends 10 years later by entering the last of the lower 48. This group of posts will recount the final 6 states and if you want to start at the beginning, you can revisit that HERE. 

This time around, we set off in the same way (with DH as an added passenger) and headed to St. Louis for the night. Somewhere along the way, we added the Jubilee of Hope option, so we had to make a short stop in Meinrad, Indiana. The Archabbey was designated a 2025 pilgrimage site but, first, we made a slight detour up the road.

Our dear friends recently went to visit the actual Holy Doors in Italy and their trip involved a visit to Monte Cassino, the oldest monastery in Italy, and a favorite of our Godson and...it's Benedictine😀

So, imagine our good fortune when we found out, not far from the Archabbey in Meinrad, exists the Monte Cassino Shrine. What a beautiful, peaceful, Marian delight. I was so happy we went there as the very first stop on our pilgrimage. It's always a good thing to start with Our Lady. She will keep you on the right track.

Tiny but beautiful

For you Latin lovers (or lovers of Latin I suppose...)

I was particularly happy when I saw the candles...I decided, as part of our journey (because you can always add something else), I would light candles and pray for our Godson and his intentions/vocation (and as a spiritual birthday present). How wonderful that Monte Cassino came first! 

Next up was St. Meinrad Archabbey. It didn't help that we had no idea where we were going (we entered in the sanctuary, basically) and it also didn't help that there was no one around (and no signs...it's a pilgrimage site, people!). Also, it was hot...and we were still 7 hours away from our resting place. Needless to say, I would need the Confession at the end of this pilgrimage if I had any hope of obtaining the indulgence. 

The life of St. Benedict

The Choir Stalls - guess where the Archabbot sits???

Like I said, thankfully there was no Mass happening since we entered as the presiders. 😕
Very cool, cube altar, though.

It is a grand edifice - with marble stairs

As I mentioned, it was hot and we still had miles to go. We were jubilant, however, because we had prayed our very first Jubilee Prayer - we were underway!

A million reels and a few Geronimo Stilton books later, we saw our beloved landmark...

In truth, it should be the Drury Inn sign, since the kids were more enthused with the 5:30 kickback, and, to be fair, free food is free food...we filled our bellies, had a quick visit with #3's Godmother, and headed to bed. It had been a long day on the road and tomorrow promised more adventures (even a few that don't involve churches!). Stay tuned...we are blessed.