Day 7 - The great Jubilee/Benedictine/48-state Pilgrimage of 2025!

We very much enjoyed our slow day of staying put and, good thing, because we were up and out early on Day 7 - there was much ground to cover!

First, we were blessed to have a Catholic church in direct view of our lodging. 

St. Patrick's in Butte was first on the day's list. This wasn't part of the Jubilee but it is a National Historic Landmark; the first Catholic church in the mid-1800's and, at its founding, the only church of any denomination at that time. The town would see 9 Catholic churches in its heyday (See Our Lady of the Rockies in yesterday's post) but, today, it's the last standing.

Walking into a small church with 7 people is not something done without notice. Add the fact that it was 7 AM Mass and there were about 20 other people in total, it was obvious that we were from somewhere else. I know this because, somewhere toward the beginning of the Mass, Father stopped to welcome us and ask a bit about why we were there. He added us and our pilgrimage to the list of intentions, the people welcomed us warmly, and brought us the papers for the Novena following the Mass (Our Lady of Perpetual Help, one of my favorites). It was absolutely the best way to start the day.

A quick stop at McDonalds, and we were back on the road. We were driving from Butte, MT to Jerome, ID and we needed to pass through WY on the way to quickly set our feet in that state. If you're an outdoorsman, WY is your state. For us, on this 9 hour driving day, the best we could do was pass through. Personally, I slept through the state (I had already been there so, no big) but it was hard to keep track...we were in three different states, crossing into-and-out-of on our way south.

no picture of WY because, well, I was asleep

When I woke up, I saw some of that "outdoor" goodness. There was a long river to the right of the road and dotted all along were groups of fly fishers. Again, seemed like a paradise for the camping/hiking/fishing crowd. It was beautiful to see even for my city-minded self. 

After Yellowstone, we drove a few more hours to reach our first destination. It would seem that, for this trip at least, Idaho was the land of interesting attractions. First stop - lunch. Since we had arrived in Idaho and since we would be paying homage to the great spud a bit later this day, what better lunch could there be than some baked, stuffed, Idaho potatoes? Truthfully, only DH and I took advantage of the local fare but everything at Rupe's Burgers was good. Old fashioned, homemade, vintage food - think burger joint with a love of baked taters.

Loaded bp and Stroganoff bp - Yum.

Full bellies, we moved onto the the Museum of Clean in Pocatello, ID. I had first spied this place as the home of one of the famous Muffler Men of whom I first became aware of during my Zippy the Pinhead phase. Story for another time but, to be brief, when you're bored on weekends in Southeast KY, driving around to snap your pic with larger than life statues, blowups, etc., is a good way to pass the time.

DH admired the man who created the museum and wanted to see it in person. It was quirky, fun and a good way to break up the trip. 

Big Don - the world's largest janitor

Just down the road, about 30 minutes, we stopped for the obligatory trinket buying and photo op. The Idaho Potato Museum was a cute find but we had neither the hour nor the $40 to spare for the tour. We had many more miles to go and Vespers to attend. 

Our tots

We drove mostly along the Snake River (yes, think Oregon Trail, dysentery and cholera jokes), past the American Falls Dam and down a small side road with a HUGE dairy farm (the sweet cows would provide some yummy chocolate milk for breakfast) 

Finally, we arrived at our lodging - Ascension Priory (formerly the Monastery of the Ascension). From the website: 

A Message from Fr. Boniface, prior

November 7, 2024

Although we monks of the Monastery of the Ascension accept that we will not survive as a community, we are carrying on our life of prayer, along with as much work as we can. We are very grateful for your prayers and support during the last 60 years. The Missionaries, Servants of the Word, are now operating the retreat house, and we are in the process of turning over ownership of the monastery to them - though we will continue to live here. The Missionaries are very supportive, and a Godsend to us. Our Oblates continue to meet here, as well as in Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Boise. They are assuming more responsibility for their Oblate activities.

Be assured of our prayers and love. Please visit when you can.

There remain three Benedictine brothers and three Benedictine priests. They are beautiful souls and if you could spare some prayer, they would be grateful. Brother Selby, our escort for the day, told DH, "We're just trying to die gracefully." He was the youngest at 74 and they were all quite aged but still full of prayer and thanksgiving to God. Again, I think they were surprised when the kids showed up for Vigils and morning Mass but how could we not? Their devotion and witness makes one want to try harder. 

One of the priests told us about the magpies after prayer. They are such interesting birds!

Alongside the Benedictines are the Missionaries, Servants of the Word, some priests and brothers but, mainly, laity who evangelize laity. The night we were there, the Young Adult group was meeting and the lot was full of cars. Praise God that, at the end of the Benedictine work, there would be new workers for the vineyard. 

The MSOW currently run the retreat center where we stayed. Brother Luis is the head of that apostolate and I corresponded with him several times prior to our arrival. I sent our payment in advance but had forgotten to email him what time we would arrive. When we got there, between our exhaustion and a slight language barrier, there was a bit of confusion before we were squared away. Eventually, we were able to get our rooms and settled in before heading to Vespers. Brother Luis would return at dinner with profuse apologies and my card and check - he had solved the puzzle! What a delightful person. How blessed we were by our interaction.

Minus the braces now, the brother taking the picture is Luis. So full of joy.

After evening prayer we prayed and broke bread (including pupusas, a Salvadoran specialty). Tired from our journey, planning to make the 6 AM wakeup, we headed to bed. I am so grateful for this particular stop on our journey. What plans God makes for those who love him. The two groups of men who have dedicated their lives to learning about, and teaching others God's love for them, sharing a home and facility. If only our nation and world could witness this group unity. Putting God at the center makes all of us brothers in Him. We are blessed.