Buenos dias de Zamora!
We are happy to report that we have arrived safely in Zamora. Our flights were very uneventful and on time and we were met at the airport in Madrid by a representative from Unitours who took us to a wonderful bus which transported us to Zamora. Upon arrival we were greeted by our very happy host parish - complete with cameras and reporters (our pictures and article are in the local papers today!!) Apparently we are celebrities!!!
We had a prayer service in the parish and then a supper - typical of central Spain - of bocadillos. Think sandwich with meat, cheese or scrambled egg with potato on long french bread. Very delicious. After that we were taken to our host families for the night.
We are hosted in groups of 2-4 and everyone seems to be doing really well. Some are struggling just a little with the language barrier, as few here speak English. But, it seems that in each group at least someone speaks some Spanish, so people are communicating well with that, hand signals and pictures!!!
This morning we had breakfast with our families and then walked to a neighboring church, San Lorenzo, for a prayer service. Some of us got up extra early for an English Mass with Fr. Paul. We have learned today about the history of our parish, Cristo Rey (Christ the King) and the diocese of Zamora. Please pray for vocations here - the average age of a priest in Zamora is 77 years old!
This afternoon we will go to the Holy Week museum and then to our host families for lunch (the main meal of the day) and siesta (something we are all looking forward to). The weather is beautiful - cloudless sky, hot and dry.
That´s all for now. I am updating from the rectory computer so I don´t know when the next update will be. Please be assured that we are all happy and well and we will update again as soon as we can. We are praying for you - please continue to pray for us! Tomorrow we travel to a mountain and lake for a little recreation - sounds great!!
God bless,
Joy
Terrific! Thank you so much for the update, Joy, and for all you, Fr. Paul and the other adult leaders are doing for our children! God bless you - que Dios les bendiga! :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the update Joy! We are glad to hear that you arrived safely and that the people of Zamora have welcomed you warmly into their community. I grew up listening to the Mass in Spanish, and still remember the Padre Nuestro, La Gloria and other prayers and responses. Hopefully you will learn some of these prayers as you celebrate with the parish of Zamora. It will be neat for the ki to see that despite the language and cultural differences, Catholics a the same the world around.
ReplyDeleteQue el Señor los bendiga y proteja, y que el Espiritu Santo viva en sus corazones durante este viaje.
Miss you already!
Rick S.
I would enjoy seeing photos!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that all the pilgrims have arrived safely in Zamora! Please send pictures :)-Kelsey H
ReplyDeleteFor those seeking photos while we wait for our group shots there are about 200+ of Zamora at Trip Advisor, looks like a great place;
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tripadvisor.com/HACSearch?geo=262064&inDay=12&inMonth=08%2F2011&checkIn=8%2F12%2F2011&outDay=14&outMonth=08%2F2011&checkOut=8%2F14%2F2011&adults=2#02,1313165653322,bc_airports:S,bc_convention_centers:S,nameContains:S,distance:S0,distanceSelect:S0,cat:-1,tb:S1,map:-1
It was great to read about your travels so far and that the trip has been so blessed. Praise be to God! We look forward to hearing from you soon.
ReplyDeletehttp://comunidad.laopiniondezamora.es/galeria-multimedia//Cerca-peregrinos-llegaron-ayer-motivo/30804/3.html
ReplyDeleteSee if you recognize anyone - it is definitely them!!
Thank you so much for keeping us updated...I have posted a link for St Katharine Drexel Parish parishioners that I am friends with on Facebook to make it easier for them to stay connected....Sounds like all is well....God Bless!
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