I have discovered where Christ lives; in my soul.
BILBAO
I rented a car for this leg of the trip. I absolutely love driving in foreign countries. I imagine this is what it felt like back in the wild west, jumping on a horse and setting out into the wilderness. It was pouring down with rain, heavy winds, and me in my little Fiat. Heading across Northern Spain, I felt free and in love.
”Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.” St. Augustine
LIMPIAS
My first stop was Limpias, Iglesia San Pedro. This church is the site of a miraculous crucifix. I had talked about this with the Englishman in Fatima, and he had said the image of Jesus was very realistic. Oh my goodness, Christ drew me to the first pew, and I knelt there memorized by him.
In brief, Christ has opened and shut his eyes as well as perspired. (More here ) I was once again standing on holy ground, and I felt humbled. I acknowledged my sinfulness and began to pray the prayers given to me. God reached out and blessed me with a beautiful grace. The priest walked into the chapel to let me know it was closing. I asked him to bless the book of prayers and to pray for them. Once he finished blessing the book, he took me to the crucifix and allowed me to touch the book to Jesus’s feet. I almost jumped in his arms with gratitude. I prayed at the foot of Jesus while his mercy was gently imbuing all of your prayers. I begged like a child for Him to perform miracles with these prayers.
And Jesus, gazing at them, said: 'With men it is impossible; but not with God. For with God all things are possible.' Mark 10:27
SAN SEBASTIAN de GARABANDAL
I believe that the mass I attended this morning was the beginning of the conversion I have been asking the Lord to grant me. I experienced my first genuinely holy mass, which translates to I encountered Christ in me, in the deepest parts of my soul. In a sudden flash, I saw all the times I had taken the Eucharist for granted, skipped it because of worldly reasons, and simply accepted it without acknowledging what I was receiving. The pain was so profound I began weeping in my pew. My knees began to feel fragile as I knelt; almost as if they were going to break, and I would come tumbling down.
This truly holy parish still distributes on the tongue. Actually, the priest requires it. Yes, you read that right. This parish TRULY understands what the Eucharist is and handles it accordingly, just as St. Micheal did to Conchita. (learn more here.) The Lord put a great deal into my heart. I can only express one inevitable truth; I must repent and purify myself. I must recognize how every word that escapes my lips ripples across time to corners I have never imagined. My words must always be merciful and filled with love. My thoughts must always be directed at the works of the Lord. I must not speak poorly of anyone; instead, I must pray quietly for their conversion. Sharp words and anxious/vengeful thoughts are detestable to our Lord, and I must remove them if I want to be his instrument. All I need to do is say ”yes” and live my yes. I am ready.
Therefore, clothe yourselves like the elect of God: holy and beloved, with hearts of mercy, kindness, humility, modesty, and patience. And above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14
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