Tag: Cuba

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WPC: Gathering

Pope Francis

For where there are two or three gathered together in my name,

there am I in the midst of them. ~Matthew 18:20

This gathering of faithful Catholics, Pope Francis fans, and curious seekers made a lasting impression on me. It was part of a re-connection to family in Cuba that coincided with the Pope’s visit to Cuba. You can read a little more about the trip here.

The gathering was festive and joyful. The Mass in Holguin was over, and Pope Francis came out in his popemobile to greet the people. It was an eclectic collection of people that day — a microcosm of the community. There were many who were curious or wanted to see the Pope in person. Everyone called to him and he smiled and waved and tried to be present to everyone in that happy assembly.

Although the open field lent itself to a carnival atmosphere, in truth, it was the Celebration of the Eucharist that drew the crowd, and in the end, it was a solemn and overwhelming experience to find myself in the midst of such a beautiful gathering.

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still unpacking from visit to Cuba

lighthouse

I’m still unpacking from my recent trip to Cuba. Tight schedules had me returning to work immediately, so it has been a challenge to put things away, sort through the very few souvenirs that I brought back, and return to the swing of things both at home and work. Routines are underrated. Just saying.

journalI also have emotional unpacking I’ll be doing for months to come. I wrote every day, partly to document the events, and partly to reflect on them. It was hyperspeed the whole way, and were it not for the daily opportunities to sit in a chapel and slow my mind down, and my heart, I think I would have just been a pinball, bouncing from place to place in a blur. The journal kept me focused on the moments, and it was easier that way — to enjoy each day and recap it at night.

It made for little sleep, though. I filled up this puppy. That’s a lot of journaling.

I’ve been writing in a few places, sharing some of my experiences and insights, and a little fun, too. I hope you check out my posts and interviews:

A series at Aliteia.org:

Return to Cuba: Carrying Heavy Baggage

I took a Selfie with Pope Francis

Pope Francis Fuels Hopes of Young Cubans

A fun guest post at CatholicDrinkie.com: Sampling Local Drinks in Cuba

The usual antics at Catholic Weekend: CW 290 Maria’s Cuban Pilgrimage

Too much fun with Hello Kitty and Pope selfies at The Catholic Hipster Podcast: Episoed 7

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