What do St. Juan Diego, St. Francis of Assisi and Adele Brise have in common? Each had heavenly encounters while taking a walk. In this summer season, are you called to meet Jesus or his Blessed Mother as your own feet meet the road?
Francis was passing by the church of San Damiano. Inspired by the Spirit, he went inside to pray. He heard a voice coming from the cross, telling him three times: ‘Francis, go and repair my house which, as you see, is falling into ruin.’ What happened next is found in most favorite saint books. Francis became the founder of an order in the Catholic Church and eventually a recognized saint of Assisi. He would eventually take many a walk with another friar or more brothers to share the good news.
It was in the year 1531 that Juan Diego heard beautiful singing as he sojourned near a little hill. Next, words were voiced from a woman calling his name. The Virgin Mary asked Juan to visit the Bishop and tell him that she desired a chapel to be built at the foot of the Tepeyac Hill. Juan, nor the Bishop of Mexico City, knew a lot about architectural plans. Juan even doubted that he could follow up on the request or that another would be a more worthy conduit. His walk was life changing.
Adele Brise, on her way to church for Sunday Mass, also walked along the country-side on a totally familiar trail. At first she saw a beautiful woman who caught her attention. Later, with some pastoral support, she had a conversation with the Queen of Heaven. Adele, like Juan and Francis, was given a mission to accomplish that gave purpose to her life. The walk was the beginning of a journey for her whole life.
Is God calling you to take a walk, a pilgrimage, that will give your life meaning and direction? God calls you. We invite you.
