For Friars on a Foray.
The Cover story of the Washington Post today is something remarkably refreshing. A troupe of Franciscan Friars, complete with brown robes and rope belts walking through Virginia all the way to DC where they ended at a pilgrimage at the beautiful Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC, in the Brookland section, near Catholic University (the entire area has been dubbed "Little Vatican" for all the Catholic culture and institutions there.)
As in the gospels they took no purse, no second tunic, and went to share the meaning of Meaning Itself- they went to share the Word of the Word, the message of Jesus' love- that permeates and transcends the material madness of the modern world. Love- it's possible. Really. Still. All you need is Love.
They slept apparently on trampolines, picnic tables, church basements, in the homes of strangers (who now are blessed beyond what they can imagine) in police academy barracks, and in an abbey of trappist nuns.(you can read about their trek in today's Post). I spotted them yesterday walking ensemble through the MetroCenter area and what a sight.
If they take the $20.00 Chinese bus or the Megabus from DC up to New York city they can go to Saint John the Baptist Franciscan church which is right behind Penn Station on 31st st. It has a beautiful church and Padre Pio garden (also a Franciscan)- which is where I just went to pray yesterday before heading back to DC (and picked up a Padre Pio CD in the little gift shop.) Check them out next you are in NY- they have a great retreat schedule.
http://shrine.padrepio.us
(turn the sound on; cut and paste the link to browser)
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