Mini Chartres
…expressing the condition of Christian life which is to be a long pilgrimage and a long walk to paradise…
We are preparing to embark on our third Our Lady of Bethlehem Pilgrimage, our mini Chartres.
The Paris-Chartres Pilgrimage is a three-day walk from Notre-Dame de Paris to Notre-Dame de Chartres, approximately 60 miles. Pilgrims are organized into groups of 20-60 people, that are referred to as "chapters". The "walk" is through the streets of Paris, and then into the countryside. It can be muddy, rocky, and demanding, but the rewards of such a penitential exercise are eternal. Good sturdy shoes are a must. Each chapter is accompanied by at least one chaplain, who hears confession and gives spiritual direction to each pilgrim who avails himself of the priest’s presence. This pilgrimage originated in the 12th century, with interruptions for the various wars our European brethren seem to find themselves in from time to time.
Pilgrims will meet in front of Notre-Dame de Paris at 6 a.m. on 18th May 2013, and the journey of faith and foot begins. ~ Read here for more.
The Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Bethlehem is a three-day walk from San Juan Bautista Mission to Carmel Mission, approximately 45 miles.
Our theme for the OLB Pilgrimage 2013 will be the same as Chartres — EDUCATION, PATH TO HOLINESS.
After the defense of life (2011 theme) and family raised (2012 theme), the defense of education is the third non-negotiable points on which Pope Benedict XVI returns so frequently.
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Friday, May 17, 2013 – The principles of education under the patronage of Saint John Bosco (Dragonfly’s 3rd Birthday)
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Saturday, May 18, 2013 – Family, first of Education under the patronage of Saint John Baptist de la Salle (Sparkle’s 10th Birthday)
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Sunday, May 19, 2013 – God teaches us through the Church under the patronage of St. Anne and St. Joachim (Church’s Birthday)
We make this pilgrimage for the following intentions:
- To make Our Lady of Bethlehem known and Loved
- In reparation for the offenses committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- For Conversion of our own hearts, our families, Town, State, Country, the World
- To pray for the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart
- Personal reparation and private intentions of family, friends and bloggers (whom have asked for prayers) You may send me your prayer request via email (joyfilledfamily{at}gmail{dot}com) or in the comments.
The pilgrimage has always reared fruits for my family. Both Dad and I trust that the graces from our OLB Pilgrimage 2012 led to my healing and the blessing of baby Gennaro Maximilian. I had just suffered from two miscarriages for a total of six babies that have gone on to be with the Good Lord, we pray.
Needless to say, this year’s journey will be filled with thanksgiving for the many blessings that He has bestowed upon us, as unworthy as we are. Also, it will most likely be the last pilgrimage we will take as complete family since Rose will venture off to college. My heart runneth over with joy, thanksgiving, and a whole lot of other stuff that I best offer up.
Please keep us, and all the pilgrims all over the world who will be journeying this Pentecost season, in your prayers. May we journey in a spirit of penance, fasting and giving alms along the way. May we do so joyously, in thanksgiving for blessings received, or in a spirit of supplication for blessings desired. May we be blessed by being in the presence of holy relics and by walking on ground hallowed by the Saints. May it be done All for the Sacred and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, all through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, all in union with St. Joseph.
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Our Lady of Bethlehem, pray for us now, pray for us in every need, and be Thou with us at the hour of our death. Amen.
Pure Joy
Our Lady of Bethlehem (Post) Pilgrimage
Day 3: Sunday, May 27, 2012 – Pebble Beach
Father gave a beautiful homily to the pilgrims on Pentecost Sunday. He spoke about how our recent pilgrimage served several purposes. He emphasized a pilgrimage’s primary purpose—to better equip us for our true pilgrimage, our journey to our heavenly home.
Our post pilgrimage gathering was a beautiful glimpse into the beauty that awaits if we are graced to make it home—pure JOY.
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Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
~Hebrews 10:19-25
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{pretty, happy, funny, real}
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
In His JOY, 
Missionary Family
You have before you the witness of so many families who point out the paths for growing in love: by maintaining a constant relationship with God and participating in the life of the Church, by cultivating dialogue, respecting the other’s point of view, by being ready for service and patient with the failings of others, by being able to forgive and to seek forgiveness, by overcoming with intelligence and humility any conflicts that may arise, by agreeing on principles of upbringing, and by being open to other families, attentive towards the poor, and responsible within civil society. These are all elements that build up the family. Live them with courage, and be sure that, insofar as you live your love for each other and for all with the help of God’s grace, you become a living Gospel, a true domestic Church (cf. Familiaris Consortio, 49).
~Pope Benedict XVI, 7th World Meeting of Families
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Our Lady of Bethlehem Pilgrimage
Day 3: Sunday, May 27, 2012 – Marina to Carmel
St. Joan of Arc was our patron for Sunday, in keeping with the theme of Chartes. It was only fitting since St. Joan of Arc is Dad’s patron saint for the 2012 year.
The walk started on the busy city streets.
It was a bit nippy.
Papi was always finding treasure on the pilgrimage.
We walked along the beach.
And let me add a word to the children here: be sure that you always maintain a relationship of deep affection and attentive care for your parents, and see that your relationships with your brothers and sisters are opportunities to grow in love.
Beach break.
Arrived at the Mission around 4:00 PM.
We entered the mission grounds singing traditional hymns.
Veneration of Our Lady of Bethlehem.
E
We took a brief moment to explore the mission grounds…
have photo opps, and work on the pilgrimage workbooks before having to depart for Mass.
We were blessed to have Fr. L travel to celebrate Mass for us at a private residence in Pebble Beach.
Dear married couples, by means of a special gift of the Holy Spirit, Christ gives you a share in his spousal love, making you a sign of his faithful and all-embracing love for the Church. If you can receive this gift, renewing your “yes” each day by faith, with the strength that comes from the grace of the sacrament, then your family will grow in God’s love according to the model of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Dear families, pray often for the help of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, that they may teach you to receive God’s love as they did. Your vocation is not easy to live, especially today, but the vocation to love is a wonderful thing, it is the only force that can truly transform the cosmos, the world.
~Pope Benedict XVI, 7th World Meeting of Families
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{pretty, happy, funny, real}
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
A Way of Holiness
They made their family an authentic domestic Church, open to life, prayer, witness of the Gospel, the social apostolate, solidarity with the poor, and friendship. ~ Cardinal Jose Martins
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Our Lady of Bethlehem Pilgrimage
Day 2: Saturday, May 26, 2012
Bl. Luigi & Maria are among the few examples of beatification of a married couple in the history of the Church.
Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrami Quattrocchi were our patrons for Saturday, in keeping with the theme of Chartes.
Day two started with an early rise. The weather was overcast and sprinkling. Papi was bundled up in the stroller and Dragonfly was packed nicely on Dad’s back.
Papi didn’t opted to walk once he spotted a nice walking stick.
Dad, Sparkles, and Dragonfly
Rose carried the pilgrimage banner for the first stretch of Day 2. 
Sparkles needed to get warm more than she needed to rest her feet. It was a blessing to have such charitable youth on our journey.
The pilgrims making it to their first break point. Day 2 consisted mostly of back roads, surrounded by agriculture.
“Fulfilling their conjugal and family role by virtue of this sacrament, spouses are penetrated with the spirit of Christ and their whole life is permeated by faith, hope, and charity; thus they increasingly further their own perfection and their mutual sanctification, and together they render glory to God”
~Gaudium et spes, n. 48
Dad and Papi enjoying some down time.
Mom and Dragonfly staying warm in the pilgrim van. I was put on driving duty for the day.
The pilgrims continued their journey, after lunch. I took back 2 of my littles and others who needed to reprieve from the terrain.
Dad, Rose, and Dragonfly continued for eight miles. Dragonfly took his nap on CD’s head shoulders and had to be transferred back to his bed stroller.
The pilgrims returned to camp where moms were tending to little ones and prepping dinner.
We took an impromptu visit to the beach.
Papi had a wonderful time playing dodge the wave. He became so drenched and cold that he began to turn blue. I had to strip his clothes and cover him in my jacket.
~Letter to Families, n. 2
Dad was back at camp. Rose, dripping wet and all, helped him set up our tent.
Help was enlisted.
Papi pleaded for a hot bath but settled for a warm shower.
Prayer, song, warmth, snacks, and fellowship.
Good night!
The boys had our tent to themselves before we managed to squeeze seven bodies in a four person tent. The physical closeness that we experienced was a beautiful reminder of our desire to remain spiritually close with one another and Our Lord.
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{pretty, happy, funny, real}
~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
