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.
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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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