Announcing the Summer Rome Pilgrimage of Hope

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There is a piece of very exciting news I'm finally able to share with you.

I'm heading to Italy! Yes, me! I haven't been out of Canada since August, 2003. Then it was Buffalo, NY. And now...Rome! 

Briefly, I've been invited to join the Rome Pilgrimage of Hope taking place in July. I have been asked to give one talk per day on the topic of modern saints embracing the modern world. There will be other speakers as well, including the Japanese liturgical sensation, Tayo Marshasuki, and Scriptural scholar Sue Althemen. 

Some of the stops on the pilgrimage will include praying at the tombs of modern saints like SAINT Paul VI and SAINT John XXIII. Sunday Mass will be at the Jesuit parish in Rome, the Chiesa del Gesu. We will also get a chance to meet Pope Francis! Though I'm told that if he passes before we get there then we will go to his tomb instead (assuming he doesn't want his body shipped back to Argentina). Either way, we will get to see him.

The timing for this trip is a little tricky for me. My wife is due July 11th and she usually goes past her due date. I expressed some concerns, such as wondering who would drive me to the airport if she can't shuttle me the three hours there, but she said this was a trip of a lifetime that I simply couldn't pass up. I agree. I told her if the baby is born while I'm away then we'd name him after the saint I'm visiting at the time of the birth. Paul? John? Francis? Hopefully the baby isn't a girl, lol.

Would you like to join me for this trip of a lifetime? Full details, including the cost, are available at www.pilgrimsofhope. 

Very exciting, hey! Stay-tuned to hear more details. 

I hope to see you in Rome this summer!


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