(Delayed with technical difficulties - curse you Wi-Fi!)
Well, today was the last day of our trip— how crazy is that? After what many of us agreed was a night of restless sleep, we greeted the morning ready to walk the city. We began at Sagrada Familia, an incredibly beautiful and ginormous Basilica, designed by the renowned architect Gaudi, still under construction after almost 100 years. The outside was a work of art decorated with scenes from the Bible in perfect detail. Then, stepping inside, we were taken aback by all the light that shone from the colorful stained glass windows. It was truly a sight for sore eyes. Next, we visited the chapel that held the real sword of Saint Ignatius. It was a surreal moment to finally see the weapon that St. Ignatius laid down at Our Lady of Montserrat, representing the new life that he had chosen to begin. It took me back to our special Mass in Montserrat when each of us laid our own figurative swords down to rest. The rest of the day was spent wandering the city, eating gelato and lots of other yummy food, shopping, and finally, a visit to the beach. A dip in the Mediterranean Sea felt much deserved on our tired feet that have taken us through all the ups and downs of our pilgrimage. We took in a couple of other landmarks known to Ignatius, including the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, where we squeezed in a final group reflection in the side chapel dedicated to Ignatius, the very spot where he was known to beg for alms.
I can’t believe that our time here is almost up, but I look toward the future hopeful of what is to come. Our journey in Spain is ending, but as Padre says, our pilgrimage is forever. I am thankful for the friendships I’ve made, for all that I have learned about myself, and for my relationship with God that has grown so much stronger. My heart is filled with immense joy that I find in God’s love and I make the intention to face my normal life in Colorado by continuing to see God in all things.