Almost there!

Tired but exhilarated, the friar pilgrims expect to arrive in Washington, D.C., next week. People they've met along the way -- and others following their journey on the blog -- are invited to visit with them on Wednesday, July 29, at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, 1400 Quincy St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017-3087. Stop by anytime before 5 p.m.; go through the gate and look for the receptionist in a recessed area on the right, or inquire at the gift shop. The friars look forward to sharing their adventures with you! -- Posted by the Communications Office

Comments

[Carolyn Skrable]

For some time I have been thinking and praying about my vocation. On Thursday July 23, the Lord gave me direction, encouragment, and hope in my vocation search. At about 3:30 pm I went to St. Leo's to pray Vespers and to pray about my vocation. When I opened the door and stepped into the Church vestibule, there were the 4 brothers taking a respite from their day of walking and also getting ready to pray Vespers! As Divine Providence allowed, two Campus Ministers from George Mason arrived at St. Leo's a few minutes after I did. They had a request of the friars: to speak about vocation discernment at their Thursday night gathering at 7 pm that evening. I was amazed and thrilled to see how these events were unfolding. I ended up spending the evening with the George Mason students and these 4 dedicated, passionate brothers; the time was spent praying, talking, and listening to the brothers tell their vocation stories. I thank God for the brothers and their vocations and for the special opportunity that He gave me!

[Michelle Strother]

Several weeks ago, Anna and Mark, two coordinators for the Catholic Campus Ministry at George Mason University, heard about this traveling group of Franciscans. They intended to arrange a visit for them to come and talk at TNG (Thursday Night Gatherings). They weren't going to be able to come.

But...

Anna ran into them at St. Leo's and they said they'd love to come! They had a change in plans since we last spoke! So, we hosted the 4 Franciscan brothers last night. We shared a wonderful supper at Noodles and Co., filled with beautiful conversation. We then returned to St. Bellarmine Chapel to watch an episode of “God or the Girl” and to speak about vocations. As young people starting on the pilgrimage of life, we were not too different from these young men of God seeking their destination. They are a living example of unfaltering trust for the Lord and the love of God shone brightly upon all the young faces in that room. Their testimonies gave us food for our souls, with hopes of finding our vocations.