HIghlights so far from Jacinta

It's been two weeks since we began this journey and I still find it hard to believe I'm in Spain.

Highlights for me so far include:
- praying the prayers that my class wrote in a special place each day 
- my first Mass said in Spanish at the Benedictine Monastery
- walking part of the Camino
- visiting the relics of St James in Santiago de Compostela and St Teresa in Avila and Alba de Tormes
- traveling on the trains in Madrid (even despite the crowds)
- watching the Cross and Icon being carried into the Australian gathering
- a plate full of ham for dinner


One thing I have found challenging is Spanish door locks!

For our first Catechesis session we went to a church near where we are staying. The first speaker was a man who runs youth camps in the USA, he taught us a few chants like God is good- All the time. All the time-God is good. The his group did a dramatization about how we can leave Jesus on the cross by our actions but how He always forgives. 

The Archbishop of New York gave a passionate Catechesis about being "Firm in the Faith". He threw in a few "Praise be Jesus Christ" to which we would respond  "now and forever" just to make sure we were listening. It was very engaging so the responses were always loud.

The rest of the day was spent catching trains, waiting in lines (all part of being a pilgrim) and exploring more of Madrid.

That night some of us went to Flamenco Passion which showed the Annunciation, Passion and Resurrection. It was amazing! The Resurrection was the highlight with the costumes, lighting, music and of course the dancing making such a joyful atmosphere.