We may have only spent one overnight in Burgos, I can honestly say that it was one of the most fun and inspirational parts of our journey yet. First of all, pulling into the Abba Hotel was like entering heaven itself...well, not quite but it was a very accommodating 4 star hotel. The food we had for dinner was delicious. While in France, we ate soup with every meal and often had pastries. In Spain, we dined on a cheese and spinach lasagna (I believe it was lasagna, but either way it was tasty!), beef and potatoes in gravy, and an interesting sorbet dessert which was served in a sort of chocolate/caramel sauce. The bread was good too, similar to that in France, but more dense. After dinner, we had some free time. After a day spent sitting on a bus and walking around Loyola, we were all eager to set our own schedule! Many of the pilgrims, including myself, went swimming in the pool downstairs. Then we gathered in the lobby for some nice conversation and returned to our rooms for curfew.
The next morning, we were all up early for breakfast. There was a big buffet of fruit, croissants (drizzled with honey, which was absolutely delicious), cereal, sandwiches, bacon, eggs, and all sorts of pastries. Once we had eaten and packed the bus, we walked to the cathedral. It was a wonderful walk. The weather was perfect, and the view was amazing. Classic, romantic looking buildings stood tall beside the farmland. The sky was clear blue, the moon was a crystal ball hanging in the sky, and everything was bathed in sunlight. When we came up to the cathedral, a huge smile spread across my face. It was huge! The entire building was covered with intricate designs, and a pair of pointed towers reached up towards the sky. It was even more beautiful inside. There was so much symbolism scattered everywhere! One of my favorite moments of this pilgrimage has been standing in the middle of that gorgeous cathedral, discussing art, Latin and Greek, theology, and symbolism in hushed tones with a few friends. After a few minutes of exploring, we headed for Mass.
My breath was literally taken away. Above the altar hung a huge gold wall panel ( called a "reredos"), covered with statues of various saints, angels, and important Biblical scenes and symbols. Cherubim pulled back a curtain to reveal the tabernacle. Music drifted into the chapel from somewhere unknown. I myself felt even more beautiful in this gorgeous place. I became keenly aware of God's power and might, and felt compelled to live up to my name as a a daughter of Christ. It was humbling as well; I also recognized how small I am compared to our awesome, infinite Lord. We had awhile to pray and Mass began. It was said in English, but Bishop Rhodes gave an introduction in Spanish, which I was thrilled to find I understood! Mass was beautiful, and that is an understatement. I would like to note that we were joined not only by some of the people of Burgos, but also by pilrims from the Dioceses of Fort Wayne-South Bend (Indiana) and a diocese in Australia. Following Mass, I had the privilidge of interviewing Bishop McFadden with my fellow correspondent, Katie. Bishop did a fantastic job, but I confess that I couldn't seem him very well... The sunlight made me squint and my hair kept blowing into my face!
I am now on the bus to Madrid and I cannot wait to see the city. If it is half as wondrous and beautiful as Burgos, I think we can expect a very moving and inspirational World Youth Day!
Monica Burke
The next morning, we were all up early for breakfast. There was a big buffet of fruit, croissants (drizzled with honey, which was absolutely delicious), cereal, sandwiches, bacon, eggs, and all sorts of pastries. Once we had eaten and packed the bus, we walked to the cathedral. It was a wonderful walk. The weather was perfect, and the view was amazing. Classic, romantic looking buildings stood tall beside the farmland. The sky was clear blue, the moon was a crystal ball hanging in the sky, and everything was bathed in sunlight. When we came up to the cathedral, a huge smile spread across my face. It was huge! The entire building was covered with intricate designs, and a pair of pointed towers reached up towards the sky. It was even more beautiful inside. There was so much symbolism scattered everywhere! One of my favorite moments of this pilgrimage has been standing in the middle of that gorgeous cathedral, discussing art, Latin and Greek, theology, and symbolism in hushed tones with a few friends. After a few minutes of exploring, we headed for Mass.
My breath was literally taken away. Above the altar hung a huge gold wall panel ( called a "reredos"), covered with statues of various saints, angels, and important Biblical scenes and symbols. Cherubim pulled back a curtain to reveal the tabernacle. Music drifted into the chapel from somewhere unknown. I myself felt even more beautiful in this gorgeous place. I became keenly aware of God's power and might, and felt compelled to live up to my name as a a daughter of Christ. It was humbling as well; I also recognized how small I am compared to our awesome, infinite Lord. We had awhile to pray and Mass began. It was said in English, but Bishop Rhodes gave an introduction in Spanish, which I was thrilled to find I understood! Mass was beautiful, and that is an understatement. I would like to note that we were joined not only by some of the people of Burgos, but also by pilrims from the Dioceses of Fort Wayne-South Bend (Indiana) and a diocese in Australia. Following Mass, I had the privilidge of interviewing Bishop McFadden with my fellow correspondent, Katie. Bishop did a fantastic job, but I confess that I couldn't seem him very well... The sunlight made me squint and my hair kept blowing into my face!
I am now on the bus to Madrid and I cannot wait to see the city. If it is half as wondrous and beautiful as Burgos, I think we can expect a very moving and inspirational World Youth Day!
Monica Burke
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