Michael John Poirier-Strength for the Journey

I Believe in God

"You are God, ineffable, inconceivable, incomprehensible, always existing and ever the same, You and Your only begotten Son and your Holy Spirit."

Anaphora of the Liturgy of St. john Chrysostom

Feel the Nails by Ray Boltz

Pope Benedict's Lenten Message 2012

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
BENEDICT XVI
FOR LENT 2012

“Let us be concerned for each other,
to stir a response in love and good works” (Heb 10:24)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Lenten season offers us once again an opportunity to reflect upon the very heart of Christian life: charity. This is a favourable time to renew our journey of faith, both as individuals and as a community, with the help of the word of God and the sacraments. This journey is one marked by prayer and sharing, silence and fasting, in anticipation of the joy of Easter.

This year I would like to propose a few thoughts in the light of a brief biblical passage drawn from the Letter to the Hebrews:“ Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works”. These words are part of a passage in which the sacred author exhorts us to trust in Jesus Christ as the High Priest who has won us forgiveness and opened up a pathway to God. Embracing Christ bears fruit in a life structured by the three theological virtues: it means approaching the Lord “sincere in heart and filled with faith” (v. 22), keeping firm “in the hope we profess” (v. 23) and ever mindful of living a life of “love and good works” (v. 24) together with our brothers and sisters. The author states that to sustain this life shaped by the Gospel it is important to participate in the liturgy and community prayer, mindful of the eschatological goal of full communion in God (v. 25). Here I would like to reflect on verse 24, which offers a succinct, valuable and ever timely teaching on the three aspects of Christian life: concern for others, reciprocity and personal holiness.

1. “Let us be concerned for each other”: responsibility towards our brothers and sisters.

This first aspect is an invitation to be “concerned”: the Greek verb used here is katanoein, which means to scrutinize, to be attentive, to observe carefully and take stock of something. We come across this word in the Gospel when Jesus invites the disciples to “think of” the ravens that, without striving, are at the centre of the solicitous and caring Divine Providence (cf. Lk 12:24), and to “observe” the plank in our own eye before looking at the splinter in that of our brother (cf. Lk 6:41). In another verse of the Letter to the Hebrews, we find the encouragement to “turn your minds to Jesus” (3:1), the Apostle and High Priest of our faith. So the verb which introduces our exhortation tells us to look at others, first of all at Jesus, to be concerned for one another, and not to remain isolated and indifferent to the fate of our brothers and sisters. All too often, however, our attitude is just the opposite: an indifference and disinterest born of selfishness and masked as a respect for “privacy”. Today too, the Lord’s voice summons all of us to be concerned for one another. Even today God asks us to be “guardians” of our brothers and sisters (Gen 4:9), to establish relationships based on mutual consideration and attentiveness to the well-being, theintegral well-being of others. The great commandment of love for one another demands that we acknowledge our responsibility towards those who, like ourselves, are creatures and children of God. Being brothers and sisters in humanity and, in many cases, also in the faith, should help us to recognize in others a true alter ego, infinitely loved by the Lord. If we cultivate this way of seeing others as our brothers and sisters, solidarity, justice, mercy and compassion will naturally well up in our hearts. The Servant of God Pope Paul VI stated that the world today is suffering above all from a lack of brotherhood: “Human society is sorely ill. The cause is not so much the depletion of natural resources, nor their monopolistic control by a privileged few; it is rather the weakening of brotherly ties between individuals and nations” (Populorum Progressio, 66).

Concern for others entails desiring what is good for them from every point of view: physical, moral and spiritual. Contemporary culture seems to have lost the sense of good and evil, yet there is a real need to reaffirm that good does exist and will prevail, because God is “generous and acts generously” (Ps 119:68). The good is whatever gives, protects and promotes life, brotherhood and communion. Responsibility towards others thus means desiring and working for the good of others, in the hope that they too will become receptive to goodness and its demands. Concern for others means being aware of their needs. Sacred Scripture warns us of the danger that our hearts can become hardened by a sort of “spiritual anesthesia” which numbs us to the suffering of others. The Evangelist Luke relates two of Jesus’ parables by way of example. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest and the Levite “pass by”, indifferent to the presence of the man stripped and beaten by the robbers (cf. Lk 10:30-32). In that of Dives and Lazarus, the rich man is heedless of the poverty of Lazarus, who is starving to death at his very door (cf. Lk 16:19). Both parables show examples of the opposite of “being concerned”, of looking upon others with love and compassion. What hinders this humane and loving gaze towards our brothers and sisters? Often it is the possession of material riches and a sense of sufficiency, but it can also be the tendency to put our own interests and problems above all else. We should never be incapable of “showing mercy” towards those who suffer. Our hearts should never be so wrapped up in our affairs and problems that they fail to hear the cry of the poor. Humbleness of heart and the personal experience of suffering can awaken within us a sense of compassion and empathy. “The upright understands the cause of the weak, the wicked has not the wit to understand it” (Prov 29:7). We can then understand the beatitude of “those who mourn” (Mt 5:5), those who in effect are capable of looking beyond themselves and feeling compassion for the suffering of others. Reaching out to others and opening our hearts to their needs can become an opportunity for salvation and blessedness.

“Being concerned for each other” also entails being concerned for their spiritual well-being. Here I would like to mention an aspect of the Christian life, which I believe has been quite forgotten:fraternal correction in view of eternal salvation. Today, in general, we are very sensitive to the idea of charity and caring about the physical and material well-being of others, but almost completely silent about our spiritual responsibility towards our brothers and sisters. This was not the case in the early Church or in those communities that are truly mature in faith, those which are concerned not only for the physical health of their brothers and sisters, but also for their spiritual health and ultimate destiny. The Scriptures tell us: “Rebuke the wise and he will love you for it. Be open with the wise, he grows wiser still, teach the upright, he will gain yet more” (Prov 9:8ff). Christ himself commands us to admonish a brother who is committing a sin (cf. Mt 18:15). The verb used to express fraternal correction - elenchein – is the same used to indicate the prophetic mission of Christians to speak out against a generation indulging in evil (cf. Eph 5:11). The Church’s tradition has included “admonishing sinners” among the spiritual works of mercy. It is important to recover this dimension of Christian charity. We must not remain silent before evil. I am thinking of all those Christians who, out of human regard or purely personal convenience, adapt to the prevailing mentality, rather than warning their brothers and sisters against ways of thinking and acting that are contrary to the truth and that do not follow the path of goodness. Christian admonishment, for its part, is never motivated by a spirit of accusation or recrimination. It is always moved by love and mercy, and springs from genuine concern for the good of the other. As the Apostle Paul says: “If one of you is caught doing something wrong, those of you who are spiritual should set that person right in a spirit of gentleness; and watch yourselves that you are not put to the test in the same way” (Gal 6:1). In a world pervaded by individualism, it is essential to rediscover the importance of fraternal correction, so that together we may journey towards holiness. Scripture tells us that even “the upright falls seven times” (Prov 24:16); all of us are weak and imperfect (cf. 1 Jn 1:8). It is a great service, then, to help others and allow them to help us, so that we can be open to the whole truth about ourselves, improve our lives and walk more uprightly in the Lord’s ways. There will always be a need for a gaze which loves and admonishes, which knows and understands, which discerns and forgives (cf. Lk 22:61), as God has done and continues to do with each of us.

2. “Being concerned for each other”: the gift of reciprocity.

This “custody” of others is in contrast to a mentality that, by reducing life exclusively to its earthly dimension, fails to see it in an eschatological perspective and accepts any moral choice in the name of personal freedom. A society like ours can become blind to physical sufferings and to the spiritual and moral demands of life. This must not be the case in the Christian community! The Apostle Paul encourages us to seek “the ways which lead to peace and the ways in which we can support one another” (Rom 14:19) for our neighbour’s good, “so that we support one another” (15:2), seeking not personal gain but rather “the advantage of everybody else, so that they may be saved” (1 Cor 10:33). This mutual correction and encouragement in a spirit of humility and charity must be part of the life of the Christian community.

The Lord’s disciples, united with him through the Eucharist, live in a fellowship that binds them one to another as members of a single body. This means that the other is part of me, and that his or her life, his or her salvation, concern my own life and salvation. Here we touch upon a profound aspect of communion: our existence is related to that of others, for better or for worse. Both our sins and our acts of love have a social dimension. This reciprocity is seen in the Church, the mystical body of Christ: the community constantly does penance and asks for the forgiveness of the sins of its members, but also unfailingly rejoices in the examples of virtue and charity present in her midst. As Saint Paul says: “Each part should be equally concerned for all the others” (1 Cor 12:25), for we all form one body. Acts of charity towards our brothers and sisters – as expressed by almsgiving, a practice which, together with prayer and fasting, is typical of Lent – is rooted in this common belonging. Christians can also express their membership in the one body which is the Church through concrete concern for the poorest of the poor. Concern for one another likewise means acknowledging the good that the Lord is doing in others and giving thanks for the wonders of grace that Almighty God in his goodness continuously accomplishes in his children. When Christians perceive the Holy Spirit at work in others, they cannot but rejoice and give glory to the heavenly Father (cf. Mt 5:16).

3. “To stir a response in love and good works”: walking together in holiness.

These words of the Letter to the Hebrews (10:24) urge us to reflect on the universal call to holiness, the continuing journey of the spiritual life as we aspire to the greater spiritual gifts and to an ever more sublime and fruitful charity (cf. 1 Cor 12:31-13:13). Being concerned for one another should spur us to an increasingly effective love which, “like the light of dawn, its brightness growing to the fullness of day” (Prov 4:18), makes us live each day as an anticipation of the eternal day awaiting us in God. The time granted us in this life is precious for discerning and performing good works in the love of God. In this way the Church herself continuously grows towards the full maturity of Christ (cf. Eph 4:13). Our exhortation to encourage one another to attain the fullness of love and good works is situated in this dynamic prospect of growth.

Sadly, there is always the temptation to become lukewarm, to quench the Spirit, to refuse to invest the talents we have received, for our own good and for the good of others (cf. Mt 25:25ff.). All of us have received spiritual or material riches meant to be used for the fulfilment of God’s plan, for the good of the Church and for our personal salvation (cf. Lk 12:21b; 1 Tim 6:18). The spiritual masters remind us that in the life of faith those who do not advance inevitably regress. Dear brothers and sisters, let us accept the invitation, today as timely as ever, to aim for the “high standard of ordinary Christian living” (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 31). The wisdom of the Church in recognizing and proclaiming certain outstanding Christians as Blessed and as Saints is also meant to inspire others to imitate their virtues. Saint Paul exhorts us to “anticipate one another in showing honour” (Rom 12:10).

In a world which demands of Christians a renewed witness of love and fidelity to the Lord, may all of us feel the urgent need to anticipate one another in charity, service and good works (cf. Heb 6:10). This appeal is particularly pressing in this holy season of preparation for Easter. As I offer my prayerful good wishes for a blessed and fruitful Lenten period, I entrust all of you to the intercession of Mary Ever Virgin and cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 3 November 2011

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

WHY by Nichole Nordeman

Lent - Day 4

I usually have my plans for Lent all ready to go by Ash Wednesday.  This year I am behind as I have not really made any decisions or concrete plans yet.  I like my Lent to have some depth and meaning.  It really is a good time to take stock and move forward in areas that need some work.  But so far my prayers have not led me to the plan. 
I have the day pretty much to myself since my husband is on retreat.  My plan is to get a plan today. Total quiet and solitude usually work, so I am going to step away from the computer and focus. 

7 Quick Takes, Meatless Meals

7 Quick Takes is hosted on Fridays at Conversion Diary!

1.  Quinoa and Veggies

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water or broth

1 chopped onion

Garlic

1 zucchini

1 yellow squash

1 tomato

1 cup broccoli florets

Rinse quinoa, put in a pot with water to boil.  Reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the grains look like they have separated.  While the quinoa is cooking, cut up and sauté all the other veggies.  I usually dice them.  Add the tomato last.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  When everything is cooked, mix together and top with grated parmesan cheese.

2.  Tomato and Roasted Garlic Soup

1 head roasted garlic

3 cups (approx.) broth, chicken or vegetable

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes

1 small onion

Dice the onion and cook in medium saucepan until soft.  Add tomatoes, broth and garlic; bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.  Let cool and then puree in a blender, food processor or with an immersion blender.Add more broth if you'd like the soup thinner. 

3.  Pasta Supreme

1 lb pasta, not spaghetti

2 cups frozen peas

2 cups warm milk

4 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta and drain.  Put the peas in the colander and then pour the pasta over them, they cook but don’t get mushy.

Melt butter, add flour; when combined add the warm milk and stir until it thickens.  Slowly add the cheese, when it is melted, pour over the pasta and peas.

4.  Greens and Beans

Sauté your favorite greens in olive oil and garlic.  Spinach and escarole are good choices.  Add a drained can of white kidney beans (cannellini) and serve over brown rice or polenta or pasta.

5.  Polenta

I know there are many people out there who may not agree with this recipe, but it works for me even though it isn’t stirred forever and a day. 

4 cups water

1 cup fine ground yellow cornmeal (I use Goya.  I know that’s not Italian)

Salt

Bring the water to a boil, add salt and then slowly add the corn meal, using a wire whisk to blend and prevent limps from forming.  Lower the flame (gas stove) or turn an electric burner down to the lowest setting.  It helps if you can get someone to hold the pot until you get the hang of things.  Also, put a mitt over the hand using the whisk.  Once all the water is absorbed, stir another minute or two and then serve.  Use instead of pasta.

6.  Tortellini with Roasted Tomatoes

1 lb tortellini

1 pint grape tomatoes

Fresh basil

Slice tomatoes in half, put in a baking pan, drizzle with olive oil and salt, and roast at 300 for an hour or so.  They should release some juices and look slightly shriveled.  Chop basil, as much as you like.  Cook tortellini according to package directions.  Mix everything together; add olive oil if necessary, salt and pepper to taste.  Can be eaten hot or at room temperature.

 7. Hummus

1/4 cup Tahini paste

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cloves garlic

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons hot water

1 can chickpeas, drained 

Combine all ingredients in a food processor, blend until smooth.  Add more water if you'd like the hummus a thinner consistency.

 Serve with pita bread and raw vegetables.

Penance

The word penance seems like an archaic one filled with darkness and pain and suffering.  People do not want to accept a penance given to them by someone else.  In fact, most suffering is to avoided, unless it is the pursuit of bodily perfection.  Penance can mean 1.  a punishment undergone in token of penitence for sin.2.a penitential discipline imposed by church authority.3.a sacrament, as in the Roman Catholic Church, consisting in a confession of sin, made with sorrow and with the intention of amendment, followed by the forgiveness of the sin.( www.dictionary.com )

Focus on definition number one, a punishment undergone in token of penitence for sin.  This means that you must be sorry for whatever wrong you have committed.  And you must know you have committed this wrong.  And that you are not going to rationalize this sin, but accept that you did it and should, in fact, must, be sorry for it.  At this point there is no discussion of having told this sin to anyone, but rather, you have come to this realization on your own and know you must make up for it in some way or another.  To me, this is the type of penance we take on during Lent. 

It is not the same as number two where someone else tells me what to do as in do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.  It is something I choose to do to help root out what is stubbornly clinging to my soul and should not be there.  It is whatever is holding me back from being the person God is calling me to become. 

So, I identify my sin and then choose a penance to help me overcome that sin.  Maybe they are connected maybe not.  If I use wine to forget my problems, than giving up wine and instead turning to God in prayer is a good thing.  If my computer takes the place of family interaction, then by all means, turn it off after work hours.  However, I cannot decide to spend more time in prayer and scripture reading and neglect my family.  Your penance cannot be a way to avoid your responsibilities. 

Penance is a means to an end, not an end to itself.  It is a way to use your will to overcome your emotion.  It teaches us to suffer a bit for a greater good.  Penance reminds us that we do not die without our favorite TV show, drink or food.  It teaches us that our dependence must be less on things of this world and more on God.  The goal of our penance is to lead us closer to God and those he has given us to care for in our lives.  My penance is good for the entire community, not just me. 

Let us do our penance joyfully, purposefully and sincerely so that our hearts and minds be united in serving our Lord.

Two Final Days in Sydney

Jan 17
I didn’t sleep very well, maybe anticipating leaving?  I took it easy this morning, a perfect day, sunny and clear. Elisa isn’t coming in until 5 for dinner, so I decided to walk to St. Mary's Cathedral, slowly, for 1:10 pm mass. I walk through the retail district and Hyde Park, stopping in Myers department store for quite a bit. Pretty high end as far as clothes go. I will say the clothes were nicer than what I see at home. Then I had fried rice for lunch and kept walking on. I walked around the church, wishing I could take pictures inside. I spent about 45 minutes looking at all the windows, stations, and statues.  Then I prayed a rosary, the glorious mysteries, what else could I have prayed in that place? Then Mass, which was very full.  Then I made my way to the Darling Bridge and walked over to the other side of the harbor. Sunny, sunny day, love it.
Elisa came in and we went to Harbour View Hotel for dinner, an authentic Aussie pub, right under the Harbour Bridge, so cool.  No pictures, I forgot my camera.  I ate fish and chips and had a Tooheys beer.
Jan 18

My last day in Australia. I woke up, dressed and walked to the Harbour Bridge. It was hot, sunny and mostly clear, some clouds but no rain. I walked up the steps to the bridge entrance, I was so excited. I realize that I have never walked across a bridge like this. It takes me about 20 min to walk across, with stopping to take pictures. It takes longer to walk back because I see people climbing the bridge and stop to watch and take pictures. It is less dramatic than I thought; no harnesses or climbing as if up a mountain or rocks. Rather, there are steps, steep ones, which they use to go up to a platform sort of stop and then they start to go over the bridge on what seems to be a narrow walkway with sides. It is narrow and very high. Everyone is wearing a blue and grey jumpsuit, a black pack around their waist, blue baseball cap and a headset.  They are attached to the bridge with a strap on the railing and at the waist. The view must be breathtaking, but the walk was enough for me!
I wandered around The Rocks for a bit, found a sandwich shop and had a mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich with a coffee that I ordered with only slightly more thought than at home, a tall black with  milk. I had my lunch in the park, walked a bit more and went back to the hotel to clean up before Mass and going to visit Elisa in Waroonga .

I took the train out to the suburbs; Waroonga is a sleepy little town with wide tree lineds streets.  The family she is working for is very nice.  We had Thai take-away for dinner and then I read to Sarah before she went to bed.  Apparently three books are more than usual, but I couldn’t say no to a five year old!

When it was time to go back, Lisa (the mom), Ben (12 year old) and Elisa gave me a ride.  I was almost glad the train was just pulling in so our goodbye was quick, but I still felt sad as I got on the train.  Sad and happy, that bitter sweetness when you leave your child, perfectly safe, happy and living out her dream, but missing her all the same because she is literally on the other side of world!

7 Quick Takes

More Quick Takes at Betty Beguiles!

1.  Today is forty-nine years my parents have been married.  It is hard to imagine, but it is true.  We are having dinner together, my dad is cooking.  It will be delicious, I'm sure.  I am bringing Chocolate Cloud Cake for dessert. 
2.  The adult classes at work are progressing very well.  The Introduction to the Bible is growing every week.  However, yesterday I gave out the last set of books for the class, so I think we are full! 
3.  Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb 22, with Ash Wednesday.  Yes, I'm sure you already knew that, but just in case you needed a reminder.  Also, FYI, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation.  I still think it is a great way to begin the season though, so go anyway.  Here's a questions, does your parish distribute ashed during Mass only, at a Distribution of Ashes service, whenever anyone comes into the office and asks for them or do you leave some in Church for people to do it themselves?  Not sure if the last one is correct, but it I have heard it happens.
4.  Our parish celebrated Confirmation last Sunday.  110 ninth graders received the sacrament.  I was a sponsor for a friend; after they were confirmed, the smell of chrism filled the air around me.  So beautiful and it reminded me of all the ways Catholism fills the senses.
5.  Yesterday my husband went and picked up a pink chair for me from a thrift shop.  We saw it last weekend when we were out looking for a table or chest for our family room.  The chair is very nice and will go in my room.  My room is where I sew, work, and now I can read in my new comfortable chair.  Did I meantion the chiar is pink?  My favorite color!
6.  I wanted to include some pictures, but our laptop is in the shop and the desktop we have is quite old so I avoid demanding much of it in case it rebels.  Besides, this week there appears to be a computer virus in the air in our house since we were using my work laptop while ours was being repaired and it is now in the shop with a virus!  Just trying to keep at least one working, however slowly!
7.  I am working on our new parish website.  The designer is doing his job and later today I will have training via phone to learn how to add our content.  It is an Our Sunday Visitor product and comes pre-loaded with Catholic content if you choose that feature.  I am very excited about it and will show you as soon as it is goes live.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

O, Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, … I adore You.
Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me.
Tell me what to do … give me Your orders.
I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.
Let me only know Your will. Amen

Jesuit Wisdom

I am a big fan of Fr. James Martin.  I follow him on Facebook and read many of his articles and count his book, "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything" as one of my favorites.  This piece he wrote on The Jesuit Post made sense to me. 

The Five Best Pieces of Jesuit Wisdom

7 Quick Takes

1.  Feb 5 is World Nutella Day.  If you don't know what Nutella is I feel so sad for you.  Go to the store and get some.  Eat it.  On bread, off the spoon, on ice cream, off the spoon, with peanut butter, off the spoon, on a cracker, off the spoon, as cake filling, off the spoon.  Oh yea, go get some. 

2.  Lots of planning going on in my office.  Lent is coming, First Penance, Confirmation retreat and three adult formation classes going on.  The adult classes are popular, each one has between ten and twenty-five people.  Each group is wonderful and few people come to two classes, with one woman coming to all three!  They are looking for spiritual nourishment.

3.  Going on vacation to Australia made me realize two things about myself I had put to the back of my mind.  One, I really love to travel and explore new places and two, cities energize me tremendously. 

4.  My wardrobe is in serious disarray.  I have about 3 outfits that look good and fit properly.  Not one pair of jeans or pants, only one dress, a bunch of things that are slightly small, tons that are way too big and some that are a little big.  But, since I am back on HCG and committed to losing more weight, I am bearing with it, just feeling cranky about it all.  I guess I need to fix a few things this weekend, until I am ready to actually sew some new things.

5.  I  have some beautiful new fabric that was donated to the parish from a parishioner's shop.  One is a gorgeous pink, that I may make into a skirt for our Valentine's lunch and fashion show.  It depends if I have time this weekend.

6.  I decided to read through the Bible this year.  I have the My daily Catholic Bible and started Feb 1, since I was gone the first part of January.  I am reading February and January readings so I catch up so I'll finish it this year.  I figured it was time.

7.  It time for some lunch, so I will walk to the store and pick up some food, since I didn't pack anything today.

Today the 7 Quick Takes are hosted here!

Tired

 I hope you are not tired of my travelogue.  I am enjoying reliving it all.  I have 2 or 3 more posts and then I'll write about something else.

Trains, Mountains, and City Sights

Monday, Jan 16

I am on the 7:24 a.m. to Katoomba, out of Central Station. I flipped the seat to face forward and see the sights as we go up the mountain. It was raining this morning when I woke up, but is clearing up a bit. I have water, sandwich, and chips for lunch. The NOOK is charged for reading and writing purposes; after all, it’s two hours on this train each way! There is lots of graffiti on buildings and overpasses. The suburbs remind me of Queens, lots of attached houses, apartments, and big buildings. Australia is all about being ‘green’ as evidenced by all the laundry I see hanging from balconies and in backyards.

There are train conductors blowing their whistle when it is all clear to go. And so we roll on past

Redfern, Parramatta, Seven Hills, Blacktown, Doonside, Rooly Hill, St. Marys, Wellington, Penrith,l Instead of buildings I see cows, sheep, pastures and Melaleuca trees interspersed with small rural towns.

We keep climbing up to higher ground, a few towns on either side of a river. When I can see them, the houses are pretty big, with nice yards and patios. Many of the houses have solar panels on them.

Wow, if I could reach out the window I could touch rock wall and trees. I hope the train is well anchored to the track.

We keep rolling on toward Katoomba. We pass Glenbrook, Blaxland, Warimoo, Valley Heights, Springwood, Faulconbridge, Woodford, Leura, one more stop!

I think it universal that understanding the train conductor say the upcoming stops is not usual. Why? Don’t they want us to know where we are going and when to get off? Thankfully there are signs at each station so I know where I am. KATOOMBA!



The Three Sisters



I decide to walk to Echo Point on my own with a map. It took about 35 minutes. The fog was unbelievable when I reached the viewing area. I could hardly see anything for the fog. I am not alone, there are hundreds of people, tour groups, youth groups, couple, families all looking into this valley of fog. Suddenly it began to lift, and we saw stunning views, The Three Sisters to the left, standing guard over the mountain and valley.



I had lunch, caught the city bus back to the train station and walked around a bit then when into the train station to wait as it started to rain. Got on the 1:20 to Sydney, hoping the rain will clear up so I can do some more sightseeing in the city. No rain in Sydney so I decided to get off at Central Station and walk to St. Mary Cathedral. I misread the map, but asked for directions and got back on course. I walked up Wentworth for what seemed like miles, thinking I would never find it when, finally, I spy the steeple in the distance, I keep going and am greatly rewarded. A magnificent cathedral, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. It is dedicated to Mary, Help of Christians. There was a statue of St. Mary Magdalene in the sanctuary across from Jesus, after he has risen and she sees him in the garden. Sadly, no photographs were allowed.

After spending time in the cathedral, I walked back to my hotel, stopping at a bookstore, Dymocks . Decided on a take a way for dinner, pasta from the food court in an office building, $5, what a bargain.So, even without Elisa I found my way everywhere I wanted to go. Yea me! I am exhausted today; I think I spent at least five hours out of the ten I was out walking.