"The light of faith is unique, because it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence!"
~Pope Francis, The Church of Mercy
When I walked the Camino in 2008, I met a Frenchman who inspired me as a prayerful man who was mindful of others. Then in 2012 when I planned to walk the Cluny route in France, I was invited to stay with him and his wife in their home in Burgundy. He offered to walk the first couple of days with me, to support me, and make sure I knew how to follow the way-markings. (These were crucial on this less-walked route, and different from those further south.) This statue of St Jacques was in the bedroom I was in, lit by the light from the window. It was in a bedroom that also welcomed other pilgrims who walked on the route from Dijon.
My French friend is one who shows forth the light of faith- and he is also glad to walk with St Jacques as his protector. It has been a joy of my life to meet him and his wife, and even though they are so far away in kilometre terms, the light of their faith will always keep us together.
Some people have the gift of being able "to catch the heart unaware and blow it open" (Seamus Heaney) and the great thing is you never know where or when you'll meet them.
ReplyDeleteYep, my friend is one of those Nell. Now you have given me another thought: there should be some Seamus Heaney quotes on this blog.... 1 -He's inspirational 2 -In deference to my Irish ancestry
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