August 11, 2000, Day 5

Diary entry from Damien LeClerc
                                                                                                                                       Aug. 11, 2000

    Well, after the 8 hours of sleep between the last three nights, I started the day out 15 minutes behind schedule.  But, not to worry- I caught up by breakfast, to find only a stale piece of a baguette and a tasty croissant.   MMMMM......  Anyway, we started the day out with mass at the Basilica.   It actually wasn't until today that I came to realize just what an impact this place of holiness this was.  During mass, I just looked up at the statue of Saint Theresa behind the altar.  I stared at it as if for hours.  It was then that I thanked Jesus from the bottom of my heart for such an awesome, and I do mean awesome, blessing.   Just to be here has such an impact.  I just forgot about everything I was thinking of and every distraction that was blocking my sight of peace and holiness.  But, once I finally calmed down from all the excitement from being here in Europe, I felt Saint Theresa come upon me. She made me realize just how powerful and holy this experience is.  She brought me to a state of serenity.  As I looked upon the statue of Saint Theresa, all I could feel was inner peace.  The way she held her hands out to the sky, as if she were touching Christ, and the way she gazed, as if she were looking straight into Heaven.  And her soft face, like a baby's skin.  She is holy.  I look at her and I see peace.  I see love.  I see passion.   She has led me toward a new path.  I love her.

    After we had finished singing "Go Light Your Candle" for the closing song of one of the best masses of my life, Eric had set us out for a large amount of quiet time.  I was so eager to pray to Saint Theresa in this time of peace.   So I went up to the very front of the pews to pray.  I started praying by saying a few prayers, but when I started praying, I started praying.  I thought I closed my eyes because I was tired, but after I had finished, I could've sworn I was with Saint Theresa- like, actually sitting and talking with her.  I felt I was just talking to her like my best friend.  It flowed.  I could not stop.  I was so.....undescribable.  I loved it so much.  And, the best part is that if I think this is powerful, I can't wait to see what's next for me in the next couple of weeks!!!!!!!!!!

    I love you, mom.  Thank you so much for letting me take this opportunity!!  I love you, Roo!  I wish you were here, too.  I miss you guys so much, and I'll see you soon!!!!!!  Love you Max and Lady!!!

                                                                                        Love,

                                                                                             Damien

Damien saying hi (725 kB)

Travel log

After breakfast in the hotel, we heading to the Basillica again for Mass.  After Mass Fr. Jim spoke for a few minutes, and then we had an hour or so of free time.  A special treat for us today was that Mike from LIFE Teen studios came to film us for the first half of the day.  Apparantly LIFE Teen is doing a bunch of filming regarding the pilgrimages groups of teens are doing, from the U.S.  He videotaped us and interviewed a couple teens.  After the quiet time, we had the whole afternoon free.   Most people found a nice cafe to eat lunch in, and did window shopping.  A group of guys went to the local swimming people where everyone stared because we wear more than just underwear for a swimsuit.  They couldn't understand why we would wear such long shorts.  After dinner at the hotel, we had some more free time before going to bed.  Tomorrow we head to Paris for a couple hours before hopping on the night train to our next destination.

More Pictures

Alex and friends
Beth and Matt in the Basillica
Cisco praying in the Basillica
Cisco and Brian in front of the Basillica
Damien and friends
Group in front of the fountain
Grave marker for St. Theresa's sisters
Group shot in front of the Basillica
Group shot on the steps
Singing on the steps
Hanging out in front of the Basillica
St. Theresa's words
More of St. Theresa's words
Jesse, Emmanuele, and Cisco
Joe C. and friends
Joe S. and Melanie praying in the Basillica
Kate praying in the Basillica
Mass in the Crypte
Matt L. updating the webpage
Matt L. and Joe S. in the Cathedral
Matt H. in the Basillica
Ordering at the local cafe
Mike interviewing Lucy for LIFE studios
Group of people
The Weilands

Special Thanks!

We would all like to thank Vincent and Leevon for all their support in helping make this pilgrimmage possible.  Here we are standing in front of the Basillica holding papers reading,
"Merci Vincent & Leevon!"

Here's a quick video of the banner.(320 kB)

As we mentioned, Mike was there from LIFE Teen studios. To show our appreciation of St. Theresa we yelled, "St. Therese of Lisieux, we love you!"(208 kB)

Here's us yelling it again.(168 kB)

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