Some Franciscans in Malibu (California) run a retreat center, beautifully landscaped with amazing views. I visited the place today with two friends, and we agreed it wasn't nearly as Catholic as one could wish. (An informational bulletin board about St. Francis of Assisi celebrated him for being, of all things, "ecumenical".) But it was lovely. There was a chapel set on a hill with glass walls to show off the canyon and the ocean beyond.
We toured the place and hit the gift shop, and then split up for a few hours to pray in our chosen spots. It occurred to me what a blessing it is to have friends who like to do that when we visit a church or retreat place. The only real regret I have about a pilgrimage to Mexico I took at this time last year is that we saw so many churches with glorious histories but barely had time to linger in any of them. One ought to have an entire day at least just to pray in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was amazing to be there with the tilma right up front.
1 comment:
Oooh, there's an amazing one called Sacred Heart up in Santa Barbara that I stayed at a couple of years ago...
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