Beautiful Holy Places
While in Spain I travelled on and near roads that lead to Santiago de Compostela. I did not make a pilgrimage to this holy site, but I have walked upon some of the historical routes. These routes are marked with a scallop shell on signs, on the path itself, and on buildings. These markings guide the pilgrims who walk great distances to the church in Compostela where St. James is said to be buried. As we travelled we saw many pilgrims walking on the way, or emerging from hostels or churches as they continued their journey. Many people find spiritual enrichment and even reconciliation as they meditate, pray, and converse with others on the journey.
One day Brother Terry and I made a short “pilgrimage” to the city of Alba de Tormes. There you will find the ruins of the old Norbertine Abbey of St. Leonard. Today, some of the ruins have been incorporated into a Sacred Heart high school. The founding priest was an archeologist and collector of antiquities. He liked the appearance of the ruins and initiated the school. We visited the school in hopes that they would form a relationship with Notre Dame Academy or St. Norbert College. Perhaps there will be opportunities for students and faculty to travel each other’s schools.
The abbey ruins are on the edge of the Alba de Tormes where St. Teresa of Avila died. Her remains are located in the Carmelite Monastery of the Annunciation. We saw her tomb and two reliquaries which hold her heart and right arm. The tomb is situated high and at the back of the sanctuary. It can be seen from the church and from behind the sanctuary in a small chapel where one can approach the tomb. It is a holy place where the saint is venerated. The chance to see Teresa’s tomb and pray there were great blessings.
In Toro, the city where the Norbertine sisters live, we attended a wonderful art exhibit at the Collegiate Church of St. Mary Major, a Romanesque church completed in the 13th century. Another part of the exhibit was at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Featured works of art demonstrated images around the theme of water. The exposition contained both ancient and modern works, mostly religious. There were paintings, sculptures, and carved altar pieces all featuring water in one way or another – baptisms, floods, Jesus walking on water, the apostles fishing, etc. Beautiful!
Peace, Fr. Andy