Columbus Bus Pilgrimage a Success!

At least it was a success as far as I’m concerned. Counting priests and the few staff members who went along, we were a group of 76 pilgrims. The buses were nice and well air-conditioned, and despite waiting for a few strays, we left in time to accomplish everything I hoped to do.

The Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (at a church also named after this saint) was beautiful! Fr. Haft and I concelebrated with Fr. Robert Jager, the pastor, and the congregation of pilgrims tried their best to pray along. I was moved to tears by the beauty of that church and that liturgy. I may have enjoyed it more than everyone else, but I think everyone was edified by the beautiful church and celebrating the Eucharist in this very different way.

Our visit to the Pontifical College Josephinum was brief, but it gave the participants a crash course on modern seminary formation, and we saw some of the beautiful campus, including the main chapel. The Rector of the Seminary, Fr. Steven Beseau, came by and spoke a little bit about the seminary’s mission.

St. Paul’s Church, Westerville, is a beautiful, exciting, breath of fresh air. We saw there what a large (and somewhat wealthy) Catholic community can build to give glory to God and edify the worshipers.

Our time in charming German Village was briefer than we planned, but it was so hot outside that most of us didn’t want to walk around anyway. The meal was nice at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and the bus ride home was peaceful and quick.

Hopefully this little description of our pilgrimage will help you to enjoy the pictures in this week’s bulletin. Thanks again to all who went on the pilgrimage.

--Fr Umberg