Lolek Pilgrimage

UNL Newman Center Italy Pilgrimage, Day Five: Papal Basilicas, Holy Stairs

“Let’s leave to Mary what we don’t know how to do.
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There’s this space in our heart when we go with great faith and we ask boldly, and when we ask Our Lady, she hears.

Today we stand in this place where through Mary’s intercession miracles were worked. We are reminded of her power and her love for us. She always wants to take us deeper and deeper into the heart of her son, that every Hail Mary prayed is like a golden arrow that pierces the heart of Jesus.

Stay with Mary and Jesus, keep asking. What the Lord does so often is that in our asking, He expands our hearts and draws us closer to His heart.”

HOMILY FOR MARCH 17, MARY MAJOR, ROME

UNL Newman Center Italy Pilgrimage, Day Three: Catacombs & Saint Paul’s

“For 300 years, to be Christian meant it was a death sentence. Here, all these martyrs were buried - popes, laypeople, and everyone in between. They were buried here. What gives someone that strength to die? To give their lives to Jesus?

Their eyes were opened. They saw the world differently. They heard the message of Jesus Christ and they said, ‘I have come to know the Lord and I can’t unsee it. I was once blind and now I see.’
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The grace of being transformed by Jesus, of seeing reality differently, is for you and is for me. When we have been touched by Jesus, when our hearts have been gripped by Him, we see everything differently.

We were once blind, and now we see.”

HOMILY FOR MARCH 15, CATACOMBS, ROME