December 2, Take 2

 Too much for one post.  I needed time to absorb the reality of  St. Iggy’s conversion, before moving on to our other many stops on our first day. I should have realized then that our days would be jam packed with walking on unsteady grounds and taking in the history of each site.  Following our visit to his home, we had 2 encounters of stark contrast. 

               The rotunda of the Basilica of Loyola

            The amazing ornate work at the altars

          A guardian angel to guide us?

And from there, we walked through the town of Azpeitia 

                  The town square!

Back in the days of Ignatius, 1500’s, folks would tie their horses when they visited the busy town square.

The Erbo river as a small creek. It would be our guide for much of the trip, and flows into Mediterranean Sea.

to a small hospital where in 1535,  he nursed the poor who were sick, Santa Maria Magdalena.  This small hospital also served lepers. What small beds!

The pilgrims listening to conversion!

Living the Beatitudes:  (Matthew 5 3-12)

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

          The flowers along the Erbo outside          the small hospital.  A place for the horses too

. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

A small chapel across from hospital. 

The Magdalena Chapel.

So, it was with interest, and a sense of detachment, that I approach this juxtaposition of these three (like the trinity) parts of Ignatius’ life in his hometown. 

Throughout the walk, I would be both in awe, and yet troubled by the grandiosity of many of the churches.  It is certainly not what Jesus had in mind when he joined us and preached the Beatitudes.  

Jeez Louise!