Fall Break

And there it was, a heaping Canadian concoction of crispy fries and cheese curds that could barely withstand the smothering of warm gravy drenching its entirety.
Some called it an objet d’art. Others proclaimed it to be pure genius. Yet most simply said “Eww.” Regardless of the reaction, poutine remains one of the highlights of the Fall Pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montréal. Like a good helping of poutine, the pilgrimage was at times cheesy, bringing all those gathered around closer together and eventually leaving everyone feeling warm and satisfied, craving for seconds.
We departed the cozy campus of Notre Dame for Canada amidst a curtain of dense darkness, a testament to our own murky unfamiliarity with our Neighbor to the North. Little did we know that what lay ahead would make for an eventful fall break with individuals starting off as strangers becoming the best of friends… (There’s the cheesy part as I mentioned before.)
After a few hours of sleep intermingled with light conversations with fellow bus riders, we crossed the Canadian border into an alien world of bilingual signs and mayonnaise condiments. Of course, dazzled as we were by the smattering of French here and there, everyone was looking forward to seeing the grandeur of the Oratory. We had been sufficiently catechized on the life and contributions of St. André and were ecstatic to know that we’d be able to visit his shrine to St. Joseph on the first anniversary of his canonization.
In Canada, we saw many beautiful examples of Catholic architecture, from the graceful arches of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto to the elegant maritime charm of the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours. But none could surpass our first glimpse of the mighty steps leading up to the Oratory on Mount Royal, a majestic sight set against a backdrop of a crisp Montréal morning. It was a powerful witness of one man’s trust in Divine Providence, an image that demonstrates how faith can truly move mountains.
The short site-seeing trips and the faith discussions led by the pilgrimage’s chaperones culminated in our two days at the Oratory, a period of reflection and prayer. Like the throngs of people who visited St. André and were cured in the early 20th Century, we left our own spiritual crutches behind at the Oratory during the healing service conducted by Fr. Drew and Fr. Brad. It was an amazing experience receiving absolution in such a warm and inviting place; one could truly feel the presence of God’s doorkeeper as he allowed us entrance into the Lord’s forgiveness.
Fr. Drew had asked us to bring an intention on the pilgrimage so that we might have something to meditate upon. My intention was simple yet daunting: I wanted God to help me imitate the humility of St. André. Although the pilgrimage may be over, our respective intentions may have yet to be answered. Ultimately, however, I am slowly coming to understand the humble resignation to suffering that St. André demonstrated in his life. He is definitely one of the greatest role models for Catholics everywhere. It’s certainly inspiring to be discerning a vocation with a Congregation that helped make a saint out of such a holy man.

Jeremy Dela Cruz