A Deo et Rege

We went to the Shrine cafeteria and ate the seafood buffet. It was interesting to see this social and cultural side of Catholicism, especially in a small town. Where I live, small towns are filled with Protestant churches while Catholic parishes are mainly found in more urban areas. In terms of design, it was like any normal cafeteria except it had a very modern looking mosaic of Our Lady of Consolation on the wall. The food was excellent too.

After dinner I went again to pray before the statue of Our Lady of Consolation in preparation for the 7:00pm Stations of the Cross. Unfortunately, we didn’t find out where the stations were being held and arrived late (they were in the old shrine church). This was also my first experience with Stations of the Cross, another Catholic devotion that was new to me. I think it is seen as too negative by many in the Protestant mainlines who otherwise adapt many Catholic forms even if lacking in Catholic theology. It was a beautiful service and the church building was interesting. It looked a lot like the Methodist church I grew up in, except more ornate. But stylistically, it was very close in design.

After the stations, I went one more time into the Basilica and prayed before the statue of Our Lady of Consolation, reciting the concluding prayer. It was sad to leave the Basilica in many ways because it was such a great experience. On the other hand, I certainly took the spirit of the pilgrimage with me and am still doing a novena. I also brought home some of the holy water. I’ll never forget that experience and plan on returning to Carey in April.

Left photo is a statue of Mary; right photo is the statue of St. Therese