.png)
Hello, fellow pilgrims! My name is Amy Thomas. In 2009, I converted to Catholicism and I started writing to share the Faith. I’m a military spouse and my lifestyle has afforded me the opportunity to travel all over, exploring Catholic places. I have since expanded my writing to include a podcast and videos. My goal is to travel with fellow pilgrims and help them to discover the richness of the Catholic Church and grow closer to Christ. If interested in having me speak at your event or ask me a question, please click below.
My maternal grandfather was the first of my grandparents to pass. He made it into his 90s. One day near the end of his life, my grandma brought him up to my mom’s so that she could go recharge for a few hours. She and my mom went to do something fun and my mom asked if I would watch my grandpa. I said, “Sure.” So, after they left, I asked my grandpa if he wanted to take a drive. He was happy to and we cruised the back country roads for a bit. Because of his Alzheimer’s, he started telling me stories about different things he saw that I knew couldn’t be true. He told me that he used “to work in that field,” as he’d point to one. He’d tell me that he built “that house over there.” I just listened and agreed, because there was no point in correcting him. He was such a wonderful grandfather all my life. He taught me hard work is important, to enjoy the simple things, and gardens are grand. And…always have a joke up your sleeve. He’d always laugh so hard at his own jokes with his eyes crinkled up. I miss that so much. He lived a very simple life in southeast Kansas, but what impresses me the most, is that even though he was virtually unknown in the world, he left such an impression on all his grandkids. The lessons he was teaching us have stuck with us and are even more meaningful today. So many people chase money, clout, titles, and awards, but if you just lead a good, purposeful life, you will make a positive difference. His lessons were taught to me and they’ve trickled down to my kids. That’s a legacy that matters. This month, as we remember and pray for our departed loved ones, let us honor them by recognizing what they added to our lives and trying to take what was best about them and incorporating those attributes into our lives. Have a blessed day, Catholic Pilgrims.
Continue ReadingWhat small town has over 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts a still-intact 1840s Merchant Row district? Main Street Perryville Well, that would be Perryville, Kentucky, which became an official town in 1817. The famous street in town is Buell Street and that is the same street where we find our very unique looking Catholic Church for today's small-town church showcase. This is St. Mary's. You may look at it and think, "Well, that does not look like a church building at all." Your eyes do not deceive you. This building used to be a bank, but it closed its doors in the 1970s and it was purchased to become St. Mary's Catholic Church. Looking online, it says that this is one of the smallest Catholic communities in central Kentucky and this church serves about 17 households. The building is super tiny, so it wouldn't hold much more than that. I think it is particularly quaint and I like the white with the light blue touch added for Our Lady's colors. It looks like there is a lot to do in this small town. The Merchant Row is still active and full of shops to visit, there is a Civil War battlefield to see, and you can also stop to see this tiny Catholic Church. Perryville seems like it would offer a nice day trip. Have a great Wednesday, Catholic Pilgrims!
Continue ReadingThis bridge in Alençon is where Sts. Zelie and Louis Martin first met in April of 1858. It is called Pont Saint-Léonard or St. Leonard's Bridge. These are the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. As Zelie passed Louis on the bridge, she heard a voice say, "This is he whom I have prepared for you." I had a very similar experience when I first met my Dustin. When you learn about their life together, you can see that they were really in love. They loved spending time together, missed each other when they were apart and wrote romantic love letters to each other. They worked as a team, a very holy team. I think sometimes we think that if a couple is striving for holiness in their marriage that, in effect, means it will be bland, boring, and somber. Yes, it should be wholesome, but that doesn't mean it should lack fun, spontaneity, and romance. Even married Saints whispered sweet nothings in each other's ears. And God delights in this. He wants married couples to be in love and to have fun together. He wants them to enjoy each other's company and to build a meaningful life. Of course this means being faithful to each other, being decent and pure in your marriage (no vulgarity or indecent acts) and not subjecting people to over-the-top, awkward PDAs. When you build a marriage that is grounded on the foundation of Faith in Christ, you will build a good life together. Your children will be at peace knowing that their parents are one. Marriage isn't always easy and effort is required. Being in Alençon and seeing the places where these married Saints built a life together, reminded me that there is nothing quite so beautiful here on earth as a husband and wife striving to get each other and their children to Heaven. It makes a lasting impression. Live the Faith boldly and travel well this Tuesday, Catholic Pilgrims.
Continue Reading
.png)
.png)
.png)