FEB 9: We left our hotel at 12:30am to go to the Airport. Most of us took the same flight to Rome where we had a 2 ½ hour layover. Fr. Jim McNamara stayed in Rome to go to Assisi (I really think he is a Franciscan at heart). Most of us left Rome for JFK in New York. After a long trip on the plane we arrived home safely. We were indeed all touched in a very special way, and I’m sure none of us will ever be the same. As now when we read the Scriptures they will forever come alive in ways we never imagined, as we truly walked in the footsteps of Jesus and were renewed by this life changing journey. I personally realize with all my heart and soul how very blessed I am and have been, and I assure you that all of you were in my prayers at every location we visited. I am humbled to be able to serve God and each of you, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity in sharing my experience with all of you. Our God is a God of love and of life. Let us forever give praise to His name!
Your Brother in Christ,
Deacon Patrick LaBella

A special thanks to:
Mr. & Mrs. Mike and Diane Kuhn
Deacon Marty & Mrs. Martha McIndoe
Mr. Christopher Koch

For their contributions and hard work, allowing me to share this
Holy Land Pilgrimage experience with you,
my fellow parishioners of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church.