One week after Viatorians returned from an 11-day pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal, the beauty and sheer majesty of their basilicas continues to linger.
The Cathedral of St. Mary of Toledo is dedicated to the ascension of Mary.
Led by Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, and Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, the group included mostly parishioners from St. Viator Catholic Community and St. Thomas More Catholic Community, both in the Las Vegas area. Fr. Lawrence Lentz, CSV, Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, and Associates Shelley Aguiar and Anthony Gugino were among the nearly 45 pilgrims.
“For me it was the sense of the holy in all the magnificent churches, cathedrals and basilicas,” Br. Rob said. “The churches in Spain allowed me to feel the presence of God all around in the magical and awesome architecture and religious artwork.”
In all, the pilgrimage visited cathedrals in Fatima, Portugal as well as those in Spain, including in Seville, Granada, Toledo, Cordoba, Madrid and the largest of them all, the Basilica of the Segrada Familia in Barcelona. Its construction started in 1882 and now is scheduled to be completed in 2032 or 2033.
Segrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona
“The Segrada Familia Basilica by (Spanish architect and designer Antoni) Gaudi is stunning and unbelievable,” Br. Rob said simply.
Nearly all of the churches included elaborate art work and images from the life of Christ above the main altar. Some were embellished in gold. Many of these medieval churches were built in the Gothic style, during the Renaissance.
“I really enjoyed seeing the Cathedral in Sevilla,” Anthony Gugino said. “It was built in the 16th century with an enormous golden alar and sanctuary, and that it is the largest church in Spain — and fourth largest in all the world. The architecture and attention to detail throughout the building, made me reflect on how much time and effort went into constructing these beautiful structures for the faithful to pray in.
Blue stained glass windows inside the Segrada Familia
For Associate Shelley Aguiar, who made her first commitment as a Viatorian associate just weeks before the trip, the pilgrimage served to deepen her faith after seeing how much beauty the Spanish people poured into their cathedrals.
“The faith of the people, through the centuries, is reflected all around Europe, and particularly in Spain,” she said. “The church and the faithful can be credited with preserving the magnificent works of art through wars, rebellions and natural disasters. I wish all American Catholics could see how their faith is reflected in the art work of the European countries.”
Both Fr. Egan and Fr. Rinn said private Masses during the trip. Fr. Rinn celebrated an intimate liturgy in a small, parish church in Seville, while Fr. Egan presided at a chapel in Fatima, at the beginning of the trip.
A side altar inside the Seville Cathedral
“It is my hope that your faith may be deepened, that you come to know the height and depth of Christ’s love,” Fr. Egan said. “For if there is any reason to come to Fatima, it is that we be filled with the fullness of God.”