I don’t consider myself a runner, but I have seasons in my life when I have been fit enough that a run sounds like a good idea. Before this run, I hadn’t been running previously but I found a pace where I was nearly floating across the ground. It was divine!

I left the dorm and headed towards St Joseph Lake. I took the detour to see my favorite place on campus for a picture. I stopped to video so I could listen and experience my own little piece of heaven after I leave. (It was like a Disney movie, picturesque with tall green trees, birds chirping and squirrels jumping around).

Then I headed back to the lakes but saw a wooded trail so I took it, curious as to where it would lead. I came to a clearing where the walking Stations of the Cross ends. There were a couple of benches and a place to kneel close to the crucifix. Jesus was there on the cross along with John the beloved Disciple and Mary by their side. I knelt to pray.

I took off running again and finally hit my original destination, St. Joseph’s Lake. I debated going the long way or the short way (since I’d take a few detours, I didn’t know how if I’d have the time). I went the long way.

As I ran down the trail, I saw an image in front of me. What I SAW was Mary, the mother of Jesus and she was walking towards me. The image of Mary became to come into focus as I ran towards her. The white veil and tunic became the white hair and white shirt of a woman walking towards me. The blue sash that looked like it was draped across her chest, became the strap of her purse or bag. I spoke a “good morning” as I ran by to continue my pilgrimage.

I came around the lake and watched for the dome to come into view as I turned a corner; there was a complete clearing from the path that framed the dome and the Basilica perfectly. The view was just of their tops, as I looked up from the path that was down below ground level. I stopped there and walked up the hill top of the street where I immediately heard the noise of the morning with cars and people going about their day. I wasn’t ready to leave my sacred space, so I went back down the hill and became at peace again.

I was with God, in the silence of the wooded path by the lake, looking up to the beauty above. I continued on. Once at the end of the path, I decided to stop at the Grotto for a quiet moment to continue this prayer. I was able to find a view and sit for a moment seeing the Basilica behind Mary. I took a picture but the “shine” was so powerful, it make the image almost unrecognizable.

I headed back to the dorm to get ready for the rest of the day. I couldn’t believe the gift I’d been given on my “run” which I know was one of the most sacred of prayer times I’ve ever experienced. It was a morning prayer time pilgrimage which was completely unplanned and incredibly beautiful! Thank you Lord!