Currently I'm having a bit of a problem with the hotel - specifically that the hotel I had planned to use (and which I used last year and they said they wanted us back) has declined to guarantee rooms, because apparently there is some big tennis tournament in Rome at that time. So I'm working on securing a different hotel, but all the prices are going up like crazy. Everyone is trying to make up for covid losses, but also any remaining rooms are the really expensive suites because (I assume) travel companies are buying up blocks of the cheaper rooms to re-sell. All that is to say, I will re-post my announcement here, but just know that I will not begin accepting deposits until we have a hotel confirmed.
Rome Pilgrimage 2024
Put yourself into the ancient Church and celebrate our common tradition! Immerse yourself in something greater than yourself and experience being a part of the universal Body of Christ, “on the ground” (and under the ground) in Rome! Visit the tombs of Peter and Paul, and stand on holy ground where Christians have prayed and worshiped since the first century.
If you are interested in joining me for my next pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, it is tentatively scheduled for May 18 - 29, 2024.
Please note that this is a walking tour, so participants must be able to walk several miles a day, often over uneven ground, cobblestones and stairs. The pilgrimage is an ecumenical experience - anyone who is Christian and 21 years or older is welcome to join us. Deposits will be due by December 1. More information, including costs, etc. will be coming by email. For questions, and to get on the “interested” email list (no obligation), email me at: [email protected] [jim(at)papandrea(dot)net].
Dear friends - Please take 10 minutes to watch this personal update from me:
I'm back, up and running, and ready to go - I should have a new JOURNEY episode within the next week or so - and because you are my loyal peeps, here is an exclusive, just-for-you, behind the scenes SNEAK PEEK into my new office:
I mentioned in The Journey that I wrote a song based on Isaiah 2, which is one of my favorite OT passages:
In days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain, and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it. Many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations, and set terms for many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
I hope you like the song!
The problem with us men is that often we don't have the wisdom to be a father until we're a grandfather.
This may sounds like some ironic statement that makes you nod your head in agreement but shrug your shoulders in resignation, thinking, well there's nothing we can do about that. But the practical application of that is that it demonstrates how important it is for kids to grow up around their grandparents. But as in our culture the family becomes ever more fractured and spread out, that is harder and harder to do.
Lately I've been thinking that part of the problem is the whole concept of college. It used to be that everyone thought a person had to go to college to make a good living. Not only is that not the case (truck drivers make more money than I do) but now college has gone from useless to actually ruining our kids. But when I went to college, what you were supposed to do is figure out what career you wanted (as if anyone knows that at age 18) and then go away to the college ...
And don't forget, if you would like to read my latest novel:
The Sword and the Clover - just let me know by email.
I'm happy to send you the PDF version, even if you haven't been a monetary supporter of the community - all I ask is that you don't share it with anyone else.
My email address:
Keep in touch!
JIm
If you haven't already signed up - this comes to your inbox no more than once a month, and will keep you updated when new books come out, or when we're leading pilgrimages, etc:
https://jimpapandrea.us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a7c3793af6d238b47f3463784&id=2abdd7219d
