Visiting the Relics of Saint Padre Pio

A pilgrimage is a journey to a place associated with someone or something well known respected. So I guess you could say I was blessed to have the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver to see the Relics of Saint Padre Pio this past May.

I was more excited than words can express to go out to this Basilica because last year I created the Ultimate Guide to Holy Places in Colorado and this particular location made the list! It has been on my Bucket list ever since! Let me tell you that I was not disappointed! The Basilica was absolutely gorgeous and being blessed to be in the presence of Saint Padre Pio's relics was amazing.

In case you weren't aware, a relic is a part of a deceased holy person's body or belongings kept as an object of reverence.There are several different relics that are available to visit in Italy of Saint Padre Pio. His blood, glove and hair were on display when I went to visit at the Basilica. You can see more up close pictures below:

The glove, blood and hair of Padre Pio are encased to protect them while on display to the public. First class relics are the body or remnants of the body of a saint, such as blood, bone or flesh. Second class relics are something that a saint personally owned, like Padre Pio's glove. Third class relics are those items that a saint touched or that have been touched to a first, second, or another third class relic of a saint. Something VERY important to remember in regard to third class relics is that the touch does not have to be a direct touch to the relic itself.  Merely touching the container that holds the relic is sufficient to bring about that transformation and effect a new relic.

“Moses took Joseph’s bones with him; because he had adjured the children of Israel, saying: God shall visit you if you carry my bones from hence with you.”
Exodus 13:19

If you don't know much about Padre Pio, I highly suggest doing some reading about him. He is an inspiration to many. Padre Pio was born in Italy in 1887. He was one of eight children and had visions of angels and demons as early as five years old! He grew up and became a priest that was sought out due to his healing prayers and loving heart. There are many stories that are shared about this wonderful man regarding the devil, bi-location, stigmata, levitation and much more.

During my pilgrimage, I attended Mass and was truly touched by the reverence that was shown to both the Eucharist and the relics. During Communion I witnessed a man get on his knees and bow before the Eucharist. He then received the Eucharist while still on his knees. 

It was beyond soul-gripping. 

I think this image will be one that I will never forget. The love and respect shown by this man to Our Lord touched me in such a way that I nearly cried. It lit a fire in me to do a better job of showing reverence while I am in Mass and in the presence of the Eucharist. 

People also waited in a line that stretched around the Basilica to stand before the Relics of Saint Padre Pio. The awe and wonder that filled the air was magical. 

I won this beautiful rosary during a giveaway hosted by my friend, Mrs. Andy, who writes over at Anchored by Faith and with me at Everyday Ediths. I brought this rosary with me and pressed it against the relics. Although there was glass between the relics and this rosary I know that there was a special blessing that was transferred and I will forever have this as a way to remember my pilgrimage and the special experience of being in the presence of Saint Padre Pio's relics. I created a third class relic. There were many visitors that did this same thing with crucifixes, rosaries and other religious emblems.

The Relics were being moved across the United States over the next few months. Have you had the pleasure of checking out these relics? Or the relics of another saint? If so, I would love to hear all about it! Interested in more information about Padre Pio? Check out Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

Boys Scouts: Centennial Family Campout

This year my family made the jump into Scouting. Little Man is a Cub Scout, a Webelow to be exact, and Goalie is a Lion Scout, which is a new program that is being piloted this year for Kindergarten aged boys. This new adventure has already made my kids so happy and I am so glad we decided to give the Boy Scouts a try. The first BIG event we participated in was the Centennial Family Campout.

When we first arrived to the Campout location, all the troops present participated in an absolutely beautiful Flag Presentation complete with horse calvary. Both of the boys stood and watched the Presentation with such reverence and stood with a Scout Salute during the Pledge of Allegiance. I can tell you that seeing that I am raising my children with a love of God and Country has become one of those things that can bring this mommy to tears.

I love that the Scouts offer uniforms for the children that participate in their programs. I was raised in a military family and learning to have respect for the meaning behind a uniform is something that has ben instilled in me and I hope that I pass that along to my children. I am absolutely IN LOVE with the morals that the Scouts teach to the children.

The Boy Scout Oath is as follows:

On my honor, I will do my best 

To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; 

To help other people at all times; 

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

To start off the day we made our very own paracord bracelets! The boys actually have several of these because they like the look and they are aware that in emergencies that the cords can be used to help you survive.

In addition to learning important things when you are out in the wilderness, the Boy Scouts brought the wilderness with them to show the kids and teach them about animals and their habitats!

Two big events that happen when you are a Scouting family is the Soap Box Derby and the Pine Wood Derby. Both events involve creating a vehicle to compete with in a race. Well, at the Centennial Campout we were able to make potato cars! We made cars from potatoes and raced them down a ramp. I think the boys learned that peeling potatoes takes a lot of work!

Have you ever attended a Lowe's event called Build & Grow? I think all kids' should have the chance to build something with their hands and this program is a great way to do it! There was a Build & Grow station inside one of the vendor buildings and the boys had such a great time building their very own boats! What made it so much more fun was that they had to rely on the instructions because there were so many people attempting to complete these boats that the attendants were very busy! The boys had so much pride in their hard work and it really was heart warming to see them work together to complete their boats.

As an adult, I have NEVER seen rope be made. I was able to experience that for the first time and watch my boys make it! Their favorite part was playing tug-of-war after all the hard work of creating the rope was completed.

In addition to the crafts, vendors and displays, there were several survival areas that allowed the children to learn survival skills. One such skill was how to light a fire. Unfortunately, the boys only created sparks and never actually got a fire going but they are so ready to give it another try. They have been begging to go out and start a fire so we can roast marshmallows for s'mores and cook some hotdogs. 

Archery was a tough task to master but both boys were super excited to give it a try for the first time. Neither got a bullseye but they have been asking when they can have another chance to practice.

To end our time at the Centennial Celebration we had to end on a high note. What's better than BB guns to children? Nothing! My boys were crawling out of their skin while waiting in line to tryout the BB guns. They had a briefing on "Range Safety". I loved that they even had the boys request permission to enter and leave the range. 

I do not think we could have had a better experience out at the Boys Scout Centennial Family Campout and i can guarantee you that we will be participating in the Boys Scouts upcoming events. I have never had any contact with the Boy Scouts prior to my children wanting to be involved but I think that these group of men and boys will really be a great influence on my boys and teach them lifelong skills. If you have been thinking about finding something to have fun with the entire family, Scouting is the way to go!

Autumn Hometown Hunt: Diana's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Our family has thoroughly enjoyed the variety of family fun activities that are available to us in this amazing place we call home. It just wouldn't be Autumn without a trip to a Pumpkin Patch! Living in a state that has many farms, there were a lot of locations to chose from. Originally, when I created the Colorado Autumn Bucket List we thought Anderson's Farms would be a great location but I did not look to see how far of a drive it was at first. We picked a farm that was not necessarily closer but allowed us to avoid tons of traffic. Diana's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze did not disappoint!

Once we arrived, we had to take your typical family picture together. I sometimes forget how hard it is to get a good picture of us all together, smiling and looking at the camera at the same time! I really like how cute this picture turned out. 

I don't know if you can really see that we are all wearing matching shirts but we are! I am "that mom" and I love dressing my family alike and having my boys were similar and/or matching outfits during special events. I honestly don't know why seeing us dressed accordingly brings me so much joy but it truly does and thank goodness my boys have accepted it and don't put up to much of a fight when I set out the outfits.

I LOVED that Diana's Pumpkin patch offered this adorable photo opportunity with their "How Tall this Fall" sign. It is crazy to me that these two boys were once so little they were inside my belly! Look at them! Both over 4 feet tall! I think the backdrop of the corn stalks made this even better because you can see how tall those amazing things get too.

We are Florida natives and we are accustomed to playing in the white sand beaches often. This wondrous corn bin was more exciting than any sand pit my boys have ever played in before. Little Man and Goalie both took turns burying each other and making corn angels as Goalie called it.  

My husband is a big kid at heart and thought that the corn bin looked like too much fun for him to not join in! He took his boots off and jumped into the corn bin and the boys instantly started to bury him. I am so glad that everyone enjoyed themselves. Plus the nice shade from the covering was a welcomed break from the sun. 

When we decided to purchase a few drinks to calm every one's thirst I noticed a sign for Boy Scout patches. We just recently joined the Boy Scouts as a family this past year and we have had a blast so far! I couldn't pass up the chance to but these for my boys. It took us about an hour to complete the corn maze This small patch will be something that will remind my boys of the awesome time we had together as a family and make them just a little bit more proud to be a Scout!

Here's a few more pictures of our experience on the farm at Diana's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze:

Rubber Duckie Race

My Little Pumpkin Patch! 

One of the best things about Diana's Pumpkin Patch is that the price of admission includes all the great activities AND a pumpkin! We walked through the Corn Maze, took a Hay Ride, played in the corn bin and tried out the other play areas throughout the farm. 

Here are our perfect pumpkins! My boys watched The Great Pumpkin for the first time and that is all the boy's spoke about while we were searching through the patch for our pumpkins. You have to have the perfect pumpkin to carve a great Jack O' Lantern. 

This last picture is what I live for! My sweet boys had such a blast at the pumpkin patch and devoured their caramel apples so fast that they just passed out in the Jeep! Remember your children won't stay small forever so give them an extra hug and kiss while you can. I know mine are getting tons! I hope that you and your family are enjoying Autumn and making memories. If you are in Colorado, I highly suggest taking the drive to Diana's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze!

God Bless!

{JEI}: Autumn Adventures

Time to get have some fun with this week's JEI Linkup and I'd love to introduce you to the other hosts of the Just Enough Info Linkup:

Jessica (myself) – Pinot Noir and Prayers | Instagram | Facebook

Alicia – Sweeping Up Joy | Pinterest | Facebook

Kirby – Under Thy Roof | Instagram | Facebook

Kerry - Fishbowl Fortune | Instagram | Facebook

Kristina - Calidrab| Instagram 

1. Best fall flavor: apple or pumpkin?

I am a HUGE love of all things Autumn and Fall! Pumpkin everything is my most favorite flavor! I still enjoy apple flavored beverages but if given the choice I will always chose pumpkin. I was even lucky enough to come across some Pumpkin Spiced Eggnog during a grocery shopping trip! The boys and I enjoyed it during a Halloween movie night with whipped cream and pumpkin spice sprinkled on top. DELICIOUS!

I still want to try some pumpkin steamers at some point this Autumn. I have also started a collection of pumpkin spiced coffee and tea. I am also checking off all the different pumpkin beers I can too! Sorry, I just can't help myself. Have you seen the meme that says, "At this point my blood type is pumpkin spice"? That's me!

2. The leaves are changing colors, and the air is crisp. What are you looking forward to about fall?

This is my families first "real autumn" because we have lived in Florida for the boys' entire lives. We moved here during Thanksgiving break last year and we weren't sure about whether I would have to return to Florida so we didn't get to enjoy any time out and about in Colorado during the fall season last year.

This year will be a different story! We have created a Colorado Autumn Bucket List and we have already begun checking some things off our list... and added a few! Check out these posts to see what we are planning and what we have already accomplished so far:

Colorado Autumn Bucket List

Autumn Hometown Hunt: Apple Day

Autumn Hometown Hunt: Labor Day Lift Off

3. Do you decorate for the season (and which is it: fall or autumn?)

Yes! Yes! Yes! My family loves to immerse themselves into all holidays! We are preparing for All Hallow's Eve, All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day so this is our current mantel display. We will revamp it after the special feasts honoring the dead into a Thanksgiving display. 

Our patio and all windows are adorned with decorations as well! Pumpkin lights with a motion sensor on the patio. I can't wait to add some Jack O' Lanterns soon! If you haven't created your pumpkin masterpieces yet, I suggest you check out the story of the Jack O'Lantern to share with your children. I think it is a great story of purgatory and can lead to a discussion about life and death that is meaningful to you and them. It is a tradition for us to read the story of the Jack O'Lantern before we carve them and we pray while we carve them after we are done, we sprinkle some holy water on them. It's always a favorite activity during Autumn. Here's the Pumpkin Prayer we use:

Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you and the world you created. (Remove the top of the pumpkin.)

Remove the things in my life that don’t please you. Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others. (Pull out the seeds.)

Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me. (Cut out the eyes.)

Open my ears when I hear your word, so I may learn how you want me to live.(Cut out the ears.)

I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned up my nose at people who are different from me, but who are your children, too. (Cut out the nose.)

Let everything I say please you. (Cut out the mouth.)

Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. (Place a light or candle inside it.)

Amen.

For my family this season is "Autumn". I think its just more fun to say sometimes? I'm not really sure why we say that more than Fall. I do like to create puns with the words too. I think I have a Facebook Album and Pinterest Board with the name "Falling into Autumn"

Well that is my take on Just Enough Info this week. I would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to use the beautiful picture below in your linkup post if you so desire!

Please Join us and Link Up with your answers to this week's questions all about Autumn/ Fall Family Fun! Here are the questions:

1. Best fall flavor: apple or pumpkin?
2. The leaves are changing colors, and the air is crisp. What are you looking forward to about fall?
3. Do you decorate for the season (and which is it: fall or autumn?)

Next week we will be discussing Pets!:
1. Did you have a favorite pet when you were younger? 

2. Do you have pets now? If so, what? 

3. Have your kids eaten dog or cat food (either at your house or someone else’s)?

Feel free to check out the last few weeks of JEI to learn about the link up rules and other fun topics we have already discussed:

{JEI}: Respect Life Month
{JEI}: The Angel Feasts

{JEI}: Mommy Self-Care

{JEI}: Do Small Things With Great Love

{JEI}: Prayer is the Spirit Speaking Truth to Truth

{JEI}: Back-to-School Edition

Introducing the Zelie Group and Just Enough Info

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Autumn Hometown Hunt: Apple Day

This is going to be my families first "real" Autumn! To clarify, we have lived in Florida the entirety of my children's lives and I have lived in the southern states the majority of my life. Since our relocation to Colorado, this will be our first time experiencing a true Autumn! The beautiful hues of the changing leaves, the crisp wind coming from the mountains, the REAL pumpkin farms and so much more. If you can't tell, I am extremely excited about all this and my family has some serious plans to make this the best Autumn we have ever experienced. We created an Colorado Autumn Bucket List and it is growing every day! Apple Day was not on our original list since I did not learn about it until after I created it but we had a blast!

I came across an event called Apple Day in Penrose, Colorado thanks to a friend and me and the boys decided we just had to go check it out!


Here is a quick summary from the Penrose Chamber of Commerce:

"Penrose, Colorado is called the Gateway to Fremont County. For over 75 years, the people of this hospitable community have proudly been welcoming tourists and locals alike to its annual Apple Day celebration. This event always takes place the first weekend in October and is greatly anticipated by all those who have attended in years past.

Long before Benjamin Franklin penned the phrase, “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away,” people have been enjoying and loving apples. They come in many varieties and colors, and are healthy, crunchy, sweet or tart, and economical.

This celebration commemorating Penrose’s apple crop lasts all day. Start out with breakfast in the park put on by the Volunteer Fire Department! The V.F.W. always has delicious fare, as does the Penrose Senior Citizen's Club and some of the local churches. There are so many events going on, that it is hard to list them all: a softball tournament; a fun run on the Penrose School health trail; plus lots of vendors selling crafts, art, and lots of good things to eat."

Little Man had a football game early Saturday morning so we were unable to arrive in Penrose until the Parades began!

What kind of apple parade would you have if you didn't have some Apple Dumplings?! I was literally overwhelmed by the amount of cuteness in this parade! There were Apple Dumplings and Apple Day Queen! Below are a few pictures I snapped of the elementary school floats:

After the elementary school portion of the parade, the town incorporated many different aspects into the parade. This included a flag presentation (the boys LOVED this because they are new Cub Scouts and are learning the importance of love of God and Country), tractors, fire trucks and even Santa made a debut on a motorcycle! Funny story, Goalie has been singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town for the past few weeks (I am not really sure why but he is my quirky kid that makes me smile) and when he saw Santa he said "Hi" to him then turned to me and said "OK, we can go now." Like he knew Santa would be there? and that was the only purpose of going to Apple Day. I laughed so hard. I hope he keeps that innocence for a very long time. 

After the parade, the amazingly hospitable town give out a traditional FREE slice of apple pie. You can add a scoop of ice cream if you so desire for only $1! The boys weren't huge fans of the Apple Pie but I think that's my fault because it was lightly seasoned and I over season everything! My whole family just prefers being hit with full flavor. Although they wished it had more cinnamon and spices, they finished every bite. But really... who would waste Apple Pie?

In addition to lemonade, pie and an assortment of other goodies, there were also bags of all types of delicious apples you could purchased by the bag including Jonathan, Honey crisp and Gala!

I purchased some Lemonade slushies for us to enjoy with our delicious Apple Pie and we walked along the street and looked at the many vendors that came out for Apple Day. There were so many great arts and crafts on display and there was even a booth to get yourself registered to vote in the upcoming elections. I felt that the town did an amazing job creating such a fun family friendly event. 

Because of the early football game, the boys and I were exhausted after a couple hours of the Apple Day festivities. I wish there would have been a few more kid type events in between the parade and after noon concerts too. The boys had the goal of staying for the evening fireworks but they were ready to go home around 2pm so they could eat and take a nap. This festival definitely got us in the Autumn spirit and we are ready to more Fall activities. 

That was our first experience with Apple Day and it was a fantastic way to start the month of October! I can' wait to share more of the great activities and fall fun we have planned for this Autumn season so make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to get sneak peaks on the fun to come!

God Bless!