Pilgrimage to Saragossa

We went to visit the shrine of Nuestra Senora del Pilar after spending two days in Bordeaux. We took the train to Saragossa, Spain and were met at the train station by two of the brothers from the novitiate and provincialate communities. After the main meal we took the tram to the Plaza of Peace and walked to the Plaza of the Pillar where the Basilica of St. James is located. We celebrated Mass at the chapel of the Pillar; this is the shrine where Fr. Chaminade spent many hours of prayer when he was exiled from Bordeaux for three years (1797-1800). He received his inspiration to found the Marianist family under the protection and patronage of Mary. The next day after the main meal we left for Bordeaux to continue our pilgrimage in the surrounding areas of the city.