I know a few people are wondering why the drop off in posts in the past week or so.  The reason is the Covid pandemic short-circuited my hopes for performing weddings in English by beautiful Lake Lugano.  They dried up with the pandemic, so after discussing the reality of the situation with Mons. Zannini, the Vicar General, and Andrea, the Chancellor, I shared with them that I would return home after a most pleasant visit among them.  They, too, were disappointed in the reality of the ministerial situation, but understood my decision to return. So, I’m on my way.

One thing you have to visit in Switzerland either from or to Zurich, is the beautiful Einsiedel Abbey.  This magnificent active Benedictine  monastery was founded by St. Meinrad about 835 AD, and is located 19 miles from Zurich.  I’ve visited and offered Mass here a number of times, especially as I began my sabbatical in 2013.  The high baroque interior raises your mind and soul in prayer.  It is, in a word, exquisite!  And here’s why…
Over 200,000 pilgrims visit the Abbey every year. Many are on the famous Camino to Santiago de Compostela in what is now present-day Spain.  It is a privilege to offer Mass in the Chapel of Grace where the relic of St. Meinrad is preserved.    I offered Mass at the Abbey in August 2016.  One more stop tomorrow on the way to Zurich Airport.