Another rendezvous with Therese of Lisieux

When I planned this little 4-day excursion, I knew it was going to be cold. I thought Champion/Green Bay, Wisconsin was going to be the worst. It wasn't. As I left Green Bay, the temperature was 8 degrees, but it continued to drop. I dealt with blustery winds and swirling snow for the entire 4 1/2 hour drive.

The Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux opened at 10 AM in Darien, Illinois and by that time the temperature had dropped to 0 with wind chill factors more than 20 degrees below 0. This was one of the 2 or 3 coldest days I have ever experienced in my 61 years on this rock called Earth.

This is the kind of cold where your hands are still stinging 10 minutes after you come inside from just walking from the car.

I'm still glad I went. In fact, I'm gladder. The weather was just one of the things the devil used to try and block these graces and he lost big time. I still kept my appointment with a saint who has captivated my heart.

This saint has been following me everywhere since October when I encountered her in Lisieux, France. This saint has taught me how to suffer better. Anyone who thinks they can get to heaven with no suffering is just deluding himself/herself.

I was able to join in Mass at 11:30 AM.

There are all kinds of statues and relics too. Another wonder.