March for Life Trip

I want to first apologize for not writing in my blog as often as I promised. There are just days where thoughts will not form onto the screen. Plus, I hate to complain and vent only with each entry. For those who read this blog, thank you for sticking around. Personally, I have no idea why people read this blog, but thank you either way.

This past weekend Camille and I went to the March for Life 2012 in Washington DC. We left on Friday because I, myself cannot go to DC without visiting the museum and visiting my boys (I will explain that later). We were worried that the trip getting there would be a little difficult because of the snow storm that passed through, but alas with God’s wonderful Love and a lot of salt trucks it was a decent drive.

So for the first two days we spent touring DC area, Friday was touring what we could of Alexandria, Virginia which if anyone gets the chance, go visit Alexandria, beautiful “Old Town” is just an amazing place to be. We decided while on this trip to visit at least one local restaurant and it was in Alexandria that we found a great joint.

It is called Bugsy’s Restrurant and Sports Bar. I highly recommend the place if you are in the DC area. Plus, I will post more about it in my ‘Local Eats’ blog. After eating and touring the city of Alexandria, Camille and I headed off to our hotel.

It was on Sunday that started the March for Life events, with the Vigil Mass for Life at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. You actually got good seats, in the middle section in the Upper Church. One of the biggest things about this Vigil Mass is you have to get there EARLY, because it reaches the limits of maybe 5,000-10,000+ people cramming in to be participate of this Mass. And you have to wait awhile, about five hours+ until the Mass even begins.

It was beautiful to see so many young people (young teenagers to around my age) participating in this Vigil, but also standing for LIFE, from conception to natural death. Right before the Mass began I found, well Camille found them first was a religious community whom are from the Central Ohio area. The Children of Mary, is a very contemplative community. They are small community, but growing, hailing from Newark, Ohio. Camille and I were able to provide them seats with us. So, I finally knew someone at the National Shrine, whom I knew I could talk to.

Also whom we met at the Vigil was Teresa Tomeo, a radio talk show host, but also author of “Extreme Makeover” a book on how women are victimized by culture and how to conform to Christ. I had met her briefly at the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference, but because she was a main speaker, a lot of women wished to meet her and so, I never really spoke that much to her. But, on Sunday she was at the National Shrine signing books (which I forgot mine at home in Columbus), but she was kind enough to take a picture with Camille and I.

When Mass finally began the procession itself took either almost or over thirty minutes with all the Seminarians, Religious Novices, Deacons, Priests, Bishops, and Archbishops. It was long, but how AMAZING and WONDERFUL it was to experience. The homilist was His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, the Archbishop of Galveston-Huston; his homily was beautiful and direct on why we were there, to protect LIFE, to give a voice to those who are voiceless.

Camille and I finally left from the hotel and got back about 11pm. The next morning was to be the big day, to practice our rights to protest. We were told it would be thunderstorms on the day of the March. But, I knew from the past experiences that I have come to the March, thunderstorms would not stop us from marching up to the Supreme Court. But, what happens it rains for a little bit, but no thunderstorms. That did not happen until when Camille and I were leaving DC area.

We decided to stick around the Dominican Friars, since one Camille and I were representing the Lay Dominican St. Catherine of Siena chapter at the March, but also because we were hoping to meet up with Saint Patrick’s Parish and Fr. Gregory said they would be around the Dominican Friars. I like marching with the Dominican Friars, the one year I went alone, I had no idea who anyone was and felt that it was my family I wanted to be around as I marched, so I found the Friars.

As the March finally began I was excited, and joyful to be a voice for LIFE. One thing I can tell you about this protest, there is no anger that I ever felt when marching, no I feel joy and when I march. The news media doesn’t want happiness they want anger, they (media) is up for a buzz of HATRED, this MARCH is for LOVE!

It is difficult to explain my feelings and thoughts while on the March, but I think sometimes pictures speak my voice and all those who came to the March this year.

God Bless,

Ms. Nikita, OP

St. Dominic pray for me

Today was my interview for my first promises (used to be called vows) for the Lay Dominican St. Catherine of Siena Chapter. I have been waiting for this moment for a long while and cannot wait for December to roll around.

These interviews are really a great reflection for me. Not only to I let them know how being a part of the Dominican Family has a great influence on me, but in turn I learn what they have seen in me with their own observations. One of the major things I have learned within the Dominican family is a great joy in loving the Lord through all trials in my life and the most important apostolic work is those that deal with family.

Speaking about family just a few moments ago I called my Granny and she informed me on the condition of my Great-Uncle, who was sent back to the hospital, they found he has an infection and he is being cared for. I am really at a lost with this, but ask for many prayers for him and the family. Guess I need to find a way up there to the hospital in the few days before I leave for Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Why to Ann Arbor, Michigan? For the great reason that there professions of first and final vows for the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist (Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist ). I know the Sisters who are going to be professing their first vows. It is so exciting to experience their vows. I know they will be happy to see not only me, but Camille as well.

Anyways, back to today so after my interview, my dear friend and sister in the Lay Dominicans, Emily took me to lunch at a new place called Milestone 229 and what a place. It has a great selection of food, wonderful service and a nice view of the new park that has a water fountains that you can walk through and get wet. It would be fun if I wasn't going to be going anywhere else. :) The prices for this place were actually reasonable and nice servings too. We got a desert and on my word, what a cake. We got a LARGE slice (see below this paragraph) and small jug of milk. Emily and I agree it is for four people to eat, not two. We had left overs of the cake and I had left overs from my pizza.

After lunch Emily and I went to the Saint Joseph's Catholic Bookstore that was going out of business and so there are many good sales. It is sad to see it leave, but sometimes little selection and not much word of mouth maybe the cause for its downfall because I know many still thought the bookstore was in the basement of the Cathedral. I got three Holy Cards and a Navy Military Cross for JR. I wish I had more money cause I would gotten more. So, where did we go next well, Emily wanted me to have an experience of a good book store.

She drove us to German Village to a book store called "The Book Loft" (The Book Loft). It is a bookstore that has thirty-six rooms (for it used to be an actually family home) with nothing, but all types of books. I would really recommend if anyone comes to Columbus, Ohio to please check this place out for not only do they have 5% off the book price (or more for some books), but it is just assorted and there are many odds and ends there too, like journals, bookmarks, puzzles, and games. I wanted to get a few books, but with no money (only what I need for dinner and movie tonight) I was unable to get them.

The books I wanted to purchase was a hard copy (no e-book) of "Just Like Heaven" by Julia Quinn, and then a few books by Georgette Heyer (1902-1974), who I can say sadly I did not know her name, but certainly I want to read her books. I wonder if the library has some of her books. Maybe, but still I would like to read her books and even better I did not know how long ago her books were written.

Well that is all. God Bless.

Nikita