It is with mixed emotions that I am writing this final blog entry. I know that I speak on behalf of the group when I say that we had an amazing time, but we are ready to return to our families.
Today we visited the opulent Hermitage Estate Museum, the former residence of Russian Czars, better known as their Winter Palace. Inside we saw numerous pieces of priceless art, original furniture, gorgeous tapestries, and ALOT of gold. Among the works we saw were pieces by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, and El Greco among many others.
After seeing the extreme excess of the Czars, it is quite easy to see why there were ill feelings by peasants leading to revolt.
We also journeyed to the fortress of Peter and Paul. This marked the establishment of St. Petersburg as the capital of Russia. The elaborate church of St. Peter and Paul housed the remains of many Czars and their family members.
After some souvenir shopping at a bazaar across from the Cathedral of Spilled Blood, we gathered at a local pub for our farewell dinner.
This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will always value. I am grateful to have been a part of such a great journey through such amazing places with an amazing, wonderful group of young people. The entire Archdiocese should realize that we have a great treasure in our young adults, and are blessed to have such people of high quality and character.
I pray that this blog offered some insight to this powerful journey of faith.
God bless you and grant our group safe travel back to our loved ones.
In His Service,
+Fr. Luke
