>>Would love to see the actual tilma and all the evidence that non-believers have tried to destroy it.<<
I also saw the “sacrificial cross” — arguably one of the most amazing artifacts of the modern era. Actually, I might have been one of the last tourists to see the original Basilica as time and tide have all but condemned it. There must have been hundreds of cross-wires and struts holding it together. MUI they don’t let anyone inside anymore.
And “tilma” is a more accurate spelling (post in haste, etc.)
>>How many times did you go around on the tread?<<
I think 10 — and we were ALSO blessed to have a priest come out and bless us and with holy water (he actually flung it like a college dorm dude). But we did also get a moment when our holy cars were blessed and anointed.
WHEN (I pray not if), Mrs. FD is declared cancer free next Friday we will do a pilgrimage back to the Basilica (soon, in the next few months) to thank God for His divine intervention. Actually, no matter what, we will go there since He has already intervened with the prayers of all of FReepers and our family and friends. His will be done.
Mrs. FD who has never had a single bad thought about anyone ever, deserves His intervention. I have been not the best Christian, as in, pretty rotten — but I am doing my best for her.
It wasn’t until much later I realized how cool it was we were there when we were and all the surrounding things that are now lost to history.
That is all that is required of you, my friend. I will say a prayer for you and your lovely wife. It would seem that she is on Our Lady's radar, good hands to be in.