I am ashamed to say that I taught in Dyersville, Iowa for two years without once stepping through the doors of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier.I was told about the beautiful windows and sanctuary. "Oh, you must see it!" Everyone said.
But I was too busy or didn't think of it or didn't see the point.
We made it to the Field of Dreams. My children hit a few baseballs from home base. But I never visited the most important place in the whole community.
My only defense is that I wasn't Catholic then. Being Catholic makes all the difference.
It looks like I will have the chance to visit that part of Iowa again in a few weeks. And if I am passing through Dyersville at a time when the doors of the Basilica are open . . . I plan to stop for a visit.
I will go into the sanctuary and see the beauty. But I will also genuflect, cross myself, lower the kneeler - and thank Our Lord for the journey of grace that has brought me home.
On this, the sixth day of the third week of Advent, I pray for Fr. Phillip Kruse and the Basilica of St. Francis of Xavier.
May those who live in this community - though not Catholic - see the light of the faithful lived out before them . . . and may the Holy Spirit bring about many conversions.
Blessed Advent!
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