Today, early in the morning, after breakfast, we left for Sallent, where Fr. Claret was born. Divided into two groups by language, we set out to visit both the museum and the parish church. Both places brought to our hearts the humble origins of our founder, his young years as a worker in the looms of the family, and the different times he returned as a missionary to his hometown. We felt at home and the origins of our vocation. At 11:00, with the people of God, we celebrated the Eucharist at the Parish Church of Santa Maria, presided by Fr. Maxim Muñoz, CMF, Prefect of Spirituality of the Province of Sanctus Paulus.
At 13:30, we went to lunch at Fàbrica Vella, accompanied by the city’s mayor. In English and Spanish, the mayor, Mr. Oriol Ribalta, welcomed us and recognized us as relatives of the most universal and recognized people.
After the tour, we left for Montserrat, a Marian sanctuary with deep roots in the Catalan town and the life of Fr. Claret. They explained to us the special bond that united Fr. Claret with this place of pilgrimage. His statue adorns the atrium of the Basilica, next to that of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, another well-known pilgrim. We then had a simple and inspiring talk with Fr. Manel Gasch Hurios, the Abbot of the monastery, in the Chapter Room of the Benedictine community. He mentioned that everything there speaks of God – the beauty of the place, the faith that surrounds the sanctuary, and even the rules of Saint Benedict, which were discussed during our meeting. They aim for us to build our lives and vocation on the foundation of seeking God and loving our neighbor. We walked in a pilgrim’s attitude at the foot of the Mare de Déu de Montserrat (La Moreneta) and finally prayed the vespers with the monks and other faithful in the main church.
And to end the day, we came back tired but with our hearts a little more connected to Vic, our home, where we had dinner and prepared for tomorrow.
Communications Team
