Visit to Miami

 

It was a big day.

I visited the Cuban shrine to Our Lady of Charity in Miami about midday, and spent time in the chapel with stained glass that depicts the miracle of the fishermen and the statue. You could see the ocean through the glass, and it was transcendent. Especially with the comings and goings of the Cuban faithful, one or two quietly choking back tears as they prayed. I knew Cardinal Bertone was visiting Cuba today. But I wish Pope Benedict would get there on his upcoming visit to America… We keep seeing articles in the press about the importance of religion in America, because the press are trying to figure it out. Along with Hispanic Americans.

That stained glass window faces Cuba. I sat on the sea wall outside for a while facing Cuba and thinking about faith and politics. It was easier to linger than to leave, but we (my husband and I) finally did, and found that the traffic light out at the intersection with the world was out. Okay…..that happens a lot. But the next one was out. Okay…..so it’s this neighborhood.

No, it turned out to be all of southern Florida, and by some reports, a good deal more of the state.

That hour (plus) seemed like all day, like an eerie state of siege, with four helicopters hovering over the city of Miami within minutes, and no power anywhere. The best way to describe it was….it was a controlled state of panic. The radio news folks were constantly updating whatever they found out, how far the outage extended, where it might be returning.

Made me think about power. All access to the internet was down. All power was shut off.

This sure made me think about how much we take for granted.

And appreciate it more than all the days when it’s immediately and mindlessly available. Nothing like fasting to make you appreciate feasting.

Speaking of which, I spent it this visit with family. That’s a feast beyond words.