https://www.denisemercado.com/blog daily 1.0 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7f905a17-85f3-4323-828f-f3c833243dbf/CMA_Award_Seal_2023Book_.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d573d7ff-2a66-43da-a43b-da5c02d4a251/gold+Readers+Favorite+Award.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/porto-part-2 monthly 0.5 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2062015e-8132-4e22-9aea-14c0cd5687e4/addtext_com_MTI1NDMyOnd3dzI6NTMyMA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Porto - Part 2 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/porto-part-1 monthly 0.5 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fd9da732-8603-43f8-b5a7-9a4e546197ec/addtext_com_MDk1MzUxOnd3dzEwOjE2NTU.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Porto - Part 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a98f471c-74d6-40c9-9966-2589f04aa6f4/20260214_093640.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Porto - Part 1 - The blue tiles on the outside of the church were stunning. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/manresa monthly 0.5 2026-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5d555c8d-a87c-4705-9afb-286cec2e275e/addtext_com_MTIyOTUwOnd3dzExOjIwNDc.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Manresa - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/discover-new-stations monthly 0.5 2026-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c527897c-72ed-49c3-b89c-4d7d1d39e6b8/addtext_com_MTAwMzM3Ond3dzEwOjE2OTIy.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Discover New Stations - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/st-raphael monthly 0.5 2026-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c8e509f2-1e9c-4f97-9ad5-d5753c6deb3e/addtext_com_MTE0NTM0Ond3dzEwOjE0MTc.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Close to Home! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/tucson monthly 0.5 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/844323ff-25b2-4823-b061-22ebc2ab6a41/addtext_com_MTIwNDUyOnd3dzExOjQ0ODY4.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Tucson - So Much History! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/phoenix monthly 0.5 2026-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c7bacf3d-8324-4380-ba4e-0ea9f96d54d4/addtext_com_MTIwNjM4Ond3dzExOjQ0ODc5.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Phoenix & Another Cell Phone Miracle! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6a3945df-ee15-40f7-a4b4-45ad557b3ce3/20251215_124100.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Phoenix & Another Cell Phone Miracle! - Construction of the upper church was completed in 1914 and was dedicated on February 11, 1915. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6b183082-d2ab-401f-af30-0677803c2c9a/20251216_131742.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Phoenix & Another Cell Phone Miracle! - My visit with my granddaughter, Taylor and her boyfriend, Taylor, was wonderful. We had lunch at a great barbecue restaurant and then went to a nearby outlet mall. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/shrine-perryville-missouri monthly 0.5 2025-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/07adc15b-8573-42ef-ba11-c45ac682f693/addtext_com_MTYxNjQ2Ond3dzExOjE4ODY5.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - National Shrine - Perryville, MO - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/263827fc-8022-4c10-b280-599d70ff6c59/20250924_092325.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - National Shrine - Perryville, MO - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4929d458-a9b5-4744-91e1-134e9506a7de/20250924_093308.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - National Shrine - Perryville, MO - One of my favorite statues was that of the Blessed Mother at the beginning of the Rosary Walk. This statue features Our Lady as she appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in the first apparition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3f758ccf-ad7e-4647-88fc-7772be4bce12/20250924_142536+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - National Shrine - Perryville, MO - Davis depicted an Oblate missionary and his airplane on a sick call to an Inuit (Eskimo) mission with Our Lady appearing surrounded by rays of the Northern Lights. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/st-louis monthly 0.5 2025-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/caeb4fca-95a9-4c39-a219-957108385b08/addtext_com_MDkwNjA3Ond3dzExOjE0ODQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - St. Louis, Missouri - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c51e5a24-02af-409c-a0f1-2dfc354f4d51/20250922_101930.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - St. Louis, Missouri - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/glacier-coeur-dalene monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5cb409d9-437a-4da2-a61b-ee994bd50360/addtext_com_MDk1NDMxOnd3dzI6NTE4MjY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Many Glacier & Coeur d’Alene - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8d13345f-8969-48f6-9368-d790f6694fe3/20250808_180248.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Many Glacier & Coeur d’Alene - Here is a beautiful picture of the entrance to Glacier National Park. Note the gravel road! When I first came to Glacier in 2023, this was where I got my flat tire. I was told then that plans were underway to pave the road in 2026. But here I was again in 2025 driving on this gravel road entering another one of our very beautiful national parks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2ab4bc36-d38b-4064-8441-687205b95c7d/20250809_063018.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Many Glacier & Coeur d’Alene - The next day, we woke up to a beautiful mountain scene. This picture was taken from my hotel window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/93ae09c8-a8ba-45e6-b715-c7a5fde17593/20250809_123405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Many Glacier & Coeur d’Alene - During this adventure we visited the Lake McDonald Lodge and Apgar Village – both located on this beautiful scenic road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/56de72c2-b6fe-41c6-98fb-75bb798f4b9a/Heading+HOME.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Many Glacier & Coeur d’Alene - After this beautiful 14-day adventure, we traveled to Spokane International Airport where we said our good-byes for now and headed home. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/yellowstone monthly 0.5 2025-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a636f284-78ec-4b54-b908-9c92d15cf044/addtext_com_MDg0NTA2Ond3dzI6Mjk0NTY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Yellowstone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4a7a7d9d-07a8-4404-9ed0-5be2c29bacb6/20250805_142545.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Yellowstone - I must say, Old Faithful did not disappoint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/88438218-8c14-4e01-8729-73b2a813174d/20250806_115947.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Yellowstone - It was during this time that we saw bison on the road near our car. I was grateful to be in the car when they made their debut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c7d9c6c8-17f5-4dc0-b3cb-12cd152078cc/20250807_102212.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Yellowstone - Here we are at the top of the hike, exhausted but happy beyond words! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/77809629-e794-41ac-9ea9-b1b16377f4cf/20250807_114415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Yellowstone - We ended our adventure at one of the ice cream counters near the Inn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3c10b631-6b12-4159-96ea-d260ccfe3873/20250808_122821.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Yellowstone - This cathedral was modeled after a beautiful cathedral in Vienna, Austria. The construction for the Cathedral of St. Helena began in 1908 with its first Mass held in November 1914. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/grand-teton monthly 0.5 2025-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2c6c57d6-66de-462a-ada8-70d7da316f27/addtext_com_MTEzNDQ1Ond3dzExOjU1MzE.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - BEARS & a Cell Phone Miracle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c3c29bd9-dce9-4c48-9580-7cb1ca92e7ae/IMG_20200407_193259925.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - BEARS & a Cell Phone Miracle - This is a picture of Liz and I at one of my birthday parties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bfe05593-09a1-41b4-948c-aba9f4696e5f/Jackson+Hole+Airport+1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - BEARS & a Cell Phone Miracle - From the moment I stepped off the plane, the scenery was breathtaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3ab03602-17b3-4256-8517-c08142582313/20250802_203543.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - BEARS & a Cell Phone Miracle - Here is a picture taken from our cabin at the lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/619c4077-b5a5-422b-a3b5-765600e97754/1+Cell+Phone+MIRACLE.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - BEARS & a Cell Phone Miracle - We made it out of the trail by 3:30pm and took this picture to celebrate our victory. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/montreal-churches monthly 0.5 2025-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f6aae5dd-1227-48b8-9e43-5144d87c9816/addtext_com_MDg1MTAxOnd3dzI6NzYxOQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/02e7997e-5446-402e-ba4a-f7fd9584f5d4/3.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - Christ Church Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral. The first Anglican ministry in Montreal began in 1760. The present cathedral was built in the mid-1800s and consecrated in 1867. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749372964357-HX66NC3ORO321QNE5JYW/2.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749372971925-0PF6JVIYGWMB68Y8JMZT/4.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749372975249-ND37UY3FFKN9OQ5KM85V/5.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749372976943-TB9BUV99JEXK1JOQ7JK1/6.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8c8ff550-7d98-447e-925a-31490b89cd90/10.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - The first was a special light show that was held at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373181175-VMDFQJCTSTNIYL57R1LM/AURA+1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373187814-M8VFQYZRYCK0J8HICWGG/AURA+2.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373184423-SQ2J67H89GMN8Q93H3C9/AURA+3.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/08db66d0-3815-472a-a698-0cf9671f41dd/13.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - This beautiful structure is a minor basilica and national shrine in honor of Saint Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus and a very important part of the Holy Family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373409973-2OC2UN0NMJJ49X2U2FGV/16.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373409291-U04MDBUGM6GM7R7DRIAO/17.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373411337-D9O973VGNZC8E7I8NOLJ/18.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373414015-5S1KIJ9EZRPW3Y8RN4QM/19.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/373d0dbb-3741-43d1-b122-00694f9c0a4d/22.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - The Marie Reine du Monde Cathedral or Mary, Queen of the World in English, is a minor basilica and the third largest church in the Quebec province. The construction of this church began in 1875 and was consecrated in 1894 under the name Saint James Cathedral. The church became a minor basilica in 1919. It was rededicated in 1955, and the name was changed to Mary, Queen of the World. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3222af9b-816a-4147-a395-b353db4f99ea/33.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - My favorite church in Montreal was Saint Patrick’s Basilica. The woodwork and architecture throughout the church was quite stunning. Saint Patrick’s is a minor basilica. The church opened in 1847 to serve the needs of the growing Irish community in Montreal. Its first Mass was celebrated on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1847. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373741570-TPZ3KB8HKTXJ7Z48X3OB/29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373754086-OTJ2P8E2G9X8RLCVYBP5/31.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373774925-PKO23A9DE6IHJCRKUXD5/35.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749373779061-OEI0SBNP603BTEBTYZLR/37.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/de72bd99-c2f3-4759-a4bb-fc9999be9180/38.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - The third item on our list was a day trip to Quebec City with a visit to the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral-Basilica of Quebec. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5cc21f78-ea79-453a-b015-cfabddd43cc8/47.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374110172-YDL676YPOCAQWLLKJU22/39.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374106249-NSYS7MCGUQSJOCE2NY2I/41.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374109101-H8PFNDPXQLNFXY92BUUP/42.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374111784-TUZ4RDDVYYYNW7NFXEFU/43.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/01f9b1f2-8a90-4042-ac71-a253098b59d7/59.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches - The highlight of this day trip was a visit to the cathedral-basilica. This beautiful cathedral-basilica is the oldest church in Canada. It was also the first church in Canada to be elevated to the rank of minor basilica. This occurred in 1874. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374346260-2V4ZJLOBMATJD50SSKFI/60.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374354713-USURS7FREW1I682RCQWQ/63.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374359849-RASWUI1M1RRMZJVQ9LKJ/64.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1749374363820-G65DJUPBGOYI1VX6HZQ7/66.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montreal Churches https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-award monthly 0.5 2025-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/629ccdc1-3bc2-4f1e-ac26-33d50669068e/Screenshot+CMA.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Award! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bb3f6d31-790c-4c56-ba75-96c901077f2c/Screenshot+CMA+Award.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Award! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/76e646f0-1692-4982-aa45-ffef420fa696/Screenshot+CMA+Award+2.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Award! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1751621567740-4FZ9DH4BRRIPCMJV67ID/unsplash-image-fYqQBr0EzkA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Award! - God bless all and Happy 4th of July to everyone! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/lost-things monthly 0.5 2025-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e3f42aad-775e-45cd-a407-0adef693ebd5/addtext_com_MTE0NTUwOnd3dzExOjI2MjE.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When things are lost! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1ee207f8-d43b-4cc1-b37f-09ce8a78129e/58298183-lost-items-3d-rendering-street-signs.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When things are lost! - Has anyone ever encouraged you to pray to Saint Anthony when you were looking for a lost item? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a705b68b-f026-49f1-b299-a72aa16bbd5f/prayertostanthonyforlostitems-1_orig.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When things are lost! - From that moment forward, I called upon Saint Anthony for anything that was lost – mostly my phone and my keys! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/local-treasure monthly 0.5 2025-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3a765b90-4f3b-4211-8e0d-f8a03010ebd8/addtext_com_MTYzNDU4Ond3dzExOjUwNTU.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Local Treasure! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-backyard-project monthly 0.5 2025-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/33451dff-0a0b-4062-838d-c1b03292e097/addtext_com_MDkxNzA0Ond3dzEwOjI5Njcz.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Backyard Project! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cdbd29b4-38cc-418e-a75a-b2d15ae9d88a/20250506_091517.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Backyard Project! - She was in bad shape after spending seven years under the hot Florida sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d445e52b-fe8e-46b8-9355-8cdf18688aef/20250506_104623.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Backyard Project! - After a good scrubbing with Dawn dishwashing detergent and hot water, she was ready for painting. I purchased several colors from Lowes and began the project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0cef9eac-802d-40d4-9e36-86963343d8d4/20250517_012221.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Backyard Project! - In the meantime, I am enjoying the beauty of the Blessed Mother statue in my yard – especially at night. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/podcast-with-dr-bryan-thatcher monthly 0.5 2025-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c383a55c-3e68-48bc-b76d-4222e3c5ac08/Podcast+Announcement+wDr.+Bryan+Thatcher.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Podcast Announcement! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/brussels/three/day/trips monthly 0.5 2025-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f4d35d28-a613-4e88-8f5e-a672212bf45b/BLOG+cover+page.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ec3a14aa-dee0-497b-a844-e0f09f4b5ffc/20250407_125343.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - The best part is that this statue has an extensive wardrobe consisting of over one thousand different costumes. When I first saw Manneken Pis, he seemed to be wearing blue scrubs. However, I visited him on my last day in Brussels and the outfit was different. Be sure to watch the video below to the end to see that different outfit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f4b8f0d6-87f2-48d1-9592-1688ee5a7364/20250407_125707.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - Technically, we should be calling these delicious fried potatoes “Belgian Fries,” and they were everywhere along with mounds of chocolate and waffles with all kinds of toppings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745872851957-6NHOES8CTQTUCW20QOV3/20250407_125528.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745872856269-R836ZEOWY80LWHUUL15D/20250407_125800.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745872868779-BS8YPK9MGTDFY96YL0LD/20250407_130016.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745872881499-TK59TTFCZY95WLXZE9FG/20250407_130832.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/aea2e876-10f0-4b1c-9f61-b58d1cc7a443/20250407_131545.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - As I walked through the streets of Brussels, I quickly came upon the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula. Both saints are the patron saints of Brussels. We all know Saint Michael the Archangel but who was Saint Gudula? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/04285795-d3b9-4089-97b7-5471350f8634/20250407_132756.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - Saint Gudula is a Christian saint venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. She was born in Belgium around 646. She was the daughter of the Duke of Lotharingia. She received the veil from the hands of Saint Aubert, Bishop of Cambrai and was educated in Nivelles Abbey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f5a1a99d-a555-4902-a312-d330c765d927/20250412_174003.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - I also attended the Palm Sunday Vigil Mass at the Cathedral, also in French. Here is a picture of the palms that were distributed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/084f242f-fcf7-48ac-8ed3-b3f36743a836/20250408_100235.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - The next morning, I was on my way to the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The basilica is a minor basilica and parish church in Brussels. King Leopold II laid the first stone in 1905 during the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence. Construction was halted by the two world wars and finished in 1970. This church is the 14th largest church by area in the world and the largest in Belgium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/046e161e-93ac-4f82-a010-3302e1e55d45/20250409_085035.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - Mechelen is in the province of Antwerp in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is one of Flanders’ prominent cities of historical art and was notably a center for artistic production during the Northern Renaissance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/be866910-b351-4a2b-9256-c9beee53779f/20250409_091206.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - One of the main attractions in Mechelen is Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral. Saint Rumbold’s nationality is not known for certain, however, it is believed that he was either an Irish or Scottish missionary. He was martyred near Mechelen by two men, whom he had denounced for their evil ways. Saint Rumbold is the patron saint of Mechelen and his feast day is June 24. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3d4cf115-e38e-4a61-a1d8-ca6cc2eb488f/20250409_102635.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - While getting lost on purpose in the streets of Mechelen, I found the Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk. This basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica and a famous place of pilgrimage in Belgium. The church was built after a miracle of Our Lady on a local ship. The basilica opened in 1681 and contains another detailed pulpit created by the 18th century Flemish sculptor, Theordoor Verhaegaen. Stay tuned for an explanation as to why these pulpits were created this way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6ce6fc46-1650-4a86-8b34-e280a5c96977/20250409_142342.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - I arrived back in Brussels earlier than expected. I continued getting lost in the city and in doing so came upon an amazing museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745874001474-B5UPEJ4A378WTVDMX2HQ/20250409_142611.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745874012292-RSQOCLFSKI0A4OEY4QG3/20250409_142722.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745874021539-537CXUMM8OBD4B839U9Q/20250409_143530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745874025434-DE0B3UJ9419QIRBXFZI8/20250409_143621.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/29e32cfe-a0eb-4211-9160-46622bc21b34/20250410_105254.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - The second amazing find in this church was an explanation for the detailed woodwork found in the different pulpits throughout Belgium churches. In response to the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church initiated radical reform known as the Counter-Reformation. Greater emphasis was placed on church teaching and the pulpit was given a prominent place in churches. Just as stain glass windows and other art pieces are used to share scripture, the detailed woodwork in the pulpits provide the same opportunity. The explanation provided for the woodwork in this pulpit is from the Book of Proverbs and proclaims faith to the world. In addition, the platform where the preacher stands is decorated with scenes from the New Testament. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c72e8c1d-a68d-4941-ba58-a27ce2b3d781/20250410_125530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - Once at the main market square of the city, I found the Befort van Brugge Clock Tower. The clock tower was added to the market square in 1240. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/81182f29-b696-4463-bf80-a9469a8dcd80/20250410_130053.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - In a smaller square near the main market of the city, I found the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This was a beautiful basilica, much smaller than the others I have seen. The church houses a relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus collected by Joseph of Arimathea during the burial of Jesus. According to tradition, the Count of Flanders in 1150 returned from a crusade with the relic of the Precious Blood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/66874455-db47-49a3-b0ff-15af6aca4d88/20250411_105530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - As I walked around the perimeter of the inside of this church, I noticed displays on the life and works of Saint Peter Damien. Saint Damien provided care to the leper colony in Molokai, Hawaii from 1873 until his death in 1889. What I did not know is that Saint Damien was born in Belgium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c539e040-033a-4f42-a1c6-8fb1c7ec773b/20250411_105724.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Brussels in April and Three Day Trips! - Saint Damien was initially buried in Molokai, but his remains were later transferred to Leuven, Belgium in 1936 to honor his legacy in his homeland. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/amsterdam/three/day/trips monthly 0.5 2025-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/06cdcc7c-a343-4198-9997-b9fab4bf694f/Blog+Cover+Page.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/464fc354-25dc-40ab-a132-5b6ad8e61b91/20250402_105516.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - I found one of these hidden Catholic churches on a busy shopping street in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5c903db6-2b77-468e-9264-69b4692b1900/20250405_162951.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - This church has been entrusted to the Jesuits since 1620. Since that time, there has been a Jesuit church at this location. The current church was built in 1881 and opened in 1883. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fbf38077-a195-4dc6-bd07-b5d50ea4a237/20250404_151017.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d359fa73-d3e5-4922-8c0e-aae206e1d8ab/20250404_134946.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is the city’s primary Roman Catholic church. Construction for this beautiful basilica began in 1884 and was completed in 1887. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d7c0c455-dbb6-4fe4-b0e3-4bd46a5c9e29/20250402_112113.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - One of the unique architectural features in Amsterdam and other nearby cities are the hooks noted at the top of the homes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7c29887c-f4b2-4c72-be50-af62007c3e11/20250402_115039.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - As I waited for the canal tour to begin, I noticed the Anne Frank House. Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish girl who kept a diary documenting her life in hiding during the German occupation of the Netherlands. I remember reading her book The Diary of a Young Girl in the eighth grade. Her story touched me in so many ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b26b1dbe-05b5-4f89-991d-5ce26ba7cc0e/20250403_093235.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - Scattered throughout Haarlem I found gold tiles indicating the names of Jews deported and killed during the Nazi regime. I had seen these stones before in Italy and Spain. These stones are known as Stolpersteine or Stumbling Stones and are placed in the pavement outside the last known residence of the victim along with their date of birth and where they were sent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/158b75bf-c721-4078-8114-762308ac9e9d/20250403_101443.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - This city gate was created in 1355 and is the only remaining city gate in Haarlem. In 1631, a new canal and towpath were created near this gate which made it possible to travel back and forth to Amsterdam on the same day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8ca85c76-ff6f-4576-a267-a946fe02b041/20250403_102601.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - As I continued my stroll through the city, I saw a sign for the Oldest Museum in the Netherlands. The Teylers Museum in Haarlem was established in 1778 and opened to the public in 1784. It is considered the world’s best-preserved public arts and science building. The museum houses a collection of art, natural history, and science artifacts, including fossils, instruments, books, coins, and drawings. I enjoyed touring this museum and experiencing the beautiful history of the Netherlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745326833631-DG70R1056BVE14H42P6S/20250403_103009.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745326845045-340HDOQQIO2HA2OBK8N4/20250403_104739.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745326863961-EGD2WCPJETA5B8NA2TTL/20250403_103836.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745326872381-PIQIJCH1S7MH8E4VANI9/20250403_103824.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/12066d16-3cb2-4855-a8ba-175bc9398c40/20250403_110528.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - On my list of things to see before heading to the town square was the Corrie ten Boom house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f6e87c73-5561-47d8-9a1f-4bd51c583e86/20250403_111136.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - In the beautiful town square of the city of Haarlem is the Great Church of Saint Bravo. Saint Bravo is the patron saint of Haarlem and is often depicted in Christian art as a knight with a sword and falcon. This church is a former Catholic cathedral built in 1479. It was confiscated in 1578 and converted to Protestantism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ad9c3561-3a83-405f-8de5-96550727fd84/20250403_111618.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - One of the main features of this church is the beautiful Christian Muller organ. Many famous musicians played this organ, including Mendelssohn, Handel, and the 10-year-old Mozart, who played it in 1766. There are also over 400 gravestones on the floor of this church and are displayed in the video below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/87713b22-04da-4c33-9122-e025a5448a95/20250403_114507.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - On my way, I stopped at the De Adriaan windmill. This windmill has been a part of the Haarlem skyline for centuries. The original windmill was created in 1779. The windmill was destroyed by fire in 1932 and was rebuilt in 2002. Near the base of the windmill was a beautiful café where I stopped for lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/699c0d93-2d51-435f-b717-f979608442d1/20250403_135559.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - The original Catholic Church on this site was Saint Joseph Cathedral. However, this church proved to be too small resulting in the planning of a new cathedral in 1853. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e15af301-340d-4e02-8c51-88851d859407/20250403_140826.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - This picture captures the love of a mother toward her son. Her eyes and facial expression speak to me. I can easily hear her say, “Do whatever He tells you.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745327877598-H0K5D7UTT3GV2U3YSIZN/20250403_144849.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745327876799-T60GF82D1E8YQ4BYST16/20250403_144909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745327891286-XN6FEHJCH1J8OEB7ES73/20250403_145010.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745327888527-MSRJZ8152ACH9HO0OOP0/20250403_145126.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cead28a2-9bc4-49cb-aa5e-a95d291002d8/20250404_101410.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - The next day, I traveled by ferry and bus to Keukenhof where I spent the day in a beautiful garden full of tulips and many other beautiful flowers. Also on the grounds was a windmill overlooking fields of colorful tulips. More beautiful pictures and footage in the video below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cb969ae6-9a56-45ed-88be-39144f8e97b7/20250405_094327.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - After browsing through the market, I made my way to Saint Martin Cathedral. This cathedral is also known as Dom Church. In Dutch, it is Domkerk. The Dom Tower was started in 1321 and finished in 1382. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours and is the country’s only pre-Reformation cathedral. Saint Martin Cathedral has been a Protestant church since 1580. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/82227ac7-353a-43f2-b641-e2000c013e01/20250405_103554.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - In Dutch, Saint Catherine’s Cathedral is Catharijnekerk. This church is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria and was built as part of the Carmelite friary founded in 1456. The Knights Hospitallers worked on the construction of the church in the early 1500s. The church was completed in the middle of the 16th century. From 1580 to 1815, the church was the home of a Protestant community, however, in 1815, it was returned to the Catholic Church. I enjoyed the beauty of this little church and was grateful to the woman who provided a private viewing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745328522836-4GLUQ3V91KXB7X6TM2U8/20250405_105649.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745328535502-FH2QOIH2XU1DB603OCAZ/20250405_110229.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745328572150-5IKN8BQRVQC3ZGB95JWQ/20250405_110912.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1745328599222-Z7IVA4WGYYOIWOOV2W90/20250405_105530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/02d2f42b-e2a6-4ec5-8936-bc37bbacf4c5/20250405_110626.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Amsterdam, Tulips, & Three Special Day Trips! - My favorite sculpture in the museum was the Pieta. For me, this rendition captures the grief experienced by the Blessed Mother in this scene after Jesus’ death. Her face is completely covered. The darkness around her face speaks of the intense grief she experienced. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/franciscan-center-emmaus monthly 0.5 2025-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a0422ae6-e57c-44c4-b81f-a3a89fd42367/addtext_com_MDk0NzAzOnd3dzExOjExMzQ2.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Franciscan Center & a Special Retreat! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ebdfcded-9b2b-4f49-9753-e7c1c53ac30f/20250222_092722.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Franciscan Center & a Special Retreat! - The chapel was always open, and the tabernacle provided Jesus’ presence in a very special way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/78b160f1-06fe-429b-89f7-3e2f79796b97/20250222_092758.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Franciscan Center & a Special Retreat! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1740607028720-VPOXEBV8L4QWZLH21Q8N/20250222_092729.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Franciscan Center & a Special Retreat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1740607035552-3KIIM3IR68KB294EBC66/20250222_092809.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Franciscan Center & a Special Retreat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1740607052863-KYT43EZBI8W1EJGP1D45/20250222_123547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Franciscan Center & a Special Retreat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1740607319997-UD301ZTA4MX91BQQRD9G/20250222_093922.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Franciscan Center & a Special Retreat! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/sedona-arizona monthly 0.5 2025-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/caee0ce9-d077-4893-83c8-34e47f5214df/addtext_com_MTMzMzI2Ond3dzEwOjQ3NzU.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/931517ed-fc3c-4ba0-92d0-d9202b0a2f2a/IMG_20210413_085551778_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/85c5743c-041d-4c56-b6b8-f2467a87f453/IMG_20210413_085714144_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7c5fb44e-dd8c-4af0-8d66-b2aeaacb2e80/IMG_20210413_090408257.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - Here is a view from one of the points as I walked up toward the front of the chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/61ba064f-dcdc-42e9-a876-03aefb613f9b/IMG_20210413_092653484_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - The front of the chapel was quite interesting… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b251c0f3-6e11-41e6-b888-c39ecbe49a6e/IMG_20210413_090932543+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - The cross was the tree of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7ef5501d-7db5-42f7-b62e-27fd2eab201f/IMG_20210413_091224591.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - At the base of the tree was the tabernacle… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a1bc32c4-6c34-4d9c-b6a5-f297833f5b70/IMG_20210413_091807783.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - To the left of the altar were a set of footprints… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/246a31d6-7eb0-483f-b599-e21117982744/IMG_20210413_091822891_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Treasure in Sedona, Arizona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/sicily-new-hip monthly 0.5 2025-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b064fb4d-0d0b-4fd9-b603-aa70d2865749/Blog+Picture.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9767dd6d-1af7-4bce-a3df-b0161182e2b0/20241205_083324.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - One of the first familiar sites was the cannoli. They were everywhere! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ba48e10d-3f13-4eea-a0a8-eaa14b92168a/20241205_084446.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - My first visit in Palermo was the Palermo Cathedral. In this cathedral is a beautiful chapel dedicated to Saint Rosalia. The outside of the cathedral was stunning and on full display in the video below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/766680b2-3338-454e-a4c0-c1e453da940c/20241205_104921.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - Men and women were entering the church with roses. Some were placing their roses in a vase placed in front of a statue of the Madonna and Child. Others were taking their roses through a side door and proceeding to what looked like a courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0819194f-12f8-4256-a78c-e7fb71c3687d/20241205_115022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - I continued walking the streets of Palermo and soon came upon the Teatro Massimo with a beautiful display of red poinsettias. The Teatro Massimo is an opera house known for its acoustics. It is the third largest opera house in Europe. Seeing this building made me think of my mom and her beautiful operatic voice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9142769d-68bc-45af-b4b7-f992967384f4/20241205_144729.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - As I continued roaming the streets of Palermo, I came to the marina. It was a beautiful sight with the Sicilian mountains in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2623d8fc-7742-4bae-820e-a1e7248a4ef8/20241205_165943.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - I found the Christmas markets located near my hotel. After a nice dinner in a local restaurant, I headed back to my hotel happy to have seen so many beautiful things in Palermo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0de39b03-ff53-49d4-9f9a-556790b79fed/20241206_093552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - From there, I headed to the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel. The Royal Palace was the seat of the Kings of Sicily. Since 1946, it has been the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ef786b04-2153-4cb3-83eb-92f3a4be309f/20241206_103805.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - The Blessed Mother is the Immaculate Conception, and she is the one being celebrated on this holy day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/04023b85-c7f1-4c42-a6b5-cada15474cc2/20241206_110402.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - I had an eggplant salad and calamari. It was wonderful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/253fc9d8-9c8c-4bd6-a104-239a175375ab/cefalu+cathedral+.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - The Cathedral of Cefalu is a Roman Catholic basilica and one of nine structures included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalu and Monreale. The cathedral was built between 1131 and 1240. The building has a fortress-like character and can be seen from the train as it enters the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fa67618d-4f1f-431e-aa37-c8b0f0bdbd63/20241208_194041.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Sicily & a New Hip! - Here I am with John, the best travel agent in the world! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/mary-help-of-christians monthly 0.5 2024-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/97a8bc11-46ab-49b9-a7f2-f509e7a1f6f9/addtext_com_MDQzMDI0MTQ5MDY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Another great discovery close to home! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/57b5df4a-7c22-4be4-a5b8-81ca14c27738/20241123_125906.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Another great discovery close to home! - This event was a huge success with Mass celebrated by our bishop – Most Reverend Gregory Parkes on the last day of the event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8ceb9436-fc68-476b-819c-15cc1a1b8315/IMG_20241123_164647.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Another great discovery close to home! - At the end of the event, I had the pleasure of taking a photo with Celina Mary (center) and Nermine Khouzam Rubin (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1732701024354-PU94UQ2X4XRPMEPWA7PO/20241121_142218.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Another great discovery close to home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1732701024565-2R9Y2Y8W4E5WLGPLJ7YG/20241121_142226.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Another great discovery close to home! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-christmas-display monthly 0.5 2024-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/731a2900-4d43-46d5-9880-57ded6650141/addtext_com_MTIxOTIxMTY1Mzg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Christmas Display - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/abbey-gethsemani monthly 0.5 2024-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/17b0e2af-85d2-48e6-aea5-15adf48db25e/addtext_com_MDcyNTAwNjI1OTI.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Abbey of Gethsemani - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1726522408884-RW6MNJPK8KM1Y13MRRD3/20240826_104612.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Abbey of Gethsemani https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1726522393579-88SUXCC0IT0ZEZQMLUW5/20240826_100149.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Abbey of Gethsemani https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1726522401703-63QERIMCV0YYTNKITOKN/20240826_100200.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Abbey of Gethsemani https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1726522408770-3UIU6C0BNBC6SQ5L2S1E/20240826_104635.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Abbey of Gethsemani https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/ark-encounter monthly 0.5 2024-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/db6d6e1f-d81b-4d43-bdc7-38de673ec416/addtext_com_MDQ1NzMwNzM1NjI.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Ark Encounter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/covington-kentucky monthly 0.5 2024-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7a254e8b-f294-4d5d-aff1-2e641b31da15/addtext_com_MDQxMjMzNDI4OTY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Covington, KY (largest stained glass window!?!) - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725179727579-PYISZBS5OCOP4B426VMV/20240823_125106.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Covington, KY (largest stained glass window!?!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725179740613-U0KB6VQHUVQFXUT0L2TE/20240823_125801.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Covington, KY (largest stained glass window!?!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725179738740-LQA7SPVLFU05NNU8D5ZF/20240823_125815.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Covington, KY (largest stained glass window!?!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725179743176-RX5NOLQFL40QHBJ14T2B/20240823_130851.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Covington, KY (largest stained glass window!?!) https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/notre-dame-village monthly 0.5 2024-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c5b224c1-b55f-4f1f-8163-fde06e429d6e/addtext_com_MTU0NzEwNTYxMjU.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Notre Dame Village - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7d41a820-f3f7-4db2-b8f2-1ac11860a772/20240821_135446.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Notre Dame Village - Although I was looking forward to discovering more of the history of the Sisters of Notre Dame, my main reason for visiting Notre Dame Village was to finally meet Sister Kathleen Glavich, SND. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e2f09fc8-11a8-47c4-9d35-0f699634d279/20240821_140751.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Notre Dame Village - Here is a picture of Sister Kathleen’s art piece displaying the chi-rho symbol for Christ and a book signifying her love for Scripture. The Holy Spirit is her inspiration and appears in her art piece as a dove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/038f1a4f-a16e-4fb0-9686-fc52d52249d5/20240821_134452.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Notre Dame Village - As we continued our tour, we came to a special room that provided a map displaying the worldwide outreach of the Sisters of Notre Dame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/826a8d97-728e-4260-a786-c60d1d0aa04f/20240821_130652.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Notre Dame Village - Another beautiful, peaceful place was the Sisters’ cemetery located on the grounds of Notre Dame Village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/05687108-7bd4-481c-895b-8d42f7ad5cb1/20240821_130557.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Notre Dame Village - In the center of the cemetery is a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/cleveland-ohio monthly 0.5 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d2927662-a01f-408d-b80e-65fdc51a1879/addtext_com_MTI0MjQ5MjQ3OTY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036638836-QFWD8HFGQCHGA1SJ9964/20240820_101121.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036643281-LINFWF0LZT70F5E8VA5V/20240820_101136.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036649350-GJEIZKZTXKHYHVH2O2U8/20240820_101317.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036653457-LZU88C559FHWFVZXKH73/20240820_101339.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036656805-2TSM1AKZNDWJSGG6ZKYI/20240820_101356.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036659523-5W5TA3AGJ9CKQGZ6NGVF/20240820_101427.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036662778-Q0F0DXA1ITGBXO0CQA3V/20240820_101444.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036664840-R5EYRLKPHH444HZUMI4F/20240820_101455.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d7a059eb-6dcf-4544-9ccd-7ab8696fa78a/20240820_101534.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e74566cf-2342-4081-87b7-76ca63650a7c/20240820_101717.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio - People from the diocese, other parts of the country, and the world, come to the cathedral to make a pilgrimage and enter through these doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2fd8bb45-e2fb-430b-8297-0bd5ec00d761/20240820_105335.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio - Here are some amazing photos of this beautiful House of God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036943933-4WASFR6FX4OIPMGE93EW/20240820_103106.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036949367-XIA56UDMPYH2M22GJ18W/20240820_103131.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036979524-MI9DRRIMDCAVNFRML9B9/20240820_103439.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036984587-8Q4JTGTMVVZ8EXCFNAEX/20240820_103519.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036984864-Z8T1NO0C6XGPYCZ9V16A/20240820_103613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036995450-KFRMNLHZVRZ0ZHJHK69C/20240820_105053.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725036997882-URJGR4HM6HDZ0TGLTK48/20240820_105101.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037007288-721P4VNL6JWJ79PO5MLS/20240820_105327.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/11a074d6-a444-400c-9fdb-170ad8a6366b/20240820_141628.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio - It’s a major award! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037463204-3NZVUS4IJNUU6LMA898P/20240820_141639.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037462935-DPI906BX8ZMELOXY7H60/20240820_141704.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037469591-7G1P9VMAZNSKIRRABQOG/20240820_142029.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037469799-TC0F5DTYQJQPWHF269GN/20240820_142624.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037477129-BEHCRI3KIOHW6VBXXOQC/20240820_142703.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037476923-YWGDIQYGW7SYX3DF6872/20240820_142708.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037482887-NVOZW0B6853LPYB3L30Z/20240820_142735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037483203-WYL5F15LYZ96ZN07I74U/20240820_142739.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037545804-QJ6MG4WZ97V0G3I3AUAH/20240820_143731.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037543045-TCRAP474QLA4WEELFUPS/20240820_144819.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037549756-GT7O3ASDRPT28KR8YZBX/20240820_144910.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037550972-IHBAUR5HORXT4L6G7FI4/20240820_145413.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037555183-BI0S28XPADIEH7BWRQZG/20240820_145439.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037554817-LBJHJMCVYZM8PCLXDSXR/20240820_145500.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037556383-I30GIA7A9MLZSGX71EDV/20240820_145932.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037559399-KFCHAPZW51J7CMWHX5PL/20240820_150322.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037631910-5MI6HTFI3MGDACYT0P5M/20240820_134645.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037637007-78KT6VXIJLSZXD92U0MY/20240820_134744.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037639389-NF3EKKBK06LF5D98166G/20240820_135005.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037642806-ACB5GQNKWI9MHA62T33F/20240820_135140.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037644041-0XZK6AUN6VIXJNW1LUTL/20240820_135255.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037648700-ODF3FEOHRSRU2HT2SRRF/20240820_135331.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037647988-XFUDE3OARW53FP0XSC5G/20240820_135840.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1725037650118-1LYFOXYPFETR76K2ZLGV/20240820_135909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/420480e0-14e0-4189-a70e-ee616a167be2/20240820_140628.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cleveland, Ohio - And if you’d like, you can spend the night at the Bumpus’ House. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/aloha-state monthly 0.5 2024-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/df3c4450-2154-40e3-bb97-9541025ba071/addtext_com_MTIxODEwMTYyMjY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e1da1b01-6d7a-4492-a5e9-443c34f00588/20240615_141532.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State - Our plans were successful, and John II was completely surprised. We spent a wonderful week together celebrating Father’s Day on June 16 and his birthday on June 18. Of course, we also toured the island and saw so many amazing sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767142806-UL1Q7BRL5HBLEFXWXFH7/20240615_142325.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767143332-BXIRGUSQ76NFXOXFVFKC/20240615_142326.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767155124-NK2ZL7YOOCA3SS7JSN48/20240615_150258.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767172383-2XS7AN6ELFINTQVHB1BP/20240615_154337.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767177577-GMMGG5OBJJHWWQRG25VP/20240615_154600.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767193318-JYQZCWWK1PA4QK08ACVS/20240618_131344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767177301-KSDAXGWM67VUTCWO3WR5/20240615_162008.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1719767206929-L5G73MLW5UIDH0YQIVXF/20240618_131955.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3b628bbe-eee6-401b-bde7-151aeeaffc67/20240615_163537.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State - This was a simple parish. But the people were so welcoming and dedicated to each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2deb8477-9c5c-4428-9a03-76108ec9650a/20240617_104413.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State - One of the women came to me with a seashell lei and placed it around my neck with a warm welcoming hug. The lei had a pretty yellow rose with a tag indicating the name of the parish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f863bb78-e8c9-4ef1-9823-396b4c5ddada/20240615_181240.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State - The San Damiano cross is a Romanesque cross. Saint Francis of Assisi prayed before the original designed cross in the Chapel of San Damiano when he received the call to rebuild the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4a487cf5-0c62-4a6d-a755-40dc15e0d047/20240615_181308.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Aloha State - Who is this saint? https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/arctic-circle-baptism monthly 0.5 2024-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7351d9fa-ca90-4b4b-9326-9e874eca10a1/addtext_com_MTAyNjQ1NTg0NjA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d4911266-1635-43af-b6e5-34fa88495d72/20240521_122254.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism - This church was built in the form of a cross with wood imported from Norway. Unfortunately, the church was locked. I enjoyed walking through the town of Husavik. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d730ebd2-bef1-40ee-b2b7-80417b2ec59b/20240522_072408.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism - The beautiful mountains were perched above the fog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866829462-O1RW52K4PJCK97PIL6M2/20240522_072458.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866829489-7UTXJL96F4GRYVW753GY/20240522_072502.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866833629-T7IBUE97KNZKYZ23JH1Q/20240522_072551.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866834043-2SW9P2WBEXH6YJOFTCTH/20240522_072636.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866838859-U97TYD1V4VFFSTUKD7AE/20240522_072818.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866839072-B1HFA9R3WJ90KODVQSXD/20240522_072821.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866895229-376UBES4DVOBZP7TITQM/20240522_072851.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717866898924-XWQR2MJS3EUKUZZYR44P/20240522_082534.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ba82f1bc-aded-4b60-9536-688bab4151d2/20240523_155242.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism - I am ready to explore the water caves of Iceland! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867539352-N7HWSC0ND5RS0VB4UWDH/20240523_160721.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867537645-ACWIO7NJ1BJ2AH9YYBBR/20240523_160729.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867542506-JT424XROMM9TW4YOLNZU/20240523_160928.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867544097-UZAF8KJ2P1QSKREYPDMH/20240523_160932.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867547704-S49DBZTNI7OJTRA3CDIF/20240523_161253.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867552331-4X4GQO4QXZ6YL97VYWGN/20240523_161904.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867550154-S5ZADB4RYS0O83FN2Q6G/20240523_162427.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867556510-VNL22ZL4WQ4DGMOPXQJG/20240523_163054.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867562026-22WGC1D3SSUHP3NG45EN/20240523_163114.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867561263-KXTXKOAZQUOPEHQ474I7/20240523_163131.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867570209-CUQMCYAHY2BUSS7HNKGT/20240523_163323.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867571417-WT7DA7YTWO0XKAC1UGJZ/20240523_164015.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867575672-FGNIO78Z4TGUEHEWKAMG/20240523_164134.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867583133-EUF8DDR6RPX6Q8LUHU88/20240523_164238.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867580556-YS6W4JUK09VRPSF2FWHS/20240523_165525.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717867588643-3G6JD2CURBLB7EI8TS0J/20240523_165542.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Arctic Circle Baptism https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/circumnavigating-iceland monthly 0.5 2024-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4e399caf-ac36-4eff-ae2c-795a9f3ef464/addtext_com_MDczNDU1MTcwNzM.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e6907218-ee6d-4c9d-8250-009a4ef6b7ff/20240516_081829.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/46847109-9c04-4c5d-bd3a-a669d2eb2e46/20240516_144358.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - This was an expedition and different from what I experienced with Hurtigruten in Norway. One of the first differences was that I received an official Hurtigruten parka when going through the onboard process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fa119180-b18d-4123-a280-211b442204a1/20240516_153636.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - The walking deck at the top of the ship was spectacular and provided excellent views of the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581532547-6U81P8H23OIKPH0PSQSW/20240516_153731.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581532566-BHUHW3G0Z0LD55H1IOD6/20240516_153834.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581537235-8RKAY8X5D6EWYEWSRUNQ/20240516_153837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581537302-OSB1PHUC2Y2K0ZJ59I2Z/20240516_153841.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/08fb694d-909a-4946-a488-1bb22fabe0e4/20240516_154004.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - Deck 10 had a beautiful lounge as well as a swimming pool, two hot tubs, and a spa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581666643-TLMDQ0UI2UGA73X0P48M/20240516_154129.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581666737-JRLCO5QTQUPTNGPBGTE9/20240516_154336.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581671980-WRSQQ9XR86XXSWIB5VTE/20240516_154342.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581672117-DIJ9LAQUOAVCEVHXID96/20240516_154412.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d9841322-6946-43b3-9c9f-09fc7bd8c002/20240516_155428.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - This was an excellent way to start this expedition. And then, came all the amazing food choices! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581814376-YYR5CHG5DHI4M90K06X5/20240516_184122.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581814404-BIMC24Y7GVNUOHCEQX69/20240516_184131.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581820997-USNFDDV8FVKQ9LL6IGPX/20240516_184152.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717581820789-8OCMQEUOF2DE6V7HTBJB/20240516_184203.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6c4d50ff-acec-4672-83ea-60d3c37c097c/20240517_132556.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/03236b1e-b2ac-4193-8eda-e31e17d76c0c/20240517_135106.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - In this town was a beautiful red lighthouse that was perched high on a cliff. I knew the views would be spectacular and so I headed to the top. It was there that I met Karen and Susan. The views were amazing, and I was grateful to have someone take my picture in front of the lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582538503-U0S4EL2Z5HWJ45MJB34G/20240517_141715.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582538729-A4QSB8VU1I45KFUAHDFN/20240517_141909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582543845-KUZF7Z804R66HE8TOPN5/20240517_142616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582545252-3TC3CQJE5X1GSMKQN18A/20240517_142756.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ce91ea04-3033-4371-85ca-6696cae9a4b3/20240518_093747.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - The next day, we visited Patreksfjordur with a population of around 780 people. Once on land, we traveled by bus to the cliffs and beach area. It was very windy and bitterly cold. I could not imagine what it would be like in the dead of winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/568f5ef4-a723-4f91-abb2-06367aa6fb58/20240518_092047.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - Although the weather didn’t seem to bother these two! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bb4db09a-36f2-4267-b92a-c60a899bc456/20240519_104825.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - On Day 3 of this adventure, we visited a Sheep Farming Museum near the village of Holmavik. The museum was very interesting. Connected to the museum was a small coffee shop. The owner prepared a special rhubarb cake that was shared by all visitors. It was another cold, brisk day. I was grateful for the layers of clothing and my woolen socks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582989266-VGYIYVFGEM6CT2M26FQZ/20240519_105013.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582988538-SI1K4M34O2LR1DGVHSJZ/20240519_105023.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583024644-FFASUWVMD8MEERGBYW4T/20240519_110101.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582992521-LRX5IYUUOZXM4ZGYAVLG/20240519_105345.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583024499-FN1ZA0WYM1DCHAQRQG7M/20240519_110147.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717582994641-2HGTAIREG3VJMQCD44O5/20240519_105357.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583031717-3NUWHQW71ERDBX9XJAWQ/20240519_112255.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583031912-OO78MOS50HJHCETI8RCZ/20240519_112414.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/30501f1a-e52a-42c4-a964-bfa34087b608/20240520_094405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583332779-LHMXEJFD316YYYNGVAL2/20240520_095136.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583339746-R0HETJDLK9N5Y1N1C42F/20240520_094418.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583356218-EES9B8CFFLV2ZYNDZ1DJ/20240520_093853.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583355829-643V3TXSZK39097OHYLO/20240520_093931.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0b24c06e-cd03-43a8-bce8-36dcb2093217/20240520_112059.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583478773-5SO0YDVVKETKP1CA8A8K/20240520_111932.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583489346-SQUCHPLX4JPE8KBPP4PW/20240520_112302.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583488426-QGL280Q8R9M1UQU0WEI2/20240520_112448.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717583490391-DD5TSN8A4TH57VBGJJ47/20240520_112458.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Circumnavigating Iceland https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/reykjavik monthly 0.5 2024-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/40b07995-e2e5-4466-a9fb-adb7e1131cee/addtext_com_MDcyOTIzMTcwNDA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9f736263-660f-43de-aafc-f1ccab49a9d0/20240514_103308.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717328676708-YBAT0CBOVCL0NUEHSM94/20240514_102032.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717328676741-RHPHDRB8REVIQ0DG2XDF/20240514_102040.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717328682281-93XFDH8TN6SJYZTCRYRW/20240514_102927.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717328680209-5SXJ8IV8N1YFR0PKXXXY/20240514_103302.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b27e2f01-ed1d-4d91-b95a-51f64b2b9f41/20240514_104228.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik - This steel sculpture was created by Jon Gunnar Arnason and resembles a Viking long ship. However, the intention of the artist was that the structure represent the promise of undiscovered territory and provide a dream of hope, progress, and freedom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/636ff7d9-ae4a-4c78-8696-82e75f213df9/20240514_115447.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik - The iconic landmark in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja Church. The name of the church in English is Hallgrim’s Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717328990216-TCO4MQC0YULSXEAQ3TO7/20240514_120616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329005713-CNM2QZIM7KYNNHW0KFRO/20240514_120844.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329008320-F1WOXW7H4UOOWUH1BTOQ/20240514_120909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329011354-J5BM25865S24CIC4JVFF/20240514_121022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329290813-M4IBBFM6BP5NQ16CPMZ0/20240514_123151.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329288266-ASIIVVQDXX5HV3THXTW8/20240514_123204.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a01ccc84-5a5d-4f60-aca4-d7fdb68f928e/20240514_124314.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/535b8bb6-0876-4c83-80c1-6ab1f1645b2a/20240516_101035.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik - Saint Thorlac was born in 1133. From a young age, he was deeply committed to serving God. He became a priest at the age of 18 and served the Icelandic people throughout several regions in Iceland. After a short illness, he died on December 23, 1193. Five years later, Thorlac was declared a saint by his successor, Bishop Pall Jonsson. Saint John Paul II confirmed in 1984 the canonization of Saint Thorlac. In doing so, Saint John Pual II also declared Saint Thorlac the Patron Saint of Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329613148-CPIXOSHD9OMPRVY3F7E1/20240514_172041.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329647710-EDRD3Y6XYLV25ZRUKRPK/20240515_093229.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329653552-1QW69TFU34VO08B9LY14/20240515_093441.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329657641-VIEZETRL2NHP6YVI4RZB/20240515_094217.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329662506-ULVHEHA3B09WKSMA4AEU/20240515_103116.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329669566-AUEHZIYQUQXVIBZ7WQKI/20240515_103249.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717329671502-7FRT692OK9UAEK1LGOBG/20240515_133121.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/83f72b49-494a-4a3b-bf53-2474137bc2fe/Hurtigruten+Route.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reykjavik - Stay tuned as I share my nine-day Hurtigruten Expedition. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/maronite-rite monthly 0.5 2024-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7f76863a-8218-4d9f-8a02-8da7f3094f4d/addtext_com_MTYwMjA0NTMwMTI.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ca410fdd-83cc-4a91-ba3b-49911273defe/20240504_084604.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite - Saint John Paul II referred to the Eastern and Western rites of the Catholic Church as two lungs within the Body of Christ. Both lungs, as pointed out by Saint John Paul II, “breathes the breath of the Holy Spirit.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359326761-Q9Q6KNHWIV69HVE5E7U1/20240504_084121.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359326781-A2HG0L8X2JL85EOYQ8MU/20240504_084123.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359333305-SWWG1URPXZZCB42YJAEL/20240504_084131.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359333537-8SA4PQ62SZX28DNXCKCK/20240504_084139.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4eabbdbf-82c4-4801-ba04-2cbc3e8c046c/Team+picture+at+event.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359829673-4CNYE82SVYDY4CER9VII/20240602_110722.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359828939-TIXVLL2QK2SA3MUN1BD2/20240602_110804.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359830406-ODA74VBWIIT7GDLMP2LK/20240602_110812.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1717359831392-WRW8DBHSUD3Y0OOO1WP6/20240602_110817.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/668aa856-9820-4d7b-a996-498ac2a9b93d/20240602_122621.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Maronite Rite - As I prepared to write this blog, I did further research on Father Lipscomb and discovered that he is a convert, although he prefers to call it a “branch transfer.” In a video, he stated that “through our baptism, we are linked to all Christians.” Father Lipscomb grew up a Baptist and married an Episcopalian. In 1997, he succeeded as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. There was no need for conversion. He was already a Christian. However, he did embark on a “branch transfer” when he joined the Roman Catholic Church and was ordained a priest in 2009. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-place-alabama monthly 0.5 2024-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7970c4df-6936-47c9-bef3-796426eef26f/A+Special+Place+in+Beautiful+Alabama+BLOG.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8c79c1be-f199-43da-b09f-8fa7e82323bf/20240503_111603.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286929660-3G6FPYFATLN7PNK1C215/20240503_111413.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286935214-EZ8IAZZ41H9AIFHE0F4B/20240503_111503.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286952060-W6BJ64CHUB1JICLO1A7W/20240503_111659.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286952614-3IMHL1F6OKPSPHLD8PNF/20240503_111749.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286964888-DG4FB0M3363TZTOZNHXO/20240503_111939.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286965076-Z7W4UEWVWWFA3Z8P112Y/20240503_111951.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286977413-OGFK65VYCA3PXC76FTWD/20240503_112024.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286978086-X7NS6OUHGD8VFXRFPI78/20240503_112027.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715287019774-TXHK1R68U61Y0NZDMTPL/20240503_113256.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715287019684-1E5EGNLHP68W09NMDJSE/20240503_113515.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715286996206-TCRNWRKNO8XWUG4GTXA3/20240503_112132.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715287006672-EJ5ELL5X2AJOLFEAMWII/20240503_112547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9857c165-8447-478a-a62f-10944d8f8c38/20240503_115311.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a461f018-0839-4c33-943b-cf9df1e41e49/20240503_121313.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715287624970-ETEVXGBNITM50SACDZFM/20240503_121015.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715287625425-L22F4PDSUOF3PJQ5WZXH/20240503_121032.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1715287628427-XGXB6M0CJU30UQ5I95YY/20240503_120918.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Beautiful Alabama https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/cathedral-santiago-de-compostela monthly 0.5 2024-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6b8bd245-c552-48e4-9095-d1db554ee4bc/addtext_com_MDU0ODExMTQ0ODE.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/508edba4-93f5-42e3-a13c-5aee1d826dc4/20240226_091316.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432600543-3CEME5OWPT297H7MS3TZ/20240226_091322.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432608952-L93DDN0MY9XOWB4DTWXC/20240226_105604.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432608577-Y1A6CPT8MU7Y8V0AV3R0/20240226_105622.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432612320-LLCJRMOYJDI38QBMQ1QE/20240226_105738.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432615114-X5H2CEWXTZ44I5TGM7JX/20240226_105750.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432615439-LRPZI62QB5LKJVEPAG2A/20240226_105906.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432621217-V9GAVUOB25IEP4PWAVYW/20240226_110003.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432618675-6HLB5TCKOFXWER2MIJNW/20240226_110034.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e451c7d0-03a6-4e68-9aa4-c243d9194ef1/20240226_110051.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - As I walked around the perimeter of the cathedral, I found the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. This was a beautiful domed chapel dedicated to prayer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432791357-JNRPM7IUIX8FF26Z853R/20240226_113659.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432786570-6O6QWOWKKWR2ZKCQQSEZ/20240226_113707.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432855131-TIBX94Q3447AIG4LH0LH/20240226_113852.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432856944-9Y3POLZ3CF6X00VHFENH/20240226_113936.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432857639-KQXAAROLVDGKXAZLSRE5/20240226_114022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432864458-D2R2TXVRP31502IWVN2T/20240226_114059.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432866447-JRZTKPIMYCZ6YOKKD7K8/20240226_114113.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432871701-977IYBE3SBEPZ6EZHGG9/20240226_114129.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432872940-UIJYBNZ6BMS2YDSHPWLR/20240226_114552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710432878297-CHJ0ZLSGT8BKU092B9L0/20240226_114721.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bfd1fb34-3a2f-4a6f-b9c1-400973716b36/20240226_124027.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - In the center of the church, behind the main altar was an entrance to the crypt where Saint James is buried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433311798-9YWHX8T2L2AW41AOAED4/20240226_124023.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433259678-1QWFOSRASV00MLCFS63Y/20240226_124119.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433263161-VGFXA473KMY0IXE3S16X/20240226_124207.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433274378-CM814AWK6FZP21EHITMO/20240226_124307.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ce1c64c9-6b13-48ab-9454-55ac70e640dd/20240226_124730.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - Another staircase led to a hallway behind the statue of Saint James which was located on the main altar above the tabernacle. The sign leading to the statue read, “Embrace of the Apostle.” People were able to say a prayer and hug the statue if they desired. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433495940-BFMOLWWFZU6C4OFC871F/20240227_103837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433495941-WQPQL9Y90W2D5V3YCJMQ/20240227_104048.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433506573-9IP5NKBSZ4SIDO075T6T/20240227_104344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433504417-BCIBIA8KQCIJIW49M5SH/20240227_104408.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/89073efe-f7ad-4e2d-8a58-95026399e68c/20240227_104632.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - On the third floor of the museum was the courtyard. Along the perimeter were burial places for many of its citizens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433631583-JQ4MFY8VQCEHKOIIHPJ9/20240227_104656.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433629915-CTFVAQGRMR9506L0UA78/20240227_104705.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433638436-L03JNS5XUHRTGNI5N9DN/20240227_104740.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710433641368-4PERMEQBBWPL1F9BEK90/20240227_104942.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1aee478f-324b-4755-b1bf-55be4bfb0a11/20240227_105117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - Another part of the museum displayed a beautiful monstrance and a Chapel of Relics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7f490b5f-71f9-4f2e-8e59-f60952d4d70e/20240227_105302.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/291f4d38-217d-4eb5-a97c-d14a3f54a960/20240227_105342.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - Inside the Chapel of the Relics were also several burial places for Spanish kings and queens. One of the kings buried in this chapel was King Fernando II (1137-1188). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/624e7611-12d4-41d2-b31a-af6c36600bf5/20240227_105637.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - This is a painting of the Blessed Mother and the baby Jesus. I love the expression on her face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c2c2321a-48e0-47f7-b5be-f37f65dba38a/20240227_105716.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - This is a painting of the Visitation – the Blessed Mother visits Saint Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434072113-CB46FUE92SOSEOB2Q7VA/20240227_105541.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434074541-V5O7W9QO0HUQHZEIGV0C/20240227_105604.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434076277-HU9MNVBP0691LUZGRZ4N/20240227_105625.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434078293-3IA5QH1VBOX79NTR9U98/20240227_105648.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434082394-LP41GJARWM1I5HLFF2NR/20240227_105709.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434087721-P1B4EE85TR7DB1PG0N4E/20240227_105735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434090650-8PTJOJ5DAJDWDFLHHYLU/20240227_110026.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710434091971-2ZFFWDQUB7BZK0S6LDEV/20240227_110033.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fe962b97-25ab-4467-9ee6-5a1efda8cc67/20240227_110129.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - The Botafumeiro was displayed in one of the rooms in the museum. The Botafumeiro is a famous thurible used at Saint James Cathedral. Its name comes from the Galician language. Botar means to eject, to throw away, to expel. The Latin word fume means smoke. A thurible is a metal censor suspended from chains in which incense is burned during worship services. The sweet aroma from the smoke symbolizes sanctification and purification. It also symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The thurible is also used at funeral Masses to bless and purify the corpse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c286ccf0-4149-48a5-9858-7cefeb18a73e/20240227_110710.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - According to Jacobean tradition, the painting represents the disembarkment of Santiago’s body in Padron after the miraculous journey made from the port of Jafa in Palestine. Shortly after what is portrayed in the painting, the group of disciples began the last stretch of the trip which took them to Mount Libredon where the current Cathedral of Compostela was built. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435406770-XHJ3IFNWENKZUI9C7MHR/20240227_111446.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435413541-1KTIBFWDGD99UK2AJEKH/20240227_111512.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435415196-V31FT8A5P6UUTOOBACTQ/20240227_111558.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435424542-J6SZQYYIRY0JA8OKQYW8/20240227_111844.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435432171-XTW4M7RBYFAQ99WKL9RO/20240227_112111.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435431998-BHVRG7GHNEB1AHNOA4QU/20240227_112133.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435438996-IHPRSG53SHYJCZQJ983Q/20240227_112305.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435438835-V0ARTBI9TRRFRGKI1RD9/20240227_112407.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435641418-OYZ8DJ7QLN4TXA5D1JRP/20240226_121219.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435653150-O3O5JX25IR8LEKSB33IU/20240226_130836.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435668533-INTCHPC2RDG5VHA7NI3S/20240226_131329.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435676462-5CAFZ7MSPNO6I0BY5XYC/20240226_133205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435681272-EGL6PKTZ9ZJ2HOLT1ZRI/20240226_133616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435681797-K2M7FRPTXBTEVGIZYZ7S/20240226_133958.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435687332-YM808REOILVRGBVFVHJP/20240227_112817.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435688132-TG5LFE2PF6JYR964YN66/20240227_113130.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435726036-LEOXNHITHWQG45JP71PK/20240227_114607.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435731743-LN3DE33L3P2IPGKF4XRC/20240227_114635.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435732283-WJ9JMDIWQ7QXSJYQ2RGG/20240227_115425.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710435736871-QK59HV56MOLVDVYKUWNH/20240227_115431.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-place-northwest-spain monthly 0.5 2024-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d10d2a71-d50f-4945-bbe7-d5d428e75a8e/addtext_com_MDUwNDMyMTQzMDQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/23715ea8-9014-4cf1-8598-9d6502430ea4/20240225_192256.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - In the many videos I reviewed when planning for this trip, I learned of the Parador Hotel in the same square as the beautiful Saint James Cathedral. I knew this was the hotel I wanted to stay at. This hotel was more than amazing with a rich history and beautiful architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/39e507cd-8f2f-4c70-b848-28e5d87cee49/20240225_192131.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - My second day at the hotel began with exploring the hotel and all its many features. Signs were clearly mounted on the walls that corresponded to the map provided. I began the exploration in the hotel lobby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420565771-20G148ADMW79HMAN6ESP/20240226_061639.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420568717-669PUZ43TKY23T3JXE08/20240226_080352.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420569204-LTN4HP2B8RN5S0FQN1A0/20240226_080414.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420572302-T4DJJOHU5NWUNLPYXDT6/20240226_080427.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420650723-A4OUTK5SQ9QR5SGW7VGY/20240226_080850.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420650951-0AA255GAFVG38YH03GQN/20240226_080958.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420654281-H2GGCDYEES47CW6YV57J/20240226_081021.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710420654451-D5NM3AD6N5Z0E8HL68A5/20240226_081140.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f9e01f00-038c-420d-9db4-65d398ad0b08/20240226_081839.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - From the chapel, I was led to the Saint Luke courtyard. Each courtyard had a beautiful fountain in the center and a covered walkway along the perimeter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dbf2fe71-2e81-4004-ad34-741e5515512b/20240226_082017.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - The Bethlehem Staircase was another interesting find. This staircase was created to connect each of the floors. Today, in addition to the stairs there are elevators throughout the hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c6e9a76d-03bc-4849-9508-077f30735716/20240226_082042.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/140e4431-c27e-4330-a9e6-e58dec29a1e1/20240226_082133.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - Throughout the hotel on each floor were comfortable seats for reading and relaxing along with beautiful furniture pieces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421090582-2UYY1B7ALIOMQBV1MKPY/20240226_082155.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421096274-0QFKFVJUG0J008Q03F68/20240226_082408.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421092871-APS77411QQTJZ0SCJUK4/20240226_082259.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421092849-LY70BKDQJK8JQKN2NPU4/20240226_082323.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/841f30ed-1a22-41c2-842b-8ebe9b887c4b/20240226_083546.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - Another interesting find was the Jerusalem cross which has been the emblem of the Royal Hospital since its founding. The cross is part of the building’s construction and can be found throughout the courtyards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421553178-N0QCBV5CMTWIL44AUR9D/20240225_191917.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421553430-YTRECST705W0HH0T8LU6/20240225_191934.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421560448-NSP1JRAT3K18KOSLCVKG/20240226_080532.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421580119-BR0RXX7JUX05TEPL6FSE/20240226_082732.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421605454-HMAV4X57O6PCVLM5P38K/20240226_083925.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421605519-40LJTL2FF89D717XO5TZ/20240226_083930.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421640556-202DMKZQ9PL4U4X7HGAZ/20240226_085228.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710421609328-MF6LFBEPU5ULQN00CN0D/20240226_084130.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/969deb43-0cce-4c4d-aa0c-47932892cdb7/20240226_084205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Place in Northwest Spain - The hotel had a beautiful living room area off the lobby where people gathered later in the day to read and relax. It also had a beautiful bar and two restaurants located on the lower floor. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-day-trip-from-madrid monthly 0.5 2024-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a54c6603-bced-42ce-86fa-14983c2757dc/addtext_com_MDQyMzI5MTUyMjI.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/95cf1d2f-a8f9-440e-855c-7886cfb21606/20240223_100012.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The main building of the complex is about 700 feet long and 500 feet wide. It covers eight acres and has 2,600 windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/75e38282-7231-4240-b45d-ec60253d1961/20240223_101630.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The library’s location linked the school with the library and symbolized the connection between secular and religious thought. The ceiling frescos depicted the subjects taught at the complex – geometry, astronomy, grammar, and so much more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710415881174-NCHQR6ZOWSNLBCGXVZI1/20240223_101637.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710415881112-JDJJFF30CB1SNGSC4XIK/20240223_101702.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710415888424-QNVXJGXUTANBS5OUTCOK/20240223_101806.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710415888673-NH3146DKU0OC1WZB7KVA/20240223_101830.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f46beaeb-400a-4124-b116-ea4ddbc759a4/20240223_102338.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - There were so many beautiful paintings throughout the complex. This one caught my attention and depicted the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at the time of Jesus’ death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/14c2d8db-0623-4564-8143-8063b3f49318/20240223_102417.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - This is the story from the Gospel of John, Chapter 21 that occurs after Jesus’ resurrection. This particular scene is Station #9 from the Stations of the Resurrection. The Station is titled - Jesus appears by the Lake of Tiberias. I enjoyed writing about this station in my latest book, The Way of Light: A Study of the Stations of the Resurrection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6b7926d3-36e4-47fa-8f99-6c3b56f71f5b/20240223_102742.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - Here’s another beautiful fresco displaying a scene from the Stations of the Resurrection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416485113-FSRE02Z4XZX4DMS6LIGS/20240223_102520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416484966-KX0FTO2ZQZSPZSXBI90X/20240223_102624.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416489609-QWIA3T8JAH79LIZFGKUN/20240223_102629.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9f56501f-f40d-4757-a530-42b97b9f3f5a/20240223_103217.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - One of the adjourning rooms featured many beautiful paintings and sculptures including this beautiful painting by El Greco. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416641218-QJET7X9P01PHUEI5V6L9/20240223_103059.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416638655-0IO09A5DKRSX4ROEF99C/20240223_103131.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416656740-IHQ08P6MT28C0SDO32NV/20240223_103332.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416653958-HE9125G8GD8N2IUHVVGZ/20240223_103346.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/72ed2a2e-82d7-4d34-a539-ce530e8ab8c2/20240223_103920.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416886536-8VPEPAMQ5XOXJDTJAW2B/20240223_103914.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416894464-N4X2ENVQJDWOVX4ZMUXZ/20240223_104035.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416893586-1ER5XBE3EA1CCZB6X2Z3/20240223_104132.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416899735-7ZUSBS15NP0AFWJGWGB0/20240223_104202.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416906741-GNJGWW9WFC4L4XKYATNU/20240223_104419.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416917563-CPRRYLC1TM6YIOO5IT94/20240223_104611.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416917051-YUVM3EQDITNEKQV1NKI5/20240223_104707.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710416922807-3UU3DZYEBEY3VK76GN2G/20240223_104825.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/963745b5-661b-4615-928e-7d27994f314c/20240223_105120.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The Royal Pantheon is a marble and bronze paneled octagon shaped room. This room held the remains of 26 Spanish kings and queens with two spaces reserved for the present monarchs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6fcc5b34-b96b-427d-9b2c-1c18b30c4d87/20240223_110743.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The next part of the complex was the Hapsburg Palace. The Hapsburg family dynasty beginning with Charles V ruled Spain for 200 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417409974-MC8DGQ554KLC7PKNL0SY/20240223_105526.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417409325-ZQMTBFLY8ISCJS6NYB1W/20240223_105542.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417414515-5ZCGQGWU1P39UY8W4B17/20240223_105641.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417416704-ZLSF5LOI0DQIQTWAQ8TU/20240223_105705.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417423479-T3TXQS8L3ASJ723BTGC6/20240223_105750.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417426090-4AY14396NG7CG3SJX8KR/20240223_105809.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417426751-B1P7YDC9U4RI8R5WQVLP/20240223_105849.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417434331-CIQ0UYBOIIMVYA51V07R/20240223_110114.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1099d8cf-1b8d-4353-b6e7-35de5bb63e11/20240223_110351.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The Hall of Battles was another interesting room depicting Spain’s great military victories. The paintings, completed in 1590, helped teach later kings the elements of military tactics and formations. As a career soldier, this may have been my son’s favorite room! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/98509a0c-7e46-4aa8-8a06-62ed1a84bb15/20240223_111600.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d064203b-b7e8-4704-8c0c-feacae42eeb3/20240223_111644.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The high altar is a 100-foot tall, four-tiered frame of red marble and green jasper. The center painting on the high altar is of San Lorenzo. In English, the name is Saint Lawrence. This painting depicts the martyrdom of San Lorenzo who was roasted on a grill by his Roman executioners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8e70b91f-508a-4196-a20a-36560b42c596/20240223_112002.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - One of the many side altars of the basilica displayed a beautiful painting of Saint Michael, the Archangel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417948754-I7G9C9TG6B8NKEWJM7MV/20240223_111923.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417970965-0XDTVPHGDD3I1MV8246R/20240223_112021.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710417967572-39ZCM6TJCBU96F5E8H8O/20240223_112109.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418008085-3RHE9TL405HCK4E37UW1/20240223_112405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/45d3211a-1df7-469f-b3ec-aadefd98d308/20240223_112632.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The chapel of the Blessed Sacrament was stunning and displayed a beautiful painting of Saint Clare and Saint Scholastica behind the tabernacle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f9606e62-4551-4b57-81a4-c6085cb42220/20240223_122104.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - The best views of El Escorial were from the beautiful gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418232031-CY9BOIFA4BKDCSXHLQW4/20240223_122323.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418231580-8W2667D8H1AFPM8I94DB/20240223_122344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418238066-18AHKR48ZEBVKQSC95BK/20240223_122352.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418234335-2BS0I0YZFLIRUPDE1KD1/20240223_122611.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418240797-XCDK3B2HVJDCHPTZ4ASD/20240223_122947.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418247006-QPX1ZBQ1GZC6463XNTBP/20240223_122953.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418249364-9CYB9Q108GR8QPAQ4PN1/20240223_123201.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710418274243-00U8W1KQGKM40TVGWRXS/20240223_122031.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/42c681df-6b89-4ecf-8095-6ef8cc36edb3/20240223_124711.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Day Trip from Madrid - After visiting the beautiful El Escorial complex, I had to find the local market – after all, it had my name on it! This was a typical market that provided meats, vegetables, fish, and other items to locals in the same way our supermarkets do for us. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/game-changer monthly 0.5 2024-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/98956d63-3ff0-4294-8069-47395c46010d/Game+Changer%21.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Game Changer! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/exploring-beauty-madrid monthly 0.5 2024-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3e02e855-91a9-4ea6-8fcf-47b70e3d3a8c/addtext_com_MTI1NzA0OTc3NA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dca7b92d-a912-46c2-b78b-366e9ed28648/20240222_091445.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - I am happy to say that after walking the entire square, I finally found the bear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/12d3a156-055a-48a4-99f2-cdcaf861bf49/20240222_114433.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - There were some beautiful views from the palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407852158-36LRWZOAAFG8UNFYYBJ6/20240222_092959.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407856683-5UXHEHNU31U2BJL20RCK/20240222_093117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407858006-8IA1QMMSQYNUKDPCSN7E/20240222_093254.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407879719-3OLYB6S7EYUU83VS8K1Z/20240222_114345.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407860471-H2XAUTNY9WLQ8TFNG93W/20240222_093540.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407879622-AE5SHYHB9OAEQONJPXPL/20240222_114407.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407897456-R91JWM6VLNGC9ZO1P13F/20240222_114544.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710407896792-GKIVIZIB2ZESKFEUH0B4/20240222_114620.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/20e132a9-0d2f-42ab-b607-49de23c58586/20240222_094912.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - Before long, I discovered a church of the Carmelite Order. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408032444-WGG06G4E2O1SVV9QD1E6/20240222_094753.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408047360-5015TMNNYU3GUO4ADGW1/20240222_094955.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408047726-DJFC7Q72QBOPR1SN8XQB/20240222_095018.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408050841-4C4TXJKKP1REK3O58U9A/20240222_095104.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d84333c4-6539-4e1c-8a3e-de37a6af214c/20240222_105017.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - In the center of the square is a statue of Philip III on a horse. The statue was placed in the square in 1848. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7e3e1354-b0ec-4598-b4e0-bba9815819dc/20240222_121212.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - This is an ancient Nubian temple that was transferred and re-built in the center of Madrid at the Parque de la Montana between 1970 and 1972. This gift was a sign of gratitude from the Egyptians for the help provided by Spain in saving the Abu Simbel temples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408456511-O47YH6XEYMHT2ZDYELYN/20240222_120625.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408468283-SRU5I9RE9YPZLPT6WGD8/20240222_121218.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408468870-29I09D4J2IC1TVGA3LTO/20240222_121251.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b85d1eae-8a7a-4d15-bcfc-4016592d7021/20240222_122943.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - I can only imagine what this would look like in spring! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408773370-KS3NBQZZ8R0115AFWJ5D/20240222_123858.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408773247-37351FWNYDO111WRPJTQ/20240222_123904.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408781401-D87FNL35ZAFTCS025920/20240222_124001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408781392-ZJXIPAODDZYYA6FJYY67/20240222_124007.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5ad52821-c694-46ff-b0f6-3b58b9422f16/20240224_124517.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - On my last day in Madrid, I visited Retiro Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408946373-Y7Z37D8ORBXIER2PEU54/20240224_123541.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408951330-TH2WFX54000XL5TZKRSS/20240224_123949.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408964188-E9JB2HEBOK1VBCC3PLXF/20240224_124719.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408967590-3NO9VX1YR7EHC7Q1IONZ/20240224_125353.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408980568-LFPKY971W0VKI3NC659J/20240224_130137.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408980416-IP5J3RLVJ8VSS02D689S/20240224_130141.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710408997720-64CQRNDDRQ1X2SLADVG9/20240224_132214.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409049993-BRS0S56T9MO70NILBXQF/20240224_130045.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/82077cec-1860-4335-a7fc-d4f03ebf5739/20240224_100859.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - I began the walk using Rick Steve’s map at the Circulo de Bellas Artes building. This is a 1920s skyscraper. The views from the 7th floor terrace were beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409282404-SEQW8NYYE3T6RFCWQ0UP/20240224_100903.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409282485-FODEYW8PVE8AKYGHLB7I/20240224_100940.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409287102-2WQBKAID6TCRFDEWQN9C/20240224_101022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409292521-DH3KYUST0K8EXPPDOJY5/20240224_101037.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2dae9374-ec99-403c-bb36-9f1a7e52ad02/20240224_102054.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409523264-1Y4YTY3CY7SEBHA047YL/20240224_101922.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409526970-217OF6VB84MDVLT55VP2/20240224_102548.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409533077-22OCS4VGOZPJXGOCOL2T/20240224_102824.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409538188-MLTGQLU4HNSZML0L799U/20240224_103453.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409546116-2WF7Q7J35J5U7F8H3U74/20240224_104412.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409548367-QXAYPS60MOGD3BCR3LG2/20240224_104509.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409551107-AHEOY4SX7L6Z2ME8PRCF/20240224_104512.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710409555267-WG9QWRAD3QMM17EJA2V8/20240224_104620.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/751770d8-d59b-4776-9053-cc538d775e80/20240224_105411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - I ended the Gran Via walk at the Plaza Espana featuring two beautiful statues of Don Quixote and his loyal friend, Pancho. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f4be02b0-36a9-4710-8248-c2ec414702b0/20240224_150429.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring the Beauty of Madrid - I ended this great day of exploring with an artichoke dinner at a restaurant near my hotel. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/spanish-synagogues-monasteries monthly 0.5 2024-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f3f65b37-27c2-47e1-94b8-549d13b22980/addtext_com_MTAzMTQ0MTA5NTg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/130d53b1-17ca-4ab3-817a-b42982f71d06/20240221_124034.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/beabd797-d01e-4a75-8753-465afab9094c/20240221_124351.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - The views were absolutely stunning as I approached the Transito Synagogue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/785dcf9b-0d87-48dd-a486-309605700974/20240221_124814.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - As I entered the building, my breath was taken away as I looked at the beauty of the synagogue, the details on the walls, and the Hebrew writing at the top of the walls near the ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405073222-LZW5J1AD0RF5JWSLH7M1/20240221_125032.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405073195-548U76MBE3LKFXTSD0N9/20240221_125040.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405095180-66WDI6AF92IL9FWI443O/20240221_125438.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405076240-EBS7FF3YXW6CSNA6VN40/20240221_125315.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dc14595c-5c0c-4101-8228-2dc02a2c0a7f/20240221_125356.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - When I visit a synagogue, I always think of Jesus and what he experienced growing up in a synagogue. I also think of him sitting with the elders and discussing scripture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e0f0903a-01b6-47d0-ab7f-bd30755f0264/20240221_130505.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - The Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca was erected in the 12th century and considered the oldest synagogue building in Europe still standing. The building was converted to a Catholic church in the early 15th century. This explains the details noted above the arched doorways. This synagogue is a Mudejar construction created by Moorish architects for non-Islamic purposes. This was another structure that took my breath away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405607931-X2IU64ROBEQ6K1IGIO6L/20240221_130456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405632290-P5V8SDTMVJ7YUO4IJ0LR/20240221_130533.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405633726-09GAMXGCZ0PIJE5MHEVM/20240221_130549.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710405634152-LVV04N7LTM8XNSF5UNJI/20240221_130613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/11971bde-b093-48c4-a627-f3bfa5dbe86f/20240221_131508.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - Within a short walking distance, I arrived at the monastery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/025b4c81-4329-40d2-adb3-f94442cdf274/20240221_131528.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - The courtyard was beautiful. It was a cold day in February when I visited. I could only imagine what this would be like in the spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2663220b-392a-4854-9151-aafe9164c637/20240221_131718.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - The chapel in this monastery was another beautiful site with a magnificent altar display of art that once again told the stories of Jesus and Mary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/69705a7b-8e8b-494c-b50b-4135e2c81fb4/20240221_134725.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - I found the Blessed Sacrament chapel at the back of this church and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the moment. But it was very cold in the chapel. I wondered what it was like living year-round in a cinder block structure without the comforts of modern heating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c68bb6be-6cab-406c-8ff8-766b089096a4/20240221_134913.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - Once again, the sculpture details were everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/38e1f569-f05e-4e5e-a081-414d8eff4d62/20240221_160243.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Spanish Synagogues & Monasteries - I remember seeing videos about the garden in this train station. It was beautiful and hard to believe you were in a train station. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/toledo monthly 0.5 2024-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d39a9b1e-6287-4821-acce-0876e11da73c/addtext_com_MDkzNDU1MTA2NDc.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/787c912c-8fd9-4ab3-9e68-58b5730b05bb/20240221_090759.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - We arrived at the Toledo train station on time. I read about the architecture of this station and was anxious to see it for myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370580566-BTUG5F7ZK8PTHAN1AS3X/20240221_090837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370580381-P71AYNY5O9LI70CKJSSZ/20240221_090846.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370586657-9C84059UBLR2DC9MM1DK/20240221_090953.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370585006-QVRRTE08CH3WM35802SB/20240221_091053.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370711369-KO17QCSC8I07XCZFU2Y6/20240221_091641.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370722291-TS9E7XPS4P3AS6SU0ASO/20240221_091832.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370724634-M39FWR1U8R3ZOVNXV573/20240221_091910.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370729427-93ZQYQI88G0NMMOYE6UC/20240221_091929.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370829838-Z0O923VW9DHR41RPZHQE/20240221_092109.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370829125-7UWGMQWO804ZX3PJWGWL/20240221_092237.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370837970-6U7GASS6O4HBVFP2XCN5/20240221_092242.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710370837394-VLC4HT0BTNZJO07LGVS8/20240221_093005.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/66f26ec1-d5c5-492c-af63-291a4149e1df/20240221_093135.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - I couldn’t resist a selfie with the Man of La Mancha! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cfeaa08c-6867-43ae-a0fc-364fd435be45/20240221_100633.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - The Toledo Cathedral was magnificent. There was so much to see. There were paintings and sculptures and statues everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371464651-J9URO9QXSROLUR1UWFEO/20240221_100754.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371464991-527LZUV8NEF1PK48G680/20240221_100757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371467275-WN4PVKXG6DJDDZV9A4K6/20240221_100823.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371468935-1DUDFSOVG0LRGGWWSDGG/20240221_101038.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ad30035a-f0bd-4e18-a0c0-70f58c210961/20240221_104718.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - In the center of the cathedral there were two main structures. The first was the Coro which in English means Choir. The beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother and baby Jesus was at the entrance to the Coro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371218393-KQ200GW0MOIBG0N8ISJQ/20240221_104705.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371235349-2K4GV6YRQGXFRM1AHXKE/20240221_104744.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371236890-VHOH17AVERXUMTDP6SX5/20240221_104753.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371239086-HFKIXOZLP8CJ5VXTLRO9/20240221_104801.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7e000d38-8482-4142-8fcf-fd1d8ad1995d/20240221_105331.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - The second main structure in the center of the cathedral was the main altar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371566158-UO0COHO4K1JSHRMPQFZL/20240221_101132.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371565937-FIX1TVWMX5BP4GX58UXX/20240221_101155.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371574791-YE940RTGY32EY2K6OFVI/20240221_101246.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371584300-BD5QERGBAINAH80IT23R/20240221_101616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371587508-70Y7W1P80XGWLUOOCVHI/20240221_101700.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371587897-A1FOMF8G3CMLU16267EP/20240221_101744.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371596111-CH28HP3WK6EZX0IR57SV/20240221_101802.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710371590593-FOFXCJNPEK9S9IO4DEZY/20240221_102234.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bddc880a-488e-425d-982e-2700e54f10ce/20240221_102744.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - This is a painting of Saint John. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7990c9ae-0dd2-4881-a2e7-cc4f53054dcb/20240221_102757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - This is Saint Peter - Our First Pope! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b19e0c79-128d-4604-86eb-4f5b13029ec2/20240221_102818.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - And Saint Matthew - the Tax Collector! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/43ccdf83-2555-4a32-b91c-77f4d00426ea/20240221_102857.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - And in the mind of the painter, this is what Judas looked like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372288965-FE8IS4FXYFZ8J3KZ29I9/20240221_103217.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372289272-KJ215MRJ7DW44K4AHQTT/20240221_103224.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372293959-2MMVF4XFL2BIFI7UZ7CP/20240221_103238.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372295369-XFABSIFIGQZSJXYBZQNH/20240221_103324.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/66992467-68ea-4950-9f04-ba0030c5bd82/20240221_103410.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - The archbishop of Toledo in 1376 was Don Pedro Tenorio. He promoted numerous projects on the cathedral. In 1389, he decided to complete the new cloister with a chapel dedicated to Saint Blaise. He was later buried in the chapel alongside his nephew who was his secretary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372412158-B6MGYX5XNV9N7ARWB072/20240221_103405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372419934-SC871TGK9CVPJ4575W4H/20240221_103416.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372422220-X9OWQN9T6QA20MMJ1173/20240221_103436.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710372426041-Y28K34ATG0C29USA6RQV/20240221_103439.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/44d4d7ef-a4de-4f38-81a3-b70004f81d9f/20240221_103916.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - In the cathedral museum was a beautiful monstrance. When I first saw this, I immediately thought of Matthew Kelly’s comments about our beautiful churches and who is present in our tabernacles. The monstrance plays an important part in Eucharistic adoration. Knowing that Jesus is present in the Eucharist is the best reason to use the most precious medals in creating a place for Jesus to reside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/554841bc-420f-48e2-a19a-179749200cfe/20240221_120820.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - The food was excellent! This was cod with potatoes in an excellent sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/19e8986d-f65f-4e33-981d-e90167ccba0f/20240221_122337.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Toledo - For dessert, I tried Mazapan for the first time and loved it. This is an original dessert for Germany, Spain, and Italy. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/madrid monthly 0.5 2024-04-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2e676d2f-ec1a-4ee9-ac0f-172f8c15a712/addtext_com_MDgyOTA2ODAzNA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/57fe648e-0060-4105-8804-75a4c7547e9c/20240220_163341.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cb986a22-28f0-4ac1-88f6-b2a377786e6b/20240220_150520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ae8e23c7-b9cc-46e1-81f2-61ff0b6ac18a/20240220_150755.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - A beautiful statue of Saint John Paul II stands in the courtyard before the entry doors of the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b521bf91-5c78-475d-92bc-f90482951f4d/20240220_150818.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - To the right of the Saint John Paul II statue was another homeless statue of Jesus. I wrote extensively about this statue in my blog titled: The Gothic Quarter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5580a681-0ed5-4f8d-8915-d98d74b6fabd/20240220_150849.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - The doors of this cathedral, as in many other cathedrals and basilicas, tell a story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/83af3554-c770-4425-b323-f2e2dc9e0e22/20240220_151009.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - When first entering the cathedral, I could see a staircase in the distance. I wasn’t sure what the stairs were leading to, but I continued my tour as I do with every cathedral. I always walk to the right to make sure I do not miss anything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/57111671-f308-4757-a95d-c305ca517757/20240220_151344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - One of the side altars was dedicated to Saint John Paul II. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6a8058df-f136-4a7a-b8e9-ea9bae7e8f33/20240220_151545.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - Another side altar was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2256dba0-034d-472b-8b26-64443ec4aa30/20240220_151459.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - The Stations of the Cross were beautifully displayed on the large columns of the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/da1d98ec-c873-4527-8240-fbdfb764cbad/20240220_151923.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - The main altar was located in the center of the cathedral. To the right of the main altar were stairs with people walking up and down on both sides. I was curious to know what was at the top of the stairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9f691170-4bb1-48e2-ad63-04249a75a461/20240220_152057.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - At the top of the stairs was a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother and the baby Jesus. Behind the statue were a series of paintings that told the story of Jesus and Mary from the Annunciation to the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348521779-2LWQ54ZU2W1HVE61K31E/20240220_152439.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348523445-DDY4HJY6V12V9M3G0CGC/20240220_152449.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348526719-L1Q2OU1DDO7IJL0JL7AL/20240220_152517.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348527273-FQK5ICD0R3IR95IKUWZ6/20240220_153135.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dd3bdcc2-3ab8-4dd1-8f69-386895e0c88b/20240220_155002.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - This was the best market I had seen so far. In the center of the market were high-top tables. A high-top glass bar was also located around the perimeter of the market. Most of what was displayed at the market was tapas and of course, desserts. The goal is to order what you like and then find a place at one of the high-top tables and enjoy the variety selected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348756078-T13M6I0GLV4P785R20D3/20240220_154731.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348756061-SP5TPLV42FTHJHEXKNJN/20240220_154804.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348762531-6NPEA87J4K2B7BUZA8NO/20240220_154842.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710348759195-TBH3WJOZ1FV97MN10V00/20240220_154907.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fee98f44-531d-4c9b-a163-77cb65a26808/20240220_155912.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - The olive bar caught my eye. As I waited for my turn, I met two young women from Missouri and Texas. This was their second time at the market and so they filled me in on what to do. It was their first time, however, at the olive bar and so we explored the options together before parting our ways. After selecting several olive options, I headed to one of the high-top tables and enjoyed my tapas snacks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8389f530-45cf-4f10-bee2-02916b118d0d/20240220_191623.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Madrid - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/last-two-days-in-valencia monthly 0.5 2024-04-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2bc7c8df-706d-4d22-964b-2e9f39a86f8d/addtext_com_MDc0NzQ0OTc3OQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f532f049-a76e-4f1b-b078-6bda836829f5/20240218_101431.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710344799330-ROCYKGO46HESUVXV3GQK/20240218_101117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710344798995-VR60UN0R6TSDA446N5PD/20240218_101120.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710344802254-O4RZ83QSRGBY644XRW4A/20240218_101135.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710344806502-7KFCNBUZH1XYAZ45FMPG/20240218_101222.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710344813098-79LXNJZ4NDD6ESEO75M8/20240218_101327.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/623305e5-577f-46e9-827e-75abcb9997d9/20240218_111958.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345197097-SP02B1L0IHKQC28IKW1R/20240217_161705.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345195068-OOV95JF0CIHFWKBMERN2/20240217_161809.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345199799-6QNTR5TIEYGGY8KBF3F5/20240217_162334.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345199905-PBXUTUGQ6HO8XPO65K64/20240217_173022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345204698-QW5HFNEQRDFSPI7Y421A/20240217_173415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345210636-VYLXC0UN3WXUGZLHHGNB/20240217_173611.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345213731-P5SBUVUYUZWSTYQZ4ZCU/20240217_173657.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345215660-FG63KCXB0FDI22KI65BL/20240217_173702.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345221555-KPABH8PC948YL2DXO2G5/20240218_095032.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345225157-PEJ4M2Z7351OTTZOYMZP/20240218_110333.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/19a6a477-68a3-476b-ae53-0344f5be2bd7/20240218_113614.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345416715-LO6SODQ6JUPHUUYBI13G/20240218_113817.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345416950-536RK49A7RQON1CR9XCY/20240218_113845.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345422987-L5O6MVHNKT64XBVMMZSS/20240218_114228.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710345422777-6A3FZHJZY3EI0BM60MB8/20240218_114313.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fef08ae6-784c-41d6-8c5a-9e56f91f5a68/20240218_101725.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b9ac3ddd-5000-473e-9f41-74b33e8d1367/20240218_102033.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - As legend tells it, the Holy Grail is the very cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper. The cup is located in the center of the chapel altar. As I sat in this chapel looking at the Holy Grail, my thoughts went back to watching the Indiana Jones movie with my husband and son when we first arrived in Korea in the mid-1980s. According to legend, the cup was brought to Spain from Rome during the Emperor Valerian’s persecution of Christians in the third century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2d1f8a35-0569-418b-b4fc-b6cfb6dac178/20240219_103750.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - Here is a close up picture of the Holy Grail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/83f2b051-c2ef-480a-b7ec-640e7745ab3b/20240219_110353.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346077416-GGTDJNJX2ZX94WYO8LJU/20240218_102513.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346085519-RPAVK7QSE2ERBYGJWJVF/20240219_104007.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346085617-VSQFOYUIZXGXY6D1GEBN/20240219_104018.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346110025-R1PU8S9CY4GUX8KCA1QA/20240219_105212.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346092739-CYMCXZKR6A3Q0QMWVTEZ/20240219_104043.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346110568-GGMI2PZJACTONDXWEU9E/20240219_105228.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346093561-KCA5DAONGGOWXZL0DQ1B/20240219_104120.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710346119671-FI749QMAG4YW9BPGK5UD/20240219_105320.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e9f8e66c-6cf3-49e0-991d-840dab69623f/20240219_104309.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Last Two Day in Valencia - This was a beautiful monstrance displayed in the Cathedral Museum. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/valencia monthly 0.5 2024-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d3961f7a-b7a2-44bd-bbc0-0d896a74a79f/addtext_com_MDcyMzI3NzY4OA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/da0ace36-26b7-4c00-a5c7-469e734b8b79/20240219_101224.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - Valencia is a much smaller city than Barcelona. Although it is known worldwide for its special rice dish known as paella, I was still focused on TAPAS! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339821554-SDRVXLKVGXTA3HB561CR/20240217_135843.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339820836-7NV1IZV7EAR3NU2OH51T/20240217_135850.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339828302-6OKGID037E15XHYITY35/20240217_140201.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339829296-IPGWMPZNIMYZ7KX8E0TT/20240217_140205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339836714-JW58FB37X600C54R9S7T/20240217_140254.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339836587-7AEMT2G6I9WMV45DLJC2/20240217_140429.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339844372-4CR7EFY0HPP1WNQUQ1DI/20240219_101215.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710339844242-ZZ5V25S7X932BXEDK37U/20240219_101224.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ac0db289-f304-4d7a-ad2e-8ecb0e1b37c1/20240217_142642.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The first part is the orange garden. This is a walled courtyard full of beautiful orange trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/72d58c65-0921-48dc-8b3d-bae473b87be8/20240217_142846.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The main hall is the trading hall decorated by beautiful, twisted columns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1e1b9328-1d51-4aaf-8386-97ce08672f10/20240217_142907.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The side wing is named the Pavilion of the Consulate. The Pavilion was the seat of the Tribunal del Mar which was the first marine merchant tribunal founded in Spain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0a585edc-fd48-47a9-90a2-cefc109c7798/20240217_143054.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The upper room of this building had a beautifully decorated ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6145b864-c30c-47cf-b5c5-534fb259b7b2/20240217_142732.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The third part of the building was a central tower that was used as a prison for merchants who were sentenced by the Tribunal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9926773c-5c22-43b5-81d7-737ef71830e4/20240217_144335.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/53a16a91-d82a-49a5-9b59-53019210ae49/20240217_144551.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - In all my travels thus far, this was the first time I saw a side altar dedicated to a Saint Dennis. Although this San Dionisio is different from the Saint Dionysius I wrote about in Catholic elementary school, it brought a smile to my face as I read the sign and saw the beautiful statue of this saint above the Madonna and child painting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cbca3dd7-83fe-470d-9cfa-7e7a3c76f6d9/20240217_144844.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - In this church there was also a special chapel with a tabernacle and other beautiful artwork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b8cb9b17-7ba3-45e3-9126-a0035f9784f0/20240217_144850.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - This is a statue of Jesus during the Palm Sunday procession. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/eb4359ca-bb39-40a1-8d03-5fdffd2e6f90/20240217_144913.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The baptismal font in this chapel was also beautifully displayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/aebee9a1-fd52-428d-85bc-65e1394fc1d9/20240217_145354.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The top painting was of beautiful Saint Mother Theresa and Saint Padre Pio. There is so much we can say about Saint Mother Theresa. I especially love how she referred to the Rosary as a weapon. She is a true inspiration to all of us. One of the books I brought with me on this Spain adventure is titled: Beautiful Eucharist. On page 51 of this book is a beautiful quote from Saint Padre Pio – “Lord, I leave the past in Your mercy, the future in Your providential care and the present moment in Your love.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/82714c60-5a1c-4427-adeb-c7f867d870cf/20240217_145420.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - During my last USA road trip, I visited the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. At the shrine bookstore, I purchased a small book on the Way of the Cross written by Saint Josemaria Escriva. Saint Josemaria was born in Northern Spain in 1902. He was ordained a priest in 1925. In 1943 while working in Madrid, he founded the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross which is united with Opus Dei. Opus Dei unites spiritual life with professional, social, and family life. In 1946, Saint Josemaria moved to Rome and continued to encourage and guide the development of Opus Dei throughout the world. At the time of his death in 1975, Opus Dei had 60,000 members from 80 different nationalities. Blessed Alvaro de Portillo was a new discovery for me. I had never heard of him before. In my research, I learned that he worked with Saint Josemaria Escriva and succeeded him as the head of Opus Dei. Blessed Alvaro was an engineer who joined Opus Dei in 1935. He was ordained a priest in 1944. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8f48c8e3-75fe-47fb-98d7-42b19bba9f0a/20240217_145615.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The beauty of this church continues. In each of the side altars was a stand depicting the Stations of the Cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e37e54c9-bf59-4c37-90c2-9428303a455e/20240217_145737.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The final side altar displayed the crucifixion and burial of Our Lord. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/241b05b2-7408-45c2-9b3f-265bef08e510/20240217_150423.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - The frescos continued as shown in this beautiful picture of the back of the San Nicolas Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7a588b04-b11f-439c-9d4c-01f770fed6aa/20240217_163018.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Valencia - Before long it was time for TAPAS. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/last-day-in-barcelona monthly 0.5 2024-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/db426e3c-4fe7-4bfc-91f6-de376ccf23ac/addtext_com_MTQ0MjEwMzAyMA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b592fefb-3557-43a5-ad96-031bb136c0da/20240216_093247.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/557249da-ddf0-4a50-935f-9fd1383b2d58/20240216_093319.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - What I found intriguing about this basilica was the massive amounts of candles on the steps of the altar. At a closer look, the black structure in the center is a covered piano. The candles may have been a backdrop for a recent concert. It must have been beautiful to see the candles on full display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7f5785cf-3bf5-4e80-bfd8-ba7e83a3ddc2/20240216_095830.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - When entering a beautiful cathedral, it is an automatic response to look up. It is quite breathtaking to see the beauty created in God’s honor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329336960-98WA7VX125FYJOI8CM11/20240216_101329.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329336085-DGA00Z1PTX6WOPNR5VIK/20240216_101358.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329340721-OTZJVVNDU0PRPCN5AZQZ/20240216_101413.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/481237c3-1fb0-4248-9159-7dd513ed0cf4/20240216_101434.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - Before reaching the main altar, there was a staircase leading down to a beautiful crypt where Saint Eulalia was buried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1bb2817c-a8c9-4506-99db-4b8a57f28cad/20240216_101523.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - Saint Eulalia is the co-patron saint of Barcelona. She shares this honor with Our Lady of Mercy. Saint Eulalia was a 13-year-old Roman Christian virgin who was martyred in Barcelona during the reign of emperor Diocletian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329271915-7176Z2GGK4Z1333ZZ8U5/20240216_100428.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329272578-USP32EYXY7UJUZNSITNW/20240216_100523.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329279347-MN4D9QUZNCHUCTGXAMM6/20240216_100711.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329279579-Q0KIOTAPIZCOB257SJRA/20240216_101000.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/35587b0d-ee19-4818-af88-00245b7f27ea/20240216_101225.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - One of the last areas near the entrance doors was the large baptismal font. The door next to the baptismal font led to the roof top access. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/206cb7ae-e269-4836-ba2f-1471e42bf8f8/20240216_102243.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - It was quite a narrow staircase that led to a landing which housed several artifacts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cf3c6926-cc0f-4398-963c-da39527f393f/20240216_102304.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - The last set of stairs was a circular stairway. It was a long way to the top but well worth it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a5386156-37a8-49ec-8b88-7401ab6864ef/20240216_102508.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329652886-5F6YIBKJB3I04I2D5ETM/20240216_102444.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329664573-3OXC7FG87T348VDPSEKU/20240216_102547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329677836-EGBFFP5XOKXAYPNF0789/20240216_102706.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329680588-6PF04CRYLOEFNKGOMZZK/20240216_102807.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329683532-9426BQMH3Y1S627DATT9/20240216_102829.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329708277-P8IYTHYK5RSLPTGLQJ3W/20240216_102432.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329683806-17YDT0YHK3KL9JBEVEE0/20240216_103302.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710329685835-9LPDGAMUYUGID3J1D5US/20240216_103636.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Day in Barcelona https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/radio-show monthly 0.5 2024-04-05 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/gothic-quarter monthly 0.5 2024-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d7a41bb3-6c12-4e1b-a3db-a2ecececa1e5/addtext_com_MDc1MjQ3OTY2Mg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/947b1eae-5345-4e90-949a-6244b38a8745/20240215_104014.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - I began my day adventure at the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320616001-LFSKTMRUA2EO7M4JLLFB/20240215_104707.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320630310-LLFI1WF4W7VYS9APDM68/20240215_105012.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320630099-UWP2S7PIXT5PPNWQ480V/20240215_105018.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320650648-MFMBNOCSUE8PXTTNZCS2/20240215_105358.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/eb360ded-453b-4b65-a1f5-e52774a07bf5/20240215_104521.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - The side altars were stunning with many beautiful statues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6676ae17-26b2-45f7-900e-99a522261b41/20240215_104955.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - An earthquake in 1428 destroyed the original rose window. The new rose window was completed in 1459. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320807286-COIFMDLIZU2YM98E723E/20240215_104446.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320814515-2UG3N5MDTFS04ZTKDKR1/20240215_104609.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320827033-OBPCR2BPP3GLA1SIYXJ5/20240215_104753.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320827087-JMIB5FDDNP3I5YL3PP36/20240215_104847.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320965490-OASPKIV0Z6LT7O2VWUHF/20240215_110218.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320968465-TM8Q57J0VXT8HG62ACDN/20240215_110314.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320971247-K75O4ZZUWWNWC1YNU68Y/20240215_110405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710320974022-008Z9XD0U7QDPA02HMFR/20240215_110523.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7b74b476-a172-488a-b9cc-456419d76f3a/20240215_112328.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/08d4610d-cc9f-4bc3-8896-1d445dbcc853/20240215_112344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - The original statue of the Homeless Jesus was created by Timothy Schmalz and installed in 2013 at Regis College in Toronto. The statue at the Santa Anna Church in Barcelona is one of 50 replicas placed around the world. The statue has been described as a “visual translation” of the Gospel of Matthew passage in which Jesus tells his disciples, “as you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). Schmalz visited Pope Francis in 2013 and presented a miniature version of the statue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dae84b9f-e940-46a3-b664-ba7c6580bc13/20240215_115922.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - At the recommendation of my hotel staff, I walked behind the Placa de Catalunya to see the architectural sites of the city. It wasn’t long before approaching a beautiful creation by Antoni Gaudi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710321609144-3XVHR0ND9ZM27PV1BLGR/20240215_114133.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710321613610-M3SQHMZ167CJRYIRXUAI/20240215_114547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710321623918-SPOBQE0PYJREKPKOEZMK/20240215_114813.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710321633400-DAYTSD078UJ7OVOKDTRW/20240215_114955.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b696bd6d-0794-4652-ac6d-1e9c23d79e4b/20240215_122607.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - La Rambla was crowded with lots of people everywhere. It was an experience that I enjoyed as I took in all the sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a68a7abf-e3ba-4b62-86ef-f214cde15eda/20240215_123224.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - In 1553, the Jesuits built the first church of their order on this site. The church was consecrated in 1555 and destroyed by a fire in the 17th century. A new church was built in the 18th century but was closed to worshippers following the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in 1767. The parish church of Mare de Deu de Betlem was founded in 1835. A second fire in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War destroyed the roof and some of the interior walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/84a0ea3c-1bd0-488c-803a-b079dc83cd7e/20240215_123404.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - One of my favorite displays was titled, “First Steps.” You never really think about Jesus taking his first steps, yet you know it had to take place. Maybe it occurred exactly the way it is depicted in this creation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b9eb21e4-214c-4662-a0ae-e8dbc72d5554/20240215_123513.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - The main altar of this church was beautiful with a statue of the Blessed Mother looking sweetly at the Baby Jesus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/de41c275-a1ca-47bf-aef6-a377d3a863bd/20240215_123623.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - Another odd, yet interesting statue was the death of Jesus. This was different and yet gave a sense of reality to the event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/981e458a-c634-47a7-acbb-37ac6418b845/20240215_123812.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - My favorite part of this church was one of the side altars with the Blessed Sacrament available for prayer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a2118fd0-e28e-424b-a274-47e473456426/20240215_131552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322474399-D26SHS1QFO3W7FQM2HIR/20240215_131646.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322474181-SIXVVJV8OQAU0DRM4MIK/20240215_131650.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322483292-NQNWFI5SWN8VAMO03SSG/20240215_131722.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322485652-OB04KZIZYCU14IMBEGRG/20240215_132003.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322494425-688EFCTQ4CW8O3NXMXXK/20240215_133400.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322509525-GFRWQKZSR9VR2XB3B510/20240215_133707.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322509640-2NGFAO263K8N9MH8BTWQ/20240215_133917.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710322513260-IZCPV8SYDS6Q0NKKWPSG/20240215_135009.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ee9dba9e-8ff6-475e-8b5b-4ac43a75ef78/20240215_133108.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - As I nibbled on lunch, I saw amazing options – like potato chips on a stick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e130af4b-fbcd-4e95-8a3f-6cd7c5719e67/20240215_133658.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - And chocolate covered strawberries on a stick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ba571376-ba0b-4cb5-9481-f20a13b23b28/20240215_140539.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - We are all grateful for Christopher Columbus. He was an Italian explorer, trained by the Portuguese, and sailed under the Spanish flag because they were the only ones who had the money to fund the exploration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a7ca0fbf-616f-4a1d-a63e-58a6ed6c1faa/20240215_140840.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Gothic Quarter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/montserrat monthly 0.5 2024-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9d4be555-3f8d-4ad1-8d8c-48fa44442ef2/addtext_com_MDUxNzMxMTE0MzE.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d7e638af-208e-48ef-9395-86903bc734e4/20240214_111427.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319027715-YVSYWLY7MHNFWZ4I6D6E/20240214_111156.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319044626-785XNO1N0WGJJCXHOFUZ/20240214_111711.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319044810-2SSL72NQRHY2KSWRZ1QB/20240214_111749.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319052237-A99IAIMWNVTMGL1XRYZO/20240214_113151.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d1c2cfa4-a3f7-4886-9f7e-bed5fb91d713/20240214_122246.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - The line to see the Black Madonna led to a small room with a beautiful painting of Jesus and the Blessed Mother. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/86d1282f-cbe1-4a43-9b14-3574e9d2c803/20240214_122535.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - A beautiful angel was carved on the door leading to the statue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4b77c4d5-6253-48fc-9ec4-9ac1048e3beb/20240214_122556.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - What I didn’t realize was that the Madonna and Child statue was part of the altar. The small staircase led you to the place on the altar where the statue stood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3587672c-f604-45ae-9101-d66098245544/20240214_122758.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - The statue was encased in glass except for a small circular area that exposed a circular structure resting in the hand of the Madonna. I had no idea I would get this close to something so precious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710318472715-6E76NF9Q55AMGCDO9NZK/20240214_132740.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710318475779-I33J84KL4CK8TJXW7HS6/20240214_132915.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710318477755-84XYY1URQXJ7244Z554C/20240214_132922.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710318483944-6B4ABM3WTISQKHKLZJ3W/20240214_133222.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319218354-D2J7PQJXE92HV0I3KV8L/20240214_123019.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319226404-K101RJF0FGV4WXAX3DYI/20240214_123426.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319235866-SF7GU3SVMHTXBLZRZJ2B/20240214_123717.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710319289523-RAK8FNASTT3ZWMRRGZLC/20240214_133236.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/731501c2-281b-424f-92b2-8544b82f02bc/20240214_141254.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - One of the things I did before leaving Montserrat was travel up the Saint Joan funicular for more breathtaking views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/91526ad0-104e-4d30-8865-2e5b75f13251/20240214_120757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - This brought back wonderful memories of my husband who was a helicopter pilot in the United States Army. Whenever I see a helicopter, I blow a kiss in the same way I did when my husband would come home from missions. I am completing the travel bucket list that we both created together. Spain was on our list. Seeing the helicopter made me feel that John was close by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/74074d91-0efa-4f7a-9e67-c399351893f0/20240215_175725.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Montserrat - It is so wonderful to meet new people. It is also nice after a long day to find a nice restaurant next to your hotel with excellent food. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/barcelona monthly 0.5 2024-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1adc7d6a-d307-4692-b0cd-a3934f2fe6a5/addtext_com_MDQ0NzA2ODgzNA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7baffa49-3a59-4ccb-b766-eb43ace996f8/20240213_094447.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273909113-XYH8SGYPBYKSC0USDETJ/20240213_092346.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273925757-725LTNJZZYV2B67KBS9B/20240213_092952.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273930790-3ZEYIX4PR2QFI63EUYRN/20240213_093107.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273930011-DDLS24KURFDUVX9DS13W/20240213_093145.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273951912-DG7ZSDJJ6DOF26XYF2ZP/20240213_094858.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273963572-QKLVQTBLP4R5J3FJHQDM/20240213_095751.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273936237-AHM3R15774X0YGF43JGJ/20240213_094440.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273963241-V5QNIFEAAKC930TGK3U8/20240213_100733.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a56f7d14-6e62-4f6e-9205-a4c42d6d23c5/20240213_094252.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Beautiful orange trees were found throughout the complex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273799668-0CCESHWDQINK5DT70C6K/20240213_094620.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273800508-NOR8U42O4PT7EN1S4UVL/20240213_094636.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710273803742-SGTK1IW2WOA156UOGPTQ/20240213_094648.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f8e28f23-3f42-4001-a3a7-a497457fa120/20240213_094732.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - A hospital ward was also on display as it would have been at the time of its earlier use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f695a4b1-b869-42c6-8d2e-3dfd498880ad/20240213_103140.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - It is always good to see things displayed in the showcase. It is easier to order by simply pointing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/02ccaad6-4e15-4d3c-9059-8f2c203f16f4/20240213_103158.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Luckily, the man behind the counter spoke English and explained that the wrap contained Spanish ham and brie cheese. I then selected an apple muffin for dessert. Both items were served warm. Along with my green tea, I was in heaven! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/56ca5bf8-3054-4856-9dd6-0a4747612d34/20240213_112509.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/61bc1536-820f-4544-8776-a4d2942694aa/20240213_125514.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274570462-BJA0XV0X6EIX2NP6QLLX/20240213_124507.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274570824-L2JO02BEEMALZM5VOFEZ/20240213_124526.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274578475-ZR2CD6865RIYOAGSSAXC/20240213_124659.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274585484-OJCVP8J7DH0BP1QE0NAY/20240213_124703.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274582630-P3Y1YCH9LNCGUVSFI4K8/20240213_124935.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274586381-QMLMVH9ON2OMRAOZJETD/20240213_124953.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274590010-I69VIEPP7UTG6Q9FWFS1/20240213_125128.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710274592803-NX6NX5W1DCRB2AB1E0SZ/20240213_125212.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6885f20e-1df6-40ee-905c-ee72ef167fdc/20240213_125840.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Above the tabernacle was a beautiful sculpture depicting a typical day in the life of the Holy Family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dc46045a-85c3-4db5-98c2-105d39980e93/20240213_132916.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - Before leaving the chapel, I noticed a window that showed the tabernacle and altar located in the crypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/64d7b10c-cc3b-4624-ab89-85b99aa3dee2/20240213_133300.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - As I walked toward the exit of the basilica, I was amazed at the beautiful artwork on the floors. It was unique with each art piece telling a different biblical story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275071923-N0T3UYFQM748NCY3NRXG/20240213_133342.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275078986-517VZTV7AM4EBZE36G7L/20240213_134134.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275181035-WSZB7WDLVJF2AO2QHUD6/20240213_133407.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275190108-Z4MTN790ZYN6PX3JSJM8/20240213_133413.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275199076-XL04LMJ3WQO9J33DEN38/20240213_133455.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275199932-ZU7BHKN5I5XNYZ37X2WM/20240213_133520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275212046-LNBSK7OGM19P6ASDOK9Q/20240213_133741.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275225897-Z5D7C4WBQSQPKZSHHMA6/20240213_134415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275226555-KIKFW4497P1Z6I99DW8P/20240213_135037.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1710275234513-BE8JSAAZFIGK1VMAWDXV/20240213_135043.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c3372da3-3cc7-47c1-994d-d7175e6da243/20240213_174231.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Barcelona - After seven miles of walking, I was ready for a light dinner and some relaxation. My hotel was located across the square from the Cathedral of Barcelona. The rooftop terrace provided a beautiful view of the cathedral. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/interesting-discovery-birmingham monthly 0.5 2024-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d925871d-d7ee-4d56-8095-e2d79f607ea4/Birmingham+blog+photo.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e673db80-ebda-41a0-ae3e-4cf2042d6d74/20231213_124101.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham - The Cathedral of Saint Paul is the mother church of the Diocese of Birmingham. The parish was established in 1872. The church building was completed in 1890. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1969. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/028eb898-c013-45e2-8ef0-4687cd501c5f/20231213_125344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham - The inside of this cathedral was the first one I had seen on this 10-day road trip that was completely decorated for Christmas. My parish in Florida, like most Catholic churches, decorate the church for Christmas Eve Mass. This cathedral, however, had everything in place, except of course, the Baby Jesus was not in the stable. Even as a child in my home, the Christmas tree and the creche went up early December, but the Baby Jesus was not placed in the stable until Christmas Eve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d07874df-7a9e-4d33-ba1d-38f46f3c45de/20231213_125501.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703335150675-55WFWOJP2Y130K81ZRZ7/20231213_125346.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703335148532-KG09YA8E7FB7C5H0XIWD/20231213_125424.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703335152177-ZYIYHHH2M65Z5J7GG7NR/20231213_125451.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703335153129-BBPGVWZB0RMH584GUQG0/20231213_125508.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Interesting Discovery in Birmingham https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-shrine-alabama monthly 0.5 2024-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2027615f-f432-4434-9568-501df8c918c5/Shrine+Alabama+blog+photo.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/20425d09-3bf6-414a-ba28-13c14a040839/20231212_092446.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - The Castle of San Miguel which housed the beautiful Gift Shop of El Nino was an amazing structure. More pictures of the entry to the gift shop are below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703246838391-6PH972D2G9TX2GV8K46B/20231212_092604.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703246838035-5ZFC8AAXKXPR2M20FWUU/20231212_092613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703246841691-7ORUZMQH0F09DUC3CRCH/20231212_092653.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/025259f2-a2da-4c39-8776-c2636a560eba/20231212_102742.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - The Piazza leading from the Castle to the Main Church was massive. I can only imagine what it is like to be here on a scheduled day of pilgrimage. I was told that buses bring visitors to the grounds throughout the year. We were lucky to enjoy the complex in the quiet of the December sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2382d5ec-b014-49ab-a8c3-b09922a613ca/20231212_102755.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4f44377d-980d-40ec-baa3-4203eca43d17/20231212_102937.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - The beautiful details of the front doors of the Main Church depicted many of the Gospel stories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dbbc6a36-77ff-4de3-9195-5036cf252157/copy+1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bd9405ca-db40-47a8-a3d8-9cc7b4d3be3d/20231212_103750.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - As we continued walking throughout the complex, we found a beautiful courtyard dedicated to Saint Joseph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2dd47e60-f6bc-447c-892e-95a43c62d139/20231212_104006.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - Walking toward the Lower Church, we found the Shroud of Turin exhibit. This exhibit provided several scripture references from the Gospel of John, the Prophet Isaiah, and the book of Psalms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/00044058-66c5-4576-a546-26fb6a6d466f/20231212_104227.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - The Lower Church was another beautiful structure. In the back of the Lower Church, we found the tomb of Mother Angelica and several other nuns from the cloistered order. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fb0016bf-170c-41f8-a26d-7b009f4e4f4c/20231212_104248.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6930985c-aaf0-481d-bf1a-6ea87c447794/20231212_105207.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Shrine in Alabama - Heading back to the gift shop, we saw a building with a sign that simply said - Nativity Creche. This was a beautiful display of the Christmas story which I believe stays in place all year round. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/parthenon-usa monthly 0.5 2024-01-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1b523089-97a5-4f0c-bb7c-461f6d707379/Nashville+blog+photo.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/024a0939-02ab-449a-810d-997a1193c70e/20231211_092042.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3f53a347-770e-4b64-b6af-0e69f7275860/20231211_094558.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! - I couldn’t believe that this structure, of all places, was found in the middle of Tennessee! I walked around the building to its entrance, purchased a senior-discount ticket (I love the benefits of being a senior…), and then began learning about the history of this amazing building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6c6e3f0e-2464-4fa5-ab08-8059b978d723/20231211_093628.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! - The re-creation of the Athena Parthenos statue is the highlight of the Parthenon in Nashville. This statue is a 42-foot replica of what originally stood in the Parthenon in Greece. One of the plaques near the statue indicated that the angel in the hand of Athena, that you can see in the picture, is six foot tall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073583062-ZWQOI3CYWSKZOAGA1P6W/20231211_093637.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073584754-JHSVSQY2VDVDZMYT665O/20231211_093645.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073586834-4ZW0NRD1VV8IEHHRVQKM/20231211_093809.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073587385-R5148TEJ75ZMPGLZCI5M/20231211_093842.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073588835-ZV7K2N8YV3EWDV77PY6R/20231211_094024.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073595482-WC7LA5OX9ZXHR9K7PFNM/20231211_094058.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073595670-Q3PTZ2PCKH5M28OG6J0X/20231211_094112.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073598999-LWOSDYSHWIPH2KU5XX9D/20231211_094128.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3759ef6e-d91b-4bd9-9fb7-73a4306fde9d/20231210_104447.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! - This beautiful structure was built between 1910 and 1914. It was dedicated in July 1914 and has since undergone three major renovations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/22848ad1-e5c5-467d-b7ba-910d02bc94ba/20231211_105053.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073884347-GOARYQQHKL9O5TIGIUQN/20231211_104353.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073884774-ETKYY6IHLI8G0WZ5YHI1/20231211_104439.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073886994-78KF7FL9YB6RBCMYIT2T/20231211_104554.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1703073889590-3HG7PL1E28N7BJ61BNSI/20231211_104820.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Parthenon in the USA?!?! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-event-lexington monthly 0.5 2023-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/55e832af-2625-4e6f-a3c1-ae461c553581/Lexington+blog+photo.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/653f12ac-492e-468d-9ebe-6eb1790041db/20231209_074811.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ffe5a03f-75b6-4364-a5ee-52833ab78b68/20231209_075353.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington - As I entered the beautiful chapel, it was difficult to find a seat. Many people were spending time with Jesus in this beautiful setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899224024-LHNMIOO2V5QBC3ZVKCWA/20231209_075629.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899223561-V99J3M7ZM4KY58HWIIFL/20231209_075636.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899248320-NTOYEHHDDBTNLO9E1KG8/20231207_123102.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899265349-1QHDSVKW8633ZTAPKY13/20231209_075247.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899372390-49QI21UY8NPMKTPIYIA2/FB_IMG_1702817275380.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899372411-QPI8V8KS5HBLX08AFO0A/FB_IMG_1702817297745.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899384096-VG0B8TBZ63TM6RQYOH9F/20231209_084011.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702899373018-59L3375NY52EXXR24UHS/FB_IMG_1702817315773.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Event in Lexington https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/knoxville-tennessee monthly 0.5 2023-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e6b266d4-0aa6-4e6e-958d-9015f712eaf5/Knoxville+blog+photo.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/18bee585-c213-4756-b641-52e0ca81f686/Magnet+2.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Leaving Florida, my first stop was McDonough, Georgia outside of Atlanta to visit my 20-year-old grandson. We had not seen each other for several years and it was so good to spend time with him. It is sad how time flies by so fast. It seems like yesterday we were welcoming him as a newborn to our family. Twenty years is a long time and boy do I feel old! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/48b16630-19f8-4f42-bfc9-1bf0fa872382/20231207_104011.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - I was interested in touring the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. As I walked toward the doors of the Cathedral, I saw two women talking in the parking lot. I introduced myself and told them I was visiting from Florida. One of the women grew up in Florida only fifteen minutes from my home in Palm Harbor. She was also a tour guide for the Cathedral and immediately changed her plans to show me around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/21891ef2-6250-46a9-af28-100033441adf/20231207_104441.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Before entering the church, we stopped at the outdoor prayer garden. I could only imagine how beautiful this is in the spring. Even in 30 degree weather, it was quite stunning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7fa985d4-da67-4ee8-8ad2-235422a6571b/20231207_104723.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/26564f40-7d98-467f-8322-3cbd68e1128b/20231207_105447.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8488fb62-006b-4697-8ba3-03f173d04a57/20231207_105408.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a678abd9-c1dd-4abf-87c9-bb9779b2c60e/20231207_110036.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Dogwood flowers were carved on each of the pews throughout the cathedral. I learned in my research that Tennessee produces more flowering dogwoods than any other state. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893794724-2HA825BGZGBSE4KKTN8W/20231207_104604.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893811016-CATCPUA721270ZVSTFM5/20231207_104731.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893815290-7MZES8WCR4UQ2AFBQWMO/20231207_104735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893836651-5COC26XOGX2G0M9ZQYDD/20231207_105542.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893816690-1T2YBBWMHNV345LOLLQ1/20231207_105059.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893836827-28EAMSNZJC4AQ46W19IF/20231207_105733.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893840282-Z2TY78GCOFLT9B3HGS51/20231207_105846.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1702893845290-PUD5RVE6X5BF48HOZARD/20231207_105932.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8fb095ad-e75f-45cf-85c5-2f24de10d648/E1O616DX0AA2qp5.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Knoxville, Tennessee - Molly and Rosie – Bishop Stika’s pets – made a great addition to the painting. Unfortunately, my picture did not come out clear enough to share. However, I did find a good picture online. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/article-series-catholic-365 monthly 0.5 2023-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ecc138b0-bb1f-436a-ab3f-94a86f890887/Fratelli+Tutti.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Article Series - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/happy-day monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e3ed11b1-f03c-428c-bca4-a3f11b9100f0/Add+a.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - It is a Happy Day! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/writer-catholic365 monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3bbf4c22-e5ec-44f7-9afb-f12d304ac841/writer+for+catholic365.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Writer for Catholic365 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/thankfulness monthly 0.5 2023-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9900b374-d618-4548-a2e4-e9398ba17b65/Thankfulness.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Thankfulness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5facd644-52fa-4961-990b-a6bddbdb3020/20230214_163622.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Thankfulness - The beauty of Norway is beyond words. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/61581cd2-6644-4ef6-a6bf-f59cebee3bc6/20230525_204423.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Thankfulness - Before heading to Glacier National Park in Montana, I attended my youngest granddaughter, Taylor’s high school graduation. The graduate is the one in the center with all the Hawaiian leis! The presentation of leis by all family members is a beautiful Hawaiian tradition for all graduates! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9ea3cc3f-5047-4b52-962c-e6eebf37c6bb/Denise+Jill+%26+Liz.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Thankfulness - I also re-connected with two friends. After spending time learning to solo travel, I am now learning to travel with friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d78d0e0d-adec-4e2a-b671-674f536b3274/20230819_111714.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Thankfulness - I am also looking forward to visiting my new friend, Cary, who lives near Glacier National Park. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/book-cover-reveal-number-two monthly 0.5 2023-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ccd0fd01-87e8-40e3-b9fb-9bf27e34a239/Way+of+Light+FINAL+Front+Cover.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Book Cover Reveal - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/3-things-to-see-in-helena-montana monthly 0.5 2023-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7c24fbc8-9a8c-4f1b-a925-9cba453f5ca1/addtext_com_MTEwODMyMzQyODE.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1039b1ee-d27e-4dbe-89d0-88f3f49f0273/20230814_062233.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - The Cathedral of Saint Helena began in 1904. The building was dedicated with the celebration of Mass on Christmas day in 1914. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9eb12f09-fc82-4719-a32c-833c85630891/20230814_062513.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - As you can see from these current pictures, the renovations continue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693149865684-7KVSGBZAB6M42EOZPXTE/20230814_062355.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693149866173-AAVWJ489QFWKTNKLHEI6/20230814_062430.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693149871618-VGH54RLPXRKGVTHFXVZ2/20230814_062637.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693149873712-IMIPWZJ4NJQOMDIBZHVC/20230814_062658.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0be2a280-413a-441a-b234-ff2ed2b30f44/20230814_073403.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - I had the pleasure of attending Mass in this cathedral on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother - August 15. It was truly a blessing to be surrounded by the beauty of this magnificent cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150031617-NBFRBTBLFY993AT8MZG4/20230814_073410.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150032472-T9DMH2QUTO2KQQJTTFVQ/20230814_073417.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150035044-QIZSSQIAMQW6487PPD2V/20230814_073423.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150037024-X1QDB8D6X3M9QV1K2G5D/20230814_073503.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/75a9727c-61c3-4c8a-8705-ec5034b69dbf/20230814_082051.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - I didn't know Father Stu personally. Most of us only know him because of the movie. I love his story. I love how he allowed God to work in his life. It was an honor to visit Father Stu's grave and offer a prayer of thanks for all he accomplished. You really got to see the movie!!!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a2af10e4-c457-418c-b329-a7975af4d67d/20230814_100158.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - Construction of this beautiful structure began in 1899. It was completed and dedicated on July 4, 1902. Several additions were added in the years that followed along with renovations and technical upgrades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150741571-PB3YG9B2OOH36DH1A8W4/20230814_100745.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150748977-IJYV8OZHL006KMLGJX91/20230814_101031.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150749405-D38L23BT3SY3T9OLYMLT/20230814_101039.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150752054-8U76Q8E7HEGIZ1LG5VRP/20230814_101118.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150754735-ZGR7T5M9CBXD6Y5Y31BR/20230814_101128.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150757880-RS6KX2IXVMCVP6H30A8G/20230814_101213.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150762028-O6T4Q18MOY6YHDM861MA/20230814_101321.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1693150770221-NYJRMZYBNUGCRVVE76DI/20230814_101552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e5e27b1a-bea4-4228-a83d-ba236e9cd71e/20230814_100854.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - Montana became a territory in 1864. The discovery of gold brought many to the area. Montana became the forty-first state in 1889. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1b8fba09-45fa-4950-becd-bd650bc20614/20230814_101508.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Things to see in Helena, Montana - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/broken-wrist-amazing-rescue monthly 0.5 2023-08-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/76530392-6672-4ae7-b0c1-83cb6b27d6c4/addtext_com_MTEwMDU1MTY0OA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/02d50801-3730-4299-990b-d0822cb54f40/20230815_193602.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - This is the beautiful view from my hotel room. Below are photos of the hotel lobby and surrounding area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630870219-9914LJVR6HQHXV1VDTOM/20230815_162455.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630869771-82GOGQP4T66UHYHF07W7/20230815_162459.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630877048-EV24QLMH80W8KILJBMO1/20230815_162546.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630877201-VG1PSW3LAA4TX2A18S7W/20230815_162601.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630886043-VBM9DADXLNQ7UAY6DH68/20230815_162709.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630885835-8U7N6ESI7OIVPTANZJAU/20230815_162735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630895269-99KVOMUDG5JT9NP9HKJK/20230815_162738.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1692630893818-RDJI8H1KDCHK489NANHC/20230815_162747.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ea6b1370-9697-4b85-8ce6-d7b3d1dbdcab/20230815_160627.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - I left the hotel at 7:30am well equipped with water, snacks, cell phone, map, identification, and the infamous Bear Spray. As I approached the trail head, I said a quick prayer. I wanted to see a bear at a distance for a picture. I wasn't interested in having one close enough to use bear spray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/67efd38f-2783-4c82-9a70-744526ddcfd7/20230816_134714.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - This is the beautiful creature that greeted us as we pulled into the dock at the end of Lake Josephine. My first moose sighting! It was a great way to end the first day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/99f36647-b58c-4077-a9d2-af1b4fa5bac9/20230817_082301.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - On the way, we were all pleasantly surprised to see this beautiful moose at the end of Lake Josephine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c242c402-5e9b-42ff-b242-75cf44265518/20230817_091152.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3b1ba9e8-22f0-4b51-b6e6-5f3e2f8c1806/20230817_101138.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - You could choose to walk close to the wall and get completely wet or walk near the edge of the rocky landing and avoid getting drenched. I was able to get across this part when coming up the trail. But now with my left hand in a sling, I wasn't as confident. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4da3fe53-2e0e-48fb-8b83-62aef16bc332/20230817_154038.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - I started this hike at 7:30am. My accident occurred at 10:30am. We finally arrived at the hotel at 4pm. The ambulance was waiting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a48a3b99-997a-44c0-bf4b-4dd024ddbac1/20230819_111714.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Broken Wrist & an Amazing Rescue on the Hike to Grinnell Glacier - The next day, my new friend, Cary from Kalispell picked me up at the airport hotel. We had lunch together and talked as if we had known each other for many years. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/byzantine-catholics monthly 0.5 2023-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b695395f-107c-4cfc-8bfc-61f71b93ea76/addtext_com_MTIwMDIyNjQ1NA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4787bb06-68e8-43d5-a5d6-7968cfd180a6/20230806_093138.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/699fb4a4-32eb-4f4e-b721-4e2133dcee03/20230806_094544.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics - As I looked through the books and pamphlets located at my pew, I noticed a prayer book titled, “The Divine Liturgy of Our Holy Father John Chrysostom.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511363050-DFMSJUBR01U59GLANNNE/20230806_093153.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511362851-KFIZ191NQBOB1KTX2O8G/20230806_093218.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511368609-I9Q10SI225VKZL7WB0CD/20230806_093351.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511373632-RYDOVDERAHNCYYJM86SB/20230806_100350.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511377144-FY3NJLVET02Z3IW7OR5C/20230806_102619.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511379328-4BQASXOLPP9WNV44J9IG/20230806_103347.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511390328-XD4P98W4SXN6AM9UAIW3/20230806_113113.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1691511392259-GWOZCZAUC6XW3OXWJ95M/20230806_113118.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ef6f7c86-bbd7-47e5-91f2-55a5e9360893/20230806_112236.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Byzantine Catholics - I thank Father Oleksiy for taking the time after the Liturgy to share the history of this rite. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/for-all-you-foodies-out-there monthly 0.5 2023-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e58dd8f4-0662-4ce5-8cee-c96102a5b533/For+all+you+FOODIES+out+there%21.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/49c019a7-b137-4ce8-b785-c9293d29e391/20230420_100404.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c51ffda7-1340-413d-ba57-f7fae251dd2b/20230420_100350.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - My favorite gelato flavors are pistachio and hazelnut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b5ed5c0e-d924-4429-a707-4749f11da464/20230420_103022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - Most of them have to do with pasta. I love pasta but decided long ago that since pasta and the heavenly Italian desserts all landed on the same place on my body, that I would have to choose one over the other. I couldn’t have my cake and eat it and still maintain the same size jeans. So, the pasta lost the battle to cannolis and gelato. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4be13bd7-d4e9-4624-90ec-85450e69dcaa/20230420_124914.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - Although I stay away from bread when I am home, after walking 9 miles a day touring Venice, I couldn’t resist a smorgasbord of Bruschetta! What a GREAT treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8efa11b9-21a9-40b3-bb8b-fd66c6a16273/20230420_101635.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/153dc756-b42d-4f70-9d3d-5fa22bbb3881/Murano.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - This floating vegetable market in Burano brought a smile to my face. Afterall, you can’t make good spaghetti sauce or “gravy” without peppers, onion, and garlic. If you’re Italian, let me know in the comments below if your family called it SAUCE or GRAVY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/09cde212-6ebd-4c97-9b1a-f5c8b33efcd3/20230430_134404.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/82f42f4e-73a4-4707-9cd7-2892deed5c4e/20230501_130737.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - The Hot Dog Stand – or as it is known in Austria – the Wurstelstand – had the best sausages. I found these stands near Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. Each stand had throngs of people around them eating these very long sausages stuffed into long buns. When I noticed several people ordering the sausages without the bun, I knew I had to try it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e4757d2d-b5e1-4967-a6e2-cd5b2f7a077c/20230501_130341.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - For all you FOODIES out there! - I ordered the spicy sausage with ketchup and mustard on the side. It was heavenly. This I would order again and maybe with sauerkraut next time! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/god-had-different-plans monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/57b68cc6-197b-45ff-80c1-c19a1a2d0073/addtext_com_MDYyMTUzMTMyMjg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/60664fa1-bf9f-4604-858d-c78f0ab02b42/Wedding+1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! - And I thank you, God for these beautiful photos! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207671297-XU7UTVW5INJZN4KN1ZW4/20220719_155910.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207671219-8ID3T8W65Y78MA6R2VYF/20220719_155923.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207676641-HF5QZ3ML0TO9RXLODQU4/20220719_155932.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207676735-BNEY8NF2RH2DX4J79P1L/20220719_155943.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207686615-U7BVTZ010JW1EDQJ799Z/20220719_160039.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207683867-2WUP7A4JF4TMRCD8FHFC/20220719_160200.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207686965-VW17WFAC81NRENG04T93/20220719_160213.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207691698-7EYLXA4PLXJ424MMW8WY/20220719_160253.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207691820-1E514DKI0BIDB8F925WU/20220719_160317.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207696582-7KIOPNQ3SVPFI4MGYL5B/20220719_160426.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207694739-WICVBVBP48ZE2QJKG33I/Ft.+Walton+Beach+2014+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207700218-U6736S5W9U8K45HLOSHE/John+%26+Denise+photo+at+Sunset+Beach.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207701982-OX1XOCSECDPXXT034ZIY/John+%26+Denise+photo+Western+NC.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1688207705774-HUCXM7UD9MQ9ZKWF66PS/Selfie+at+the+Beach+2014.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - God had different plans! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-wedding-gift-vienna-italy monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/351a9358-4a1d-4096-9576-9c624ba5381a/addtext_com_MTQyMzQ0MzExMDA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a49f39f5-ad73-4692-bb52-215839e93121/20230503_084703.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/92e555ed-aa1d-4d4c-8faa-05c8938db7f7/20230503_085026.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - The Palace Chapel was a beautiful structure comparable to the many churches I visited in Vienna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3ce36cee-faf9-4b42-9465-21ab708d3217/20230503_093653.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - I can envision an elegant ball in this room with couples dancing to the music of the Viennese waltz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486166560-L6MOQLIBJ40FQ49XE4MZ/20230503_092615.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486166663-PLMLO25ON3JRQI1F3RRQ/20230503_092651.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486174090-68K7ZFNO7I3H2UFDUKGJ/20230503_093202.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486174563-HJUN5LM65LHCO5HWJGN9/20230503_093524.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486178105-J7DZ7Q6ULDCL02OI9BSU/20230503_093729.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486187153-1TZ5YTON4Q3M0F4PK3KL/20230503_094054.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486191798-HQA6D6DLBLIL3J9FDHGD/20230503_094250.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486196285-3JNQAHSFLPVG0UP3QA5T/20230503_094344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/32ab2b29-b8a3-40d4-8eb9-fc94f9d2325d/20230503_100529.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486510103-TIJH4JV44KIPQ88W3NN9/20230503_100438.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486527878-LKQKNAGK096RG5FXM017/20230503_100631.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486528353-TMJS87H84996QCOMV1KB/20230503_100709.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486536733-BQ64B75DQMGCI7SMSGLZ/20230503_101102.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4d8e1924-12c9-4e74-a303-0467e4e580e8/20230503_101229.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - I was particularly amazed at the uniformity of all the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486665468-T8N63QCV8SINVNZ83RAM/20230503_101906.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486685225-OHH2QTVYQ0Y60UCRNKEH/20230503_105345.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486681215-FZAF3MFNSMVYDUNLU30H/20230503_105355.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486684267-I8E2LZD2MP3UR13UHVKC/20230503_105805.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486690542-YWG21A8PG9NGFQKXWA2A/20230503_110339.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486693910-2QYNJ386IEHX887DCDMP/20230503_110344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486702719-B3DHFH834FXFH41XFMBT/20230503_111613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686486694970-BIOZI8CO789BQAFMJSLY/20230503_110425.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3f61e7d0-ed5f-4124-a698-13e16affba21/20230503_111024.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - Notice how the top of the trees in this picture form a frame and below an arch. I don’t know how they did that, but it was interesting to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2eb8fd07-8f21-41fd-92d7-8ad5cbbacbb4/20230503_122854.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - Mariahilfer Kirche is a parish church and was built between 1686-1689. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686487091175-NO9LCB065VBNW11SUNC0/20230503_122905.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686487098460-9MJP7UIZ3037EI2YYMJM/20230503_122946.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686487094579-IZSAF0V6BJ3HCHQUGYAD/20230503_122951.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686487105913-LJSYBLYL4WUU6MJ2FE6V/20230503_123123.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c7bddce5-61ba-41fd-8bd7-b5483f2cb94b/20230503_124012.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - This artist created this treasure from sand and displayed it on the streets of Vienna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c940dda5-e6eb-4efb-aeb1-16fc7b4e3a46/20230503_124308.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - This is a beautiful sculpture on the walls of the Striftskirche depicting the Passion of Jesus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e357eb1f-3424-4a08-b1f6-b47fdfe7b208/20230503_124431.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - This 3D sculpture depicts Jesus as He is crowned with thorns. It is hard to describe the size of these sculptures. As I walked into this church, I gasped at the size of these art pieces. They were large, beautiful, and very detailed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0931b5dd-cf6d-4a59-baa4-a0fb2bc1c5a2/20230503_131930.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - The best surprise, as I turned the corner toward my hotel was a wine festival complete with a full orchestra playing beautiful Austrian folk music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7dab66d8-ad81-4c3c-838f-d4ba84854533/20230503_131620.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Special Wedding Gift in Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/melk-abbey monthly 0.5 2023-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b2266cb4-f111-4579-b34e-6550c26bf0e0/addtext_com_MTQwMjM2MzEwMjg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/70c2229c-ac70-4b98-9f3e-5be35d32ae43/20230502_103540.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - This abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II gave one of his castles to the Benedictine monks. I knew I had to see this, so I researched how to get to the abbey. I purchased my train tickets in advance. This would be the first time I would be changing trains on a day trip in a foreign country. It can get complicated when you do not speak the language. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dbbe4994-36c4-4d81-a79b-0bac1cf17955/20230502_073043.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222560873-1HCTXUJOK1Q90A25IYYA/20230501_081657.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222574263-0D1FVGNTSDA48BDZ0SRZ/20230502_073426.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222581684-39IWVA35I0R6QG0ZRMCQ/20230502_073451.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222582975-KYDXXABI5ZBGZKXY32T3/20230502_073501.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/026fe85f-3f71-4954-bf98-e00e3d6c26a8/20230502_074810.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - As I continued my walk to the train station, I could see this beautiful church in front of me. As I approached the entrance, both doors were opened as well as the interior gates. The parish church of Saint Elizabeth was very inviting and very beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222795732-ITTJGSIH1DSS7GDF2OZY/20230502_074942.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222796042-AGOZ6XQG1PXIHSZAKFJ6/20230502_075005.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222802081-4GKYMF6WFX8SAX8C9WWN/20230502_075014.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686222802489-0JYCYDFCTFPVV79OE6DZ/20230502_075019.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c8e99ada-8fe5-47e0-9f90-87fd5146dc26/20230502_075142.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - The tulips outside the church made my day as I continued my walk to the train station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a56aeef8-52ff-4fb0-b321-9aa42c562a58/20230502_103433.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - I found myself, once again, climbing lots of stairs to get to the entrance of the abbey all the while thinking that this would be a great place for a funicular! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686223377732-4HXUELTF62466RYWQOTM/20230502_105100.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686223386596-28GT1RKX6PGLBZD0K6IF/20230502_105149.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686223386388-2MB2MUVT3D23UAD0FZPM/20230502_105152.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686223392259-NVHX1H3IHPYCIVLD6PI3/20230502_105230.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fceff231-1f2b-484e-a1d6-07cb0bd9d40c/20230502_105905.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/04a31db9-a516-46da-8ac2-d8e3d2ae3674/20230502_105734.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - A Day Trip from Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/roaming-the-streets-of-vienna monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f5073e5b-eef2-4899-8081-d340240a9ce7/addtext_com_MjA0OTMyMjY4MjA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/370f1e81-6a94-4e87-bc20-b107afdae13a/20230430_130224.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - One of my travel books recommended a walking route beginning at the Vienna Opera House. This was the first place I walked to the day I arrived in Vienna. I was glad I did because on May Day, there was a demonstration in front of the Opera House making it difficult to get close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210334385-OROVQTBXJ8477QJU8R6B/20230430_143106.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210328021-CC6WYEHAYL7HYLKL5897/20230430_142908.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210327820-KJTFU9VJXF2S29GC7OAC/20230430_143058.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210334966-Y4B207FNXDGD54GEOKK8/20230430_143124.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/849c364a-ffbc-4efb-a751-7886f954bd34/20230430_143408.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - The Pension Neuer Markt was my next stop and a great place to get lunch and snacks for a day of exploring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b5b1d5bf-66ee-4c12-afe2-add6c5c35398/20230430_144016.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210753284-3542988NHLU4EL0IM1ZW/20230430_144409.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210751513-NL56TQQGD6IA9MG5EP1K/20230430_144617.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210756609-SXAPKAMJUDTENGGNFYVT/20230430_144657.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210756878-IDYOCHQM7QZ6DDMQRYK8/20230430_144738.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210761190-I7FNDLKWPIO0WN6T4NCC/20230430_144809.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210761018-WAZQVFHTFOCSCWM7CEBZ/20230430_145001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210767120-OPCCLKMUEEK924AQJHXA/20230430_145116.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210774563-6BFTAV25QHIFOGQR6UX2/20230501_094456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210781456-UOF2HR9IOTX1O3D2EAXC/20230501_094638.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210787115-ZL87I1HDHBHVYXYGIMUV/20230501_094700.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210784025-YTQJSMG9D1V3EX7K3EU6/20230501_094714.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686210788460-Z3TTSZH03NJ74J986F2W/20230501_094731.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d969130c-31d4-4c95-a094-1d3dfbc06977/20230501_094515.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/31b432fc-e23b-4dc7-a37a-de6682423e0d/20230501_100033.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211040596-R2JHDNJ7KVMPDJ94OQR6/20230501_095714.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211040381-HR7Q2IXEQJ3KYD7ZG3PS/20230501_095728.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211050608-XECU4UX0AQVLREUE9TLF/20230501_095735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211051193-WRCC1A9BCCRMR62OEJY7/20230501_095853.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211056573-9H3VX41ZWG87TS6ZF29H/20230501_095917.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211058319-8IL9C1TILI90AA96MGJ5/20230501_095950.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211062500-V0CZYZI02MYQNHXQ913K/20230501_095955.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211063292-W1VXF4UOMTWWCX24DBYE/20230501_100020.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211569137-LD1CGIAXR32BEOU3YORY/20230501_081546.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211572955-P9CJ1KH6GNXU7K4O2OTL/20230501_081812.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211584937-38QRT48RWWB80AH2285G/20230501_082027.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211590894-RUIZKXO063YLRI31LYKN/20230501_082101.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211597957-JV43DH9WUVL8W6HYMDMT/20230501_082232.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211604696-BQF7ZMQG2ZURU43HOYIZ/20230501_082537.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211610893-04NW3NKKIYFXAZFSF76H/20230501_082615.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211617445-MITO7SJO1TESW92UQF2N/20230501_082749.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211617794-I9HI8D7UMCMN5TC9ZJ8F/20230501_082754.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211621752-HSQSBGNOER1X3NR168U6/20230501_082818.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211624274-NP66CORVOP02ICAZYDFT/20230501_082823.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686211628688-OI84EWJZRAZQE07NSYHE/20230501_083008.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/42873f60-42e5-4d2c-b3a2-5cc58c59a907/20230501_082416.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - This is a picture of one of its original doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e24082ae-a356-45c4-b47b-76b75389c9c7/20230501_081857.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Saint Michael’s Church also contains the largest organ in Vienna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8d8ba693-c711-44a7-916e-3abc638bb80e/20230501_085610.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212036074-SCFO5YYMBGXUDXIU91JH/20230501_085626.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212035122-2YFCLI2C6KYMJ3PZ76AW/20230501_085653.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212037125-IUNMMMB5C82YLYCZR5C1/20230501_085702.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212041641-FJ30V3ULQMCEZPJ8XR1S/20230501_085753.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212043533-KC1EUEBCAD9OMF66CHAW/20230501_085824.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212044147-NBPAAHYXHCQDK6GCMH4T/20230501_085844.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212046234-EZUTIBD4VK9D860N80FD/20230501_085909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212047257-N9IY1FOXVOSXVQEL07HN/20230501_085938.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212048863-KK71OXYGH4RFPFRZIOCR/20230501_090022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212051588-K1T2BUTBHFRCLBME6ZO6/20230501_090104.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212050749-9HXV1ZO1NEWR13HMOK6O/20230501_090307.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212055109-2CDYMD1UD3RETJEDP6BX/20230501_090343.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0ef9173c-6328-4f3d-a852-dc9ed2d372ec/20230501_091153.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - This monument commemorates the dark years when Austria came under Nazi rule from 1938 to 1945. The intricate details in the white marble depict the different aspects of war. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b89e0e1f-d6e9-473e-9543-1ceb6fa94a9e/20230501_091207.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - This figure signifies Jews in chains and those forced by the Nazi regime to scrub anti-Nazi graffiti off city streets. More than 65,000 Austrians died in Nazi concentration camps. This monument was built at the gate of one of those concentration camps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212684009-X5PQ1Y266GKYGAH1TM37/20230501_083300.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212683447-YOIEDRG99RKXUGP4S9Y4/20230501_091918.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212686691-PUQ6QCEU1D44FTJRGSD6/20230501_091930.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686212687434-UODPEU1PH7SFRF9LBCTH/20230501_091944.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/095d0824-b4a4-46a7-a09f-f50d2b036f26/20230430_160307.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Horse and carriage rides were everywhere in Vienna. Another great attraction was the antique cars used for city tours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2d2f9886-a72a-4767-b222-94a0bff2b07b/20230501_092914.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - The groundbreaking of Saint Peter’s Church began in 1701. The church was completed in 1733. I am always amazed at the sculptures of gold and the ornate figures in our churches. People did everything they could to show their love for God and to teach others about God’s love for us. When you love someone, you want to make their home beautiful. The talent throughout this church and all the churches I visited is breathtaking. I could only imagine how beautiful an organ concert would sound in this church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213105157-14VVXDDRZ1EM3AJ8SJEI/20230501_092755.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213070183-GD5XJ1UV24XWKUWMNSJG/20230501_092926.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213070739-JIN4P4BY0NN1OUK4MVJV/20230501_092953.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213077295-614GZ6HGDDL6I5WBMD0I/20230501_093011.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213077884-NCDA233V1JB9J3YXG3BN/20230501_093033.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213082519-TEW1A6WKTTO36OWMBPF5/20230501_093050.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213082954-XYXH4NOF16NDK1S1138A/20230501_093108.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213084884-V47DQD455OTJQWT3ZZE7/20230501_093123.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b97e5b1b-cd7d-4a65-bd5c-582128331387/20230501_104106.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Floor to ceiling - Books – EVERYWHERE! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213390978-QE2I6EBI20ZVJQJPH64M/20230501_104104.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213390508-O729K0E12Q1PUDCOAQ0F/20230501_104117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213397162-GSQ7J0W3J84NBHI37FAJ/20230501_104125.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213397629-OTAQNERBBH8MWY91UOKP/20230501_104215.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213404705-PGJTFKZFXUHRHTAQAD23/20230501_104229.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213405308-X5YUWLSSAY1ZRA5D9ROQ/20230501_104234.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213411609-WCF07I3RO7VSIYNP82GA/20230501_104248.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686213413325-9VXGS8QBT78OOACM9BXS/20230501_104456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5b71df1b-c261-42a5-b99e-4eede5ba026c/20230501_131300.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8d6f462d-5923-46c0-be6e-ecc5e64a0631/20230501_132829.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna - I was pleasantly surprised to see tulips in bloom. The weather was beautiful, and people were enjoying themselves on benches and grassy areas. It was a great place to sit, read a book, and catch the sun. I did just that before heading to Dominikanerkirche. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214267990-ASD32UJJUBCLR958UQST/20230501_140004.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214245368-YNRGZ7V7ZCOPPDU1EWJB/20230501_135649.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214246289-VUX2SY4YOFZFD92E3XM9/20230501_135714.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214248194-BV7SFKYTL3OWJ4P4AJPC/20230501_135734.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214255848-G8VQTTW0GT1NKG75TL7I/20230501_135757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214255735-XPZTIBRGHRRY72VZ0TNS/20230501_135804.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214263637-VDM7OU4GNLCT83T14DOH/20230501_135825.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686214263378-KESBIJ44TBHGULQYKISS/20230501_135843.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Vienna https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/salzburg-austria monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5e12ef3e-77ea-421f-9c1c-7703e9514faa/addtext_com_MTk1NDIyMjgxOTE.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1ed83222-4c6f-4d55-91d5-9f2df15c00d8/20230427_163803.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - As we pulled up to the gate of the hotel, I could see this was a special place. The Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg was in a beautiful location overlooking a lake and beautiful snow-capped mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4861bb5e-4578-450b-bb2a-691c4e00e3a6/20230427_165219.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - After checking in, I took a tour of the grounds. There was a walking path around the lake. From across the lake, you could see the main part of the hotel and the Festung Hohensalzburg (Fortress) in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686166952442-3RL64V1MSQDDPLI93T2B/20230427_163552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686166960946-ZHD8FBU88YMOW0T0PLNZ/20230427_164114.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686166969881-6FQCQ547DMHD6LD8FFSV/20230427_164355.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686166985263-S6CGAVBC2EHRBGFTHZZC/20230427_164852.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686167212349-GL3F4JL317T3ENHDWAZM/20230428_085010.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686167207018-HVR7T2QLJQ8QFOEUO9VW/20230428_090639.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686167218622-YOD3UFII4TK3EOX70H3D/20230428_090750.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686167225026-UBFVEI43KURTK9ZK5GGB/20230428_090812.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3c575175-67f2-4d04-a4e1-53074d786108/20230427_181223.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - On the wall in the lobby of the hotel was an autographed photo of Julie Andrews in one or the scenes from the Sound of Music. Do you remember this scene in the movie??? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6dc68056-78a5-4199-9195-f76ca78a558e/20230428_090743.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - The next morning, I found the exact location where the scene was filmed on the hotel grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8753046e-59ff-4e33-917c-d9943be0ece2/20230428_082741.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - Breakfast at the hotel was served on the first floor of the palace. The art and gold work were stunning AND the food was good too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686167457845-GRH1CPCM6Y72271EVDNV/20230428_082653.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686167457700-HFIROWPY5KX4WPI3B6IF/20230428_082710.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686167466861-7YEM67B5DPKXNW828X8J/20230428_082735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ce956877-dc33-4115-b6c5-f096a1417405/20230428_082808.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - After breakfast, I found the library which was set up for a wedding to be held on the grounds. I knew this place had a story to tell, so I did some research, and this is what I learned… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/188e2699-6aaf-4c28-ab03-91905dfd960b/20230428_091519.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - One of my travel books on Salzburg came with a walking map of all the sites I wanted to see. My first stop was Festung Hohensalzburg. I know my husband would have enjoyed this place because of all the military features. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5f0f43d3-56b3-4748-90bf-3ad723c709bd/20230428_094423.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - I was interested because visiting the fortress began with a ride on a funicular. Funiculars are the best way to get to the top of a hill or mountain without breaking a sweat. The views are always worth it too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ed8eb8af-d1a0-427f-9a45-986f7723c0a2/20230428_095721.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - As I roamed through the many parts of the fortress, I found Saint George’s Church. As I entered the church, there was a small vestibule and then gates that prevented you from going into the church. It was the first time I saw something like this. However, when I thought back on the movie, the Sound of Music, in the wedding scene when Maria is getting ready to walk down the aisle, the nuns stand behind the gate as they watch Maria process toward the altar. As it turned out, these gates were in almost all the churches I visited in Salzburg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168152011-Y83OI1JTES59NMZBRZFY/20230428_100326.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168160738-F75IC9E9DQ0UJCOMYF8J/20230428_100339.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168161251-ZHA0FY5NR94Z4NT38M0O/20230428_100348.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168164254-FZ50FECIJZ5Q7ADSC9U3/20230428_100402.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168253103-RWWQT0TZKN5B8R9I07F0/20230428_100533.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168253945-YYXZJDF8OX5P2CC0OA8I/20230428_100543.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168257253-SYHOGYVQR1CXM0JOFNUT/20230428_100559.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168350097-CMSYCQQXT0FTHZSKZTR3/20230428_100720.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168354356-QFPH6W20CFRWRBDIBGU6/20230428_100733.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168353888-DSP3B5BP9MXM1TRUSQT4/20230428_100851.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168357095-VVMXSHT0S0CESXOAM3XL/20230428_100856.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168357311-JL9VPSB0KU4IPPZ83L9U/20230428_100900.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168367855-7NKZY1EEXRAGBNX373HV/20230428_101011.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168368744-VW3Q4HM20HE5PPQCRL9L/20230428_101730.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168373252-BOI0S6GF4CXELENT3F49/20230428_101734.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/87942dc9-a88d-416e-bedf-fe996bd78436/20230428_102638.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - This beautiful old church did not have gates on the inside but had them on the outside. Another interesting find in many of the churches I visited was the chalk markings either above the door or on the door as they are in this picture. If you’ve read my book – Mary’s Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes! – then you read about these markings in Chapter Nine. Let me know in the comments below if you know what these markings mean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168739781-LKWWJLZKNMC0SSKUQOC0/20230428_102711.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168743972-8C79GLLQMGBFTSE9KG4J/20230428_102722.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168728560-BE9VWWMGNWMG5WCM7ZEE/20230428_102530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686168735380-R0TC71EG0F69VB6O0YFP/20230428_102609.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/10c1ea17-77c0-47f1-88cb-c5b1ff3d70c8/20230428_103014.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169133399-2H4KQEFMILVGXUS32VOU/20230428_103438.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169134822-MGQARFWY4GY5SJOYNAVL/20230428_103503.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169135702-5XBR314X6RKA26GB6QVW/20230428_110350.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/18aa739a-ff8d-4c8c-a041-df94c2e645de/20230428_103620.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - As I walked away from this area, I came upon the Salzburg Cathedral. The outside did not look like a cathedral; however, I recognized the name on the sign. After paying the entrance fee, I walked inside this beautiful cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c0456776-22de-4b97-b956-615e8da8acfe/20230428_104023.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - WOW! The center aisle of this church was massive not only in length, but in width as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b721e29c-bf6b-4c03-ac3e-47c725ed5b63/20230428_104045.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - The first altar to the right of the entrance depicted a beautiful painting of Saint Sebastian. Below the painting was a beautiful art piece of the Madonna and Child. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169596551-TWMFAA4MER7S4C48LYSK/20230428_104218.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169614561-6DPOV0O59477AQ5U1ODA/20230428_104424.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169615192-ED059NQKPO5XDCL5I725/20230428_104443.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169619815-32QTJDLQY03Q3CXMH0I3/20230428_104510.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169619931-IKPQIFRNB09FF3909FT7/20230428_104530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169622443-DSQEQXUFJQMAV6AD48S8/20230428_104602.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7e2ebd0f-8464-41bf-bfbe-bd7cc689d7f5/20230428_104317.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - I noticed also that the beautiful Stations of the Cross were located above the archways as you traveled down the side aisles toward the front of the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169764175-DATZQ0U59OMKYFCU0GY6/20230428_104824.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169763311-XS38TU9YDW4RR5CRAA3G/20230428_104934.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169764864-GS31FCZ2GFKQD9S6003J/20230428_104946.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686169766520-KPWPSQPT25UD4XCDY952/20230428_105037.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/651e17b7-82d4-4e8f-be9e-e0ba17168669/20230428_105702.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - I was also impressed with the woodwork on each of the pews – although, there were no cushions on the kneelers! By now, you know how much I love those cushions! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9398a7a1-a33e-46e1-a079-0d3b1da89804/20230428_112001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - The convent was founded in 712 by Saint Rupert. Despite fires, wars, and several renovations, the convent has sustained its beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176181374-XRUVKUBAVLPVCOH0PB6A/20230428_111440.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176196178-E1JEBY44QM2BRECILHRV/20230428_111540.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176195822-AOY705AL53K4ABVHSA9Q/20230428_111652.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176201355-KOHCGWUNTAGINL18FW56/20230428_111820.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176207973-0TRKJPV1U45M5KCJW1FY/20230428_112043.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176205542-ZIP8KW01S95CJ4E99QV5/20230428_111937.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176210142-099NMQCSOQGWAHPHKG61/20230428_112113.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176212889-DTXK0YOMQWD90YUVRXWI/20230428_112143.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/31f0fe8a-86b1-4d65-9500-3c8689809421/20230428_112225.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - One of the interesting features of the church that caught my eye was the carving of the dove in the center of the arched ceiling. The dove is one of the many symbols of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Seeing the dove in the center of the domed ceiling reminded me of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176419830-5NPAHQ7RQJGRB3OM8P7C/20230428_113331.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176420860-T2VG70HQ3QAKNNJ6E1R6/20230428_113422.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176423975-ICXPMC6YI18H8ZO1PKID/20230428_113527.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176425868-SZPSMKMNCLAJBIZ1DTZ7/20230428_113823.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/95071825-45f9-4082-bb22-b36815657adb/20230428_135520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … Of course, Mozart is one of the reasons many people come to Salzburg. Mozart was born in Salzburg in 1756. Although I did not go to the museum highlighting his life, I did enjoy the chocolates named in his honor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8c44663b-d70d-43a8-98e6-2fcc36d98447/20230428_115509.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176943958-VHOEBS9IB55P4UEWHIL0/20230428_150121.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176948747-AVVK3CIK0UFW4WWQBWI1/20230428_150258.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176949675-31AAAORQSP0SI07L6E45/20230428_150304.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176960886-PF8A4VY1M058WFXYLVO4/20230428_150411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176961658-Q3V29A5JRGN05XJF1SX9/20230428_150419.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176966763-021YWVTPTWQZXQGFAO45/20230428_150444.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176973790-V827UNPF46N9LE3QS14A/20230428_150530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686176979777-HPASL99W83Y6EDQDA555/20230428_150601.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177341064-4ROM4JMYNWXBVKRAXU08/20230429_100424.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177341269-60TGRY3I1W9ZTPC4ST0S/20230429_100435.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ca670513-7a0f-4f8f-b1e4-2818d4f0c72f/20230429_104305.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - Let me know in the comments below if you know the song Julie Andrews and the children sang around this fountain in this garden!!! If you have not seen the Sound of Music, I highly recommend it. It is a classic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177589348-0YITHEQX2XZYR20MAT5M/20230429_104138.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177604896-HGH08KNDIG10IHD6RK2U/20230429_104428.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177610580-MKWF67DT7EES7TRE27Y4/20230429_104500.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177622648-4R8TNRFFDO7KTIGZ2A5U/20230429_104735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177633997-31W1Q3MS7AXAWI10PO8F/20230429_104748.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177638403-MZZLYFIV0U8HO5TENBUX/20230429_104903.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177639023-VDJIXSAPJHVNW6GSO36W/20230429_105010.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686177644660-J9MLTESM40TFH3N3GTJQ/20230429_105659.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3940963a-3623-48e5-bfba-25a607bda56a/20230429_111308.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - May we never forget and may we continue to always pray for each of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/853d1e52-ec04-4bc6-b11b-155637a2acd6/20230429_111833.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/33aba31b-4604-4673-8aa9-013f42802f82/20230429_130921.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - My GPS led me to a domed alley with a steep incline with too many steps to count. As I climbed the steps, I wondered why they didn’t build a funicular on this spot! Climbing the countless number of steps was exhausting, but well worth the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/eb624be8-2f9f-43c2-a9e9-bdddea97a120/20230429_124703.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686178317933-0Y7MAHTPT710545R9OAF/20230429_125005.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686178317344-G3E58R5CYVIAJTUJ35BH/20230429_125012.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686178324474-63Y7APMDPUVL0S0STTE2/20230429_125017.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686178320137-GE5G0BHAQ3SIHY9IFJJ6/20230429_125029.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/834e71eb-5474-413a-9b4e-93cf97802dfc/20230429_124544.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - On my way back down from the Capuchin Monastery, atop a hill, I noticed a beautiful crucifix. A set of steep stairs descended from the crucifix leading to four more gold plaques. These plaques caught my attention because they had on them the initials USA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/812af16f-a3bb-4aa2-8507-66f775e19d5d/20230429_130402.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Hills are Alive … - The translation for the plaque in the upper left corner is as follows: Heir Wohnte – Lived Here Stefan Zweig – NAME JG 1881 – Date of birth Flucht 1934 – Escaped 1934 England, USA, Brasilien (Brazil) Fluct in den tod – Humiliated. Deprived of his rights. Flight into his own death. 23.2.1942 – Date – February 23, 1942 Petropolis – Place in Brazil The other three stones seem to indicate that the individuals escaped in 1938 to Frankreich (France) and then on to the USA. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/exploring-lake-garda monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f4e67c87-52ea-45b1-8907-7689e9ef9947/addtext_com_MjEzNzA4OTEwNw.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e1e94d32-7d19-4980-9146-73114880de17/20230426_095849.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda - The Scaligero Castle was built in the 14th century by the Della Scala family of Verona. This family ruled Verona and a large part of the Venetian area from 1259 to 1387. The castle was later controlled by the Republic of Venice in the 15th century and continued to be used as an armory and fortification until the Unification of Italy in 1848. Restoration began in 1919 after World War I and was completed in 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181155464-R30SA9V6OR7GX0MVMXT7/20230426_102430.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181154772-MTLYLFL20VXE5I0F4V9J/20230426_102508.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181156891-CJ0HB9HU4J277C4XAO7N/20230426_103043.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181157408-ISSF519D1AAHC8JZH2GF/20230426_103125.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181162560-K6S1PU1PTQQ4KQXLGEAF/20230426_103603.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181163802-H35RJCASXUPNGNH7BPWU/20230426_103949.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181166063-LR6C6PUS07BZRZHJMFB3/20230426_104029.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181166460-BK4TZNP9743MBX2B2RDD/20230426_104324.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181171280-WO027D3D8WE1NUSJ2LJF/20230426_105412.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181168763-7ZLPWXU68I8TCTXELJNZ/20230426_105413.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181171719-09XU04KQHAAUL4R405S1/20230426_110105.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181175562-JTO68NBAKLX7J60PDTPT/20230426_110110.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181344068-659IFGHC3LF2N2HBYZN0/20230426_095807.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181352312-BDZ4R4VU9AV5UA7OOFVO/20230426_095939.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181350720-8ENGOP6L8DYT4I6Y2ZYX/20230426_100048.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181356073-9752DD0DNP49XU9YJJN6/20230426_100100.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181363639-GY9G3NF42VGDXP33S8B6/20230426_111443.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181363185-24R33F7SF09CPU6Y23TA/20230426_111813.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181371471-BPWJEPM29JO5KJ8LLJCE/20230426_112453.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181373289-7W8OUUJTNZL9GTK6BWJF/20230426_125142.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d52390a2-10bc-48a9-aa53-224569d07edd/20230426_113157.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda - I was grateful for the sign outside the church with its name in four different languages – to include ENGLISH! If you’ve read my last blog, you know how I was fooled to think I had a picture of the sign with the name of the church – but instead, it was only the Mass times in Italian! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181657847-T0M0K8OKP43Q3VYEZKWB/20230426_113209.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181663456-MA4YPWUULNNLDHALGWJ5/20230426_113224.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181666152-JZDJE4DWRB8TLJJ2RBHJ/20230426_113235.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181668725-QYWZC0E9UY6NN131EM2J/20230426_113240.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181673047-ZB4DDU3W6WD55LSJO2WH/20230426_113252.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181674391-JLNO973FDRT6L13E5X6U/20230426_113326.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181679666-89A0QH7NG5UXU7HEKHML/20230426_113333.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181679825-VWSBT1FDJ7FVROA6791O/20230426_113433.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/edd6e97f-a86f-433f-829f-c20999bbc2ca/20230426_113701.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181845065-3N9VLY2DGWO3TM8RA4LJ/20230426_113841.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181848202-P6A9NP6QWP19MBMAKWWM/20230426_114922.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181856482-0L0QACXEJHYD3P4JWOG9/20230426_130036.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181863816-WYBPPPU061XE0MGWU1V5/20230426_141706.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181872369-MZ9ANRX49JF4311E7U7I/20230426_142433.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181870946-BEN1VSIR3TB5YHSC01LG/20230426_142519.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181878096-XXNLKKXBMMD3Z8J06XRG/20230426_142639.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1686181877317-VCL1943TCETBSQ35H3IY/20230426_142523.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Lake Garda https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/third-place monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5995526d-98a1-45d6-98e8-2e8a6ca3b767/CMA+2023+Award+Banner.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Book took THIRD PLACE! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/15e309d1-bb96-46cd-a274-8475d3fed5d7/Screenshot+2023-06-11+063214.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Book took THIRD PLACE! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d598fadb-5a23-45ab-b7cc-547e9bf57728/Screenshot+2023-06-11+063306.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Book took THIRD PLACE! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/romeo-and-juliet monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0a2633a2-668a-4a4f-97ad-c45f6977576e/addtext_com_MDgwNzM0MjU3NjU.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598654987-BU4LDGYQHM2C6JZ1L74P/20230424_160013.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598655821-I3DBE5PL43NA0A32HV90/20230424_161011.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598659620-3TV4HAG4UX19KU7CPIUP/20230424_161018.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598660099-62EPUHESU7HBTG7B32Z8/20230424_161331.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598668281-FIOV0EKYL2E7XXHI8FLI/20230425_094610.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598669038-V0M5YEKAPEBIZ32ZKZ6G/20230425_094741.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598672480-69LAIP97FK6LNQFBYZ3R/20230425_094933.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598674686-755IAYN5EFJQPM7DXIMQ/20230425_095045.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/10e54fa9-6873-413d-9eaa-0cec5aa4ec73/20230425_102919.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - The Funicolare di Castel S Pietro was a fun way to see beautiful Verona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598909813-1KC91WKBMMIUAANA0OG1/20230425_102837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598915514-9QKTGZB4GUCJJ5AOE075/20230425_102850.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598916821-1Y3K74W0ZA5BQ49LJWQY/20230425_102858.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598933961-UDQMCCI2YWF0B061JFDK/20230425_103159.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598933987-ZJTJYPM8JM62RHA8BMRJ/20230425_103203.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598944635-SHD31P5F1MVQ129P8M8R/20230425_103218.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598941581-2XK8S0FIBNP84SA60OQU/20230425_103222.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684598945492-Y6JRS8Y8UXFY31CN1C96/20230425_103241.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1b615c1d-ffdf-43d7-9f4f-6822336a90d4/20230425_103824.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Inside the Castle of Saint Peter, at the top of the funicular, was a special exhibit titled, “Ilmio Purgatorio” by Dante. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d9587c38-63bb-4591-ae8c-7eaf98ad1fb3/20230425_103655.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Dante was a famous Italian poet who is often credited with helping create the Italian language. He wrote one of his famous works, the Divine Comedy, in the Tuscan vernacular, rather than Latin. Although the exhibit was free, you had to make a timed reservation online, which I didn’t know was needed. There were no openings for the day that I was at the castle, so I wasn’t able to see the exhibit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/da8c5c8b-941e-4a9b-9998-c3a3177856cc/20230425_121625.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - At the top of the tower were the famous bells. Luckily, I wasn’t up there long enough to hear them ring. They tell me that the sound is quite daunting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599432608-ZSAQSREQ9DEKI0J8E8YC/20230425_113720.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599433306-IJTXO69TFBZL518EZTK1/20230425_121245.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599441617-J98LS5L589Q6GJWHUZ1R/20230425_121335.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599452587-MHL6RL6UBTCD8I3NTC8E/20230425_121832.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/14140c52-6765-4e98-a744-30879ec1d869/20230425_133623.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Before entering, I took a picture of the plaque so that I would know the name. When I was writing this blog, I did a google translation of the sign. The sign translated means, “Holy Mass Times.” Ugh! I am sad to say that I never got the name of this beautiful chapel. If you’ve been to Verona and know the name of this chapel, please let me know in the comments below! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4cd0342c-edf5-48b9-869f-134914e4b716/20230425_133548.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599713384-RBHOR9TGK5TJ89XJKMW2/20230425_133546.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599716606-7IIO26SDZ9T7F73NB8LP/20230425_133657.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599724096-BHMA0DJS969T5ZNKU4NT/20230425_133833.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684599729620-7QSMD59A3J7CDPO49D9T/20230425_141359.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3d351b03-861b-4cc4-aaae-0547a48c9f24/20230425_095835.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - With my ticket in hand, I immediately took cover in Juliet’s house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c9224b66-1340-42df-a94d-a8b1fa3f90bb/20230425_144719.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684600122134-0VV1MJ1M22AET1UK6TZY/20230425_144642.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684600124181-S4C829FNC4GSDLJI138P/20230425_144757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684600125791-RL1N1RSSKZN77ABEIN4O/20230425_144912.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684600127361-IONT70T3ZLKYQEXXKKTF/20230425_145021.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dbac50cc-07bc-4aab-9984-b5352ac95325/20230425_144331.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet The famous balcony of Romeo & Juliet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2d584885-c048-4cf2-a97e-83532cdb57bd/20230425_164526.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - The Roman Theatre of Verona is an ancient theatre not to be confused with the amphitheater known as the Verona Arena. This structure is much smaller than the Verona Arena and was built in the late first century BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684601627088-C8HTP69TKIR2Y9LMUMWO/20230425_164313.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684601630051-UQSQIS87OOGPGVTWOO3X/20230425_164344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684601636508-ZQ2OWDSUFNC89YQBKQGV/20230425_164434.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684601639417-4HPZSMEBC0RGWWZLHCMY/20230425_164748.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684601640627-1J8ATWN9M7PL6HM1D319/20230425_164825.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684601646811-BHQB53FIGT40RPU06MJI/20230425_164831.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684601646785-9AE2MX9TGP7YB8KS5E8A/20230425_164837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bbd944c7-5b5c-4b46-8e64-99692266f507/20230425_161619.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Arco dei Gavi - a historical landmark in Verona commissioned by the Gavi family in the beginning of the 1st century AD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/807198c0-9989-4918-a52b-d57b192b799f/20230424_115535.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602371285-1LIINF1Z36FFVB0DWBMA/20230424_114708.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602374979-ZZVU4AJJNIMVTY71AQFU/20230424_115312.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602389533-AS5G7QMXHU397J3KHLAF/20230424_115508.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602418838-LFV23CHWSMPP0US83CJY/20230424_115542.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602414810-RMPNOLQ1G1C9ZHRUQSR1/20230424_115623.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602418935-YB8DW1T8WL7I12RDFLUY/20230424_115656.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602428551-87R3ZDB23FDSIDLC6048/20230424_115949.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602427967-IEMVNQQ5V4JY75FDFPGJ/20230424_120005.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602431471-SY34IG8FEUG1Z3M8N76Q/20230424_120027.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602436146-K9PPP85XR08JQ790GAPF/20230424_120129.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602438544-BL2XWD37SWA3U5AJ9GBA/20230424_120243.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684602449395-O1WHPK9GDQ07BNRGBG37/20230424_121656.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Romeo & Juliet https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/churches-of-verona monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2c8e6d1a-1f42-4f4e-9326-5772f907df5c/addtext_com_MDcwNDQwMjU0MTM.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9af7af6a-3ef4-4de2-aa50-ef5c33274eb9/20230424_122004.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - The Basilica of San Zeno is dedicated to the patron Saint of Verona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a24c7774-f0b4-4f07-8888-93feffb6f6e3/20230424_122616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - An expansion of the structure took place in the 11th century. Between the 1100s and the 1800s, this basilica withstood earthquakes and countless number of renovations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/14b93385-be2a-4215-9a48-e987591d70c2/20230424_122637.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - The front doors of this basilica are an amazing piece of art that consists of different panels depicting stories from both the Old and New Testaments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/60cdb3b3-602c-4119-a735-96284e72177d/20230424_122736.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - I was particularly impressed with the way the fourteen stations of the cross were displayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/39aeaaa0-81e2-45b0-8be5-8d18f28fd436/20230424_122850.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - The frescoes throughout the church also tell stories of the lives of the saints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684062790107-A6FY4IC2NHPCPUZPR0HZ/20230424_122950.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684062790633-NSOWPMTZB3RBGS19UN6M/20230424_123025.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684062804360-MFSIADPLHY1SS2RNZLVM/20230424_123355.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684062819265-17WY1XX3JSIMRE0Y7WOC/20230424_122515.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1f57b147-42f6-4c18-840d-66678573ae7e/20230424_123048.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/56966d00-b3df-4889-980d-fc9b406fbf4a/20230424_123231.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3a4d3404-2308-4c2f-84f1-ba6cab5e6986/20230424_123258.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - It is so important in these churches to be sure you look everywhere. Behind the six-panel artwork on the main altar was a beautiful painting of a bishop. I was unable to find a name for this painting, but it was quite interesting that this artwork would be somewhat hidden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e569e8a7-95e5-43b1-96ad-de59df007495/20230424_130602.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - This basilica had a crypt supported by 54 cross-vaults. At the end of the crypt, is the burial place of San Zeno. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1059bb31-e0af-4f28-8f58-f6f2f3f3e467/20230424_122404.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - The beauty of this basilica continued with frescoes on outside walls leading to the cloister area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684063333589-UYLS4LNIP2IN12JBRIP0/20230424_122411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684063334218-OC45DGFXRFA7GHESG9R4/20230424_122436.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/515530a2-164a-4b14-8508-670b9dd5c6a3/20230424_122004.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona This main cathedral in this complex is also known by the name Saint Maria Matricolare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9068ef2f-6bb8-4c1e-98cd-f735f1452080/20230424_134710.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - It is my understanding from research that the baptistery is a separate structure because in medieval times you could not enter the church until you were baptized. It would be interesting to know if there was someone at the door of the church with a large book checking to see if you’re baptism was listed in the book. There are so many entry points to these large churches that I think it would be an impossible task to ensure the status of all those who passed through the doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/139799d4-c799-4b37-8d87-5cdf9a09b5ad/20230424_134740.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - My next stop in the Complex was the Church of Saint Elena and the archaeological excavations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064470752-8JN6N5NC39K89SBKY5RU/20230424_134809.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064472973-2JGNGJBW7HR4UX6FLM1L/20230424_134817.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064475942-XQB113MXOEH9D3ZCEAAW/20230424_134825.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064476480-0JXBRH4YTXUZQTTUFM67/20230424_134854.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064483106-TWTIMNBZ7FOXH83Y8JAI/20230424_134924.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064479526-ODL96V7VXWH8RURKXTZF/20230424_134936.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064482980-6YHRGJGQKPSLIM6CY80M/20230424_134944.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064489823-N7S0V7NUYSTT7KFW62J3/20230424_135017.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064490347-9PX806IX9S0FWHQQ1JYT/20230424_135024.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064492718-CD75IXE6OI7AXE70KF2D/20230424_135036.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/46a7ee78-c193-4a99-a9fd-e19d3cdcf47a/20230424_135522.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064809541-479AKUGM6TRZY3QSMVNX/20230424_135149.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064810818-VAKUQ8EPU3DYKH76TES0/20230424_135208.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064815086-1YFMF1HTYVZYR1NNTZHQ/20230424_135246.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064818938-0KN8V6OFLJD46LMHPC93/20230424_135335.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064820757-HUWHM0AOXQGHMVGH57MV/20230424_135351.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064829281-UAV37UH1WUSQTFIH05R2/20230424_135451.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064833443-PSPT1ZVGHG1UAGVO9IIX/20230424_135602.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064840879-PT2S61EJDZRVPKLPC7YJ/20230424_135638.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064841527-VJQSNJI02G55Y05O5HJT/20230424_135643.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064844649-QZJ3XOX0SVV2V8CP3NFJ/20230424_135712.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064848964-0MHF3V11YPL2SB2HSX9P/20230424_135853.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684064851439-JKB2LLV917KXQI5CMZZL/20230424_135916.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a1fbf195-9d7f-4898-9a5b-71960bd357cf/20230424_140533.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - The translation of this plaque is as follows: Qui Abitava - He lived here Gilda Forti - Name Nata 1896 - Date of birth Arrestata 24.11.1944 - Date Arrested Deportata - Deported Ravenshruck - This was a concentration camp for women from 1939 to 1945 located in northern Germany Assassinata - Murdered https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6570c3d1-1377-4a1e-be91-f40c95892f2a/20230424_140842.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/173004fd-ab4f-4c7e-acd5-c53df8971c95/20230424_141303.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - As I enter these magnificent basilicas, I can’t help but wonder who built these ceilings? And how long did it take? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/793a8fac-2f71-4d45-ab90-7d6f7f5ec4d6/20230424_141636.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - One of the side altars that caught my eye was dedicated to Saint Rose of Lima. This painting was created in the second half of the 17th century. Saint Rose was born in Lima, Peru and a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. She was the first person born in the Americas to be declared a saint by the Catholic Church. Saint Rose is the patron saint of embroiders, gardeners, and florists. I was unable to identify the connection between Saint Rose of Lima and the city of Verona. Perhaps the artist of the painting or the individual who commissioned the painting, had a devotion to Saint Rose and wanted her story to be known by others. It is a beautiful painting and clearly tells of the love and devotion this saint has for God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4562b6a3-a6dd-47a6-852e-6eadc9a20dab/20230424_141652.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Next to the altar dedicated to Saint Rose was the Crucifix Chapel which is the most ancient part of the basilica. The cross dates back to the 15th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c0de5cd4-6afa-4f15-aeb3-2287b549f544/20230424_141705.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - This is a raised structure and painting of the burial of Jesus and is part of the Crucifix Chapel. The date of completion for this art piece is 1427. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2afb7666-af3f-4643-91b6-2d25e5a0a42c/20230424_141734.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Another side altar named the Centrego Altar is dedicated to Saint Thomas Aquinas. This altar took fourteen years to complete with construction beginning in 1488. The painting depicts the Blessed Mother and the child Jesus between Saint Thomas Aquinas on the left and Saint Augustine on the right. Both saints are Doctors of the Church and have contributed to the solid foundation of our Christian faith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ae8de08c-16d4-4551-bdf6-fe59b5aadc43/20230424_142423.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - The altar dedicated to the Holy Spirit is the Miniscalchi Altar. These paintings created in the late 1400s tell the story of Pentecost. I can imagine being a resident during that time and going to Mass week after week and watching the beautiful painting unfold before my eyes. It is also possible that the project was kept hidden until it was completed. If that were the case, I would be the one who would try to catch a glimpse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066831909-TF6ID0KZTHTCG0CWGFE0/20230424_141229.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066842033-NTZXNRDDFC7IVCB73F3G/20230424_141241.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066842601-KYDTT0ALXOOJ4L2DBPJ3/20230424_141317.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066854342-J29PJ1CQVJ5QTRC025UK/20230424_141407.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066873552-FEK4HCSZSXSMPZ8YPFW6/20230424_141925.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066855537-SHKI9AMNIV903316BQ9E/20230424_141414.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066859168-ZIVGVH4DJ5UDTQ9VYKA7/20230424_141532.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066875464-H37E016FV4YF4R735EJX/20230424_141932.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066861297-YXUN90UFBQCUYV3JZXRX/20230424_141547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066893455-X282VBDUSY5F1AYXFQB4/20230424_142115.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066877911-J6Y2MYWKFPM625K0RJ5W/20230424_142029.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684066894476-LUDWG89F5WYS4OOG549G/20230424_142137.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b2cdcae5-cf08-460a-9ef9-6079a8501661/20230424_144205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067195189-3QHIL6QK65MIIDLB0XN0/20230424_144757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067219698-N5LAXTDLFMYS4H5N1V0J/20230424_145204.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067222559-793FK94Z317WN454VAYO/20230424_145216.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067222455-3LVPD4NIMMW491G8CJW2/20230424_145226.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067227700-WQS4FR6A344PZ9YT3I0H/20230424_145258.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067242109-FHPPN4WCO2JX1T77W8SC/20230424_145526.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067227102-TQEQ6XUL83E4GPYNA2AC/20230424_145027.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067249802-RWEPJ9LZAVOGZ5UVYHJU/20230424_145640.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/25d9b8c6-781c-44b0-8805-345b328f74ad/20230424_144855.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - This is a beautiful example of the reconstruction of the artwork in these beautiful churches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/91219798-ff33-46ee-84e2-f51c71dc1aec/20230424_144916.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Oh, and look at the cushions on these kneelers! AMEN & Hallelujah! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9cca48a3-a90c-4643-a64c-e3f602f684fd/20230424_145004.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - Saint Anthony of Padua had a tremendous influence in Verona. Here is an altar dedicated to the Saint of Padua. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0d582644-f828-40f8-83c8-2c3681a4ce99/20230424_145428.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - The Brenzoni Mausoleum was another beautiful structure that caught my eye. This art piece was constructed in 1426 and tells of the Resurrection of Jesus and the soldiers’ reaction to the resurrection as noted in the Gospel of Matthew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/52aa4b86-2194-4085-b251-819f4c039546/20230424_150348.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona - This church also had a crypt with a vaulted ceiling and a beautiful chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067904238-VMGTWTG32YCCMDOLKG78/20230424_154535.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067904759-I83OMLE13IFKM7CI83XN/20230424_154633.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067909528-UXF7XI7KK4G14TQQ63ZL/20230424_154638.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067910948-KDPXNI0C2WDMEIRU0HDA/20230424_154701.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067914481-SVT4TNBEYTRCEHV7EM9R/20230424_154745.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067916785-B41ZIPZW4IZJFLC3TT8T/20230424_154833.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067920992-P4WN1WSD4NJC0WA3ICS0/20230424_155007.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067923794-L82EFT1LVRK33WVE6TPB/20230424_155013.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067926291-W2VUKDBOQI6K6R6DV0XP/20230424_155217.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1684067928201-82OEDOOU2MG8CE9U52PJ/20230424_155251.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Churches of Verona https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/getting-lost-in-venice monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a733f75a-c197-479d-b575-3573a9638994/addtext_com_MDQxOTMwMjE3Mzk.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3db1fc42-b0ca-4503-8a9b-652c6f75da4e/20230423_111416.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… I had a front row seat for Mass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b83d0f61-94cf-4254-b006-62996ae7d33f/20230423_111520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - This was one of the side altars dedicated to the Blessed Mother. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cebcccfe-ecf2-4ba1-b7e6-c6c63cc08794/20230423_111614.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - This was the beautiful artwork directly above the choir loft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881066964-KFXDYPJMQ0EDQQORI1LU/20230423_111913.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881089741-ZVV2ID8DEUGMVPS15LNM/20230423_111731.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881089408-X2E3WXZ9QNHSZAYQH6LL/20230423_111743.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881121413-OSEIFPB6R0VKDPCQMZPN/20230423_111601.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881093519-Y9535JWU88L5AER5RYW5/20230423_111818.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881131057-03382RNBC2L97LUX5JEI/20230423_111634.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881136767-0AZAILH8WD7DCXTH1SD6/20230423_111826.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cf3d44bf-7a66-494e-a7d4-1cf6e54fd43c/20230420_100239.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - The taxis in the City of Water are gondolas and they are EVERYWHERE! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881519313-0AQT4OCQR5P5K6TWR061/20230420_134117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881545216-26CXY4BAVTE9DOGO7RK6/20230422_163858+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881561070-KEIUAJ3CO489E0NNP7KN/20230419_132522.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881887138-CYJ3JF5W0JTNSLNKFN4G/20230420_081415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881889916-QG4NYJ3AX8FGJ555XK11/20230420_081424.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683881892812-DRUAPP5Q71MHE67KWTCM/20230420_081427.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c70a9f1c-7c61-4984-b963-cc6232879517/20230420_081513.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - This was one of the beautiful stores in the alley before reaching my hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/baa7c8c2-692d-471c-83bc-7ca244054829/20230420_081552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - The Theatre of Venice was located down the alley from my hotel and could be seen from the hotel’s roof top bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683882260587-8OKTXORMJVGUCH0YXNEX/20230420_161649.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683882261755-EVQUM6A0JA19CDEOCHC8/20230420_161656.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7f7afb78-1449-4062-993a-f7be5cc22e03/20230420_101309.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - The masks are part of the Venetian tradition. They are rooted in the territory and culture and symbolize freedom and transgression. It is said that wearing the mask allowed women more freedom to leave their neighborhoods and participate in Venetian culture. But no where does it say what type of cultural activities women were participating in!?!?! The tradition of the mask started in the 13th century when Venetians would hold celebrations and parties from December 26 until the start of Lent. They would wear masks to conceal their identities, allowing the lower and upper classes to mingle together. Some Venetian masks have long noses. The long nose would hold herbs and flowers that would filter the air and cover up the horrible smells of plague victims. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/55cdb30c-b556-443e-bc10-46b994be2b47/20230420_095635.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - More modern masks were easy to find on the streets of Venice as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7f63bfbe-810c-45fe-92f1-a8cdc176fd37/20230420_082209.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883326752-4QSIGFJK5TNFK130WEFV/20230420_082625.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883326964-K0U9MU7HZB0RPKSUSWPK/20230420_083901.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883336461-6PKYFQHW6ZR3KWYU5IPQ/20230420_104837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883337177-GIMXEDX6IJGLWI0D0FPJ/20230420_104849.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883348979-1DB0RO69PJWV9U3LA4GC/20230420_115940.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883340439-OT21Q9P6ZD5KMYP0ZPHZ/20230420_111634.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883348686-KHKQHOKV33GOMYPGDDGI/20230420_115953.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683883350916-9EOWW10KPKFMRU5QH00B/20230420_123610+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683900582347-9GZP5DPFF0M02AVX33KS/20230423_154837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683900577622-V58265AIM2GAQ3YKEL4A/20230423_155304.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683900580524-7RC7FA8Z0A96Y66W6CL2/20230423_161033.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a4879332-d85c-4271-b0c3-cf2ef748d5ab/20230421_165115.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - Riding the Water Bus in Venice was a special treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dde4adda-05c6-4458-b327-31294274c2cf/20230423_151453.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - This complex began in 1104 and became the largest industrial complex in Europe before the Industrial Revolution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683889386833-VJVI4KRQ8ZX8IGZ58GWO/20230423_151511.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683889389183-KDMD76XPLON97T39BN40/20230423_151547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683889392115-E8OMKPZUBQA9CF9253WP/20230423_151548.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683889391550-VIONTFW3C6D3UU4SJARQ/20230423_151558.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3eaee3bd-53a7-4380-a043-bf63ed12c641/20230423_151704.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - Leaving the Arsenal, I decided to walk the shoreline of the Grand Canal. In doing so, I found a beautiful park and lots of interesting statues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4ad4073b-81f8-4d4d-8f14-42177a6591ea/20230423_153204.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - This sign in the park on the shoreline of the Grand Canal when translated in English means - Wide Sailors of Italy. I am not sure what that means, but the name of this beautiful park is Parco delle Rimembranze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7ba7a36f-c23e-42b4-b48a-2e6580a2d34b/20230423_154613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - In addition to beautiful green spaces and trees, this park has a variety of statues in remembrance of the soldiers that died during WWII. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683890801028-ANKHQEH3RG7USFO7O7JM/20230423_152332.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683890810316-8FKNDY5YQG3DNDJII7JB/20230423_154726.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683890829040-6J574KFHJJ7PNWPT0KDQ/20230423_153644.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683890832528-M1FGPP8S7IWZPADNS3MC/20230423_153905.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fd2e1f9c-a35c-4f79-adb7-d49d7f315fa2/20230423_154757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - When you allow yourself to get lost in Venice… - I really enjoyed getting lost in Venice! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/murano-and-burano monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/deed40b0-78a6-4544-a6e3-922ae9c197da/addtext_com_MTQ0MTA0MTgyNzk.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a18886c8-15b4-4528-93fd-b4d9ec6e28cd/20230421_171330.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - I boarded the water bus at San Marco for a 45-minute boat ride to Murano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bcb9dfb1-47ee-4c54-b413-1edb07463a2d/20230422_100607.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - Murano is known for its glassmaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837013162-BXELANEL13V645AWNQ65/20230422_101253.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837015443-1YCB8P3EEQXYRE14IFBU/20230422_101711.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837061909-9BGX2H64DI9841HEKW2I/20230422_102520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837062094-C06O5FTZU78T1ST9T88Z/20230422_102534.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/273e6de0-cbc5-4499-89ad-fa169e3995d1/20230422_102015+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837124182-L5RE3OG5QMOIMRGCY7UP/20230422_101143.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837124573-XTE7BKDFG6LEEBORQ807/20230422_101149.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837133962-RTZ9C9SZFPY1W8KMZ053/20230422_101956.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837169850-M8HZFG0ECU8EHHYHFAZF/20230422_102807.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837170141-4DZUBS7PYJF3CTNSJTT4/20230422_102905.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837172444-QRWANW1QI4DX39SZ8CO9/20230422_103115.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837196905-0QZMI2UF08P04KMYAYR3/20230422_114031.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837172607-2DWLHOOZUORMLE2C5536/20230422_103118.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e2d687e7-6baf-4e02-aa00-3f8febf40cdc/20230422_103439.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - As I made my way to the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, I noticed a woman selling fruits and vegetables from her boat. I couldn’t resist – I had to have a picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7ee4e81a-782c-4d0b-8b9b-53c43d6905c0/20230422_104149.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - This basilica was under construction but still quite beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837629126-26KR2HTXWV059JXE5NOQ/20230422_104241.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837627640-WBN3XWBO6OTAM75YFQ8A/20230422_104416.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837632017-3XE2YNPCVOUEYI49J5I9/20230422_104456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837635105-94Q7XS4RM3XHRJNL1TEQ/20230422_112116.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/807f1416-7a74-42e5-9db4-14619cd87edf/20230422_114552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - Another beautiful church in Murano is the Church of Saint Peter Martyr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837937094-NR1ZES2WRC77SBR92472/20230422_114626.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837949685-YA9QJ0KL7CKYX5VPP5CJ/20230422_114751.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837949176-YVARXQCWKAIYNO1HHAN6/20230422_114808.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683837951477-1MAQYCCLZ609X7FQO2TR/20230422_114829.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ad839cc5-8e7d-4e35-a857-afd7209938d7/20230422_114700.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - What I noticed about this church was the beautiful crown hanging from the ceiling above the crucifix on the main altar. The artwork in this church did not disappointment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/042ac5a6-8f69-49d9-af1e-8d54dc74aacc/20230422_124041.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - One of the first shops I stopped by had a woman creating lace as they have for centuries. The Venetian lace from Burano became the most highly coveted lace in Europe. I purchased a beautiful, but simple piece of lace for the Blessed Mother statue on my bedroom dresser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838164673-SPZMQMB5A1P0IKZGB9QP/20230422_123752+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838171808-5N4V2CT788W0WR1SFWUR/20230422_124110.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838180706-JXAK1I4K4KZQI68CK4YR/20230422_125647.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838180032-USJXLZWSJM0A4MPN77ZF/20230422_131320.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/214490a1-7f6c-441f-9551-b2d14175bacb/20230422_125023+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838236984-0RML4YKADDUAZM35AGH3/20230422_124248.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838246766-MV9XPSL75Z1R4XSOZQSX/20230422_125205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838247942-G1NQMJE13ENOEKINH81T/20230422_125223.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683838249988-JW6FFRSQB7YJXL1NGLGF/20230422_125537.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2aaa333c-e264-48ca-be52-b9338f159a86/20230422_143209.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - The Bussola is the typical cookie of Burano. It was a toss up between the cookie and a pistachio gelato. Sorry to say the gelato won out! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/45b293d5-8b9a-4620-b253-cbb8e8b2bb50/20230422_130738.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683839393144-BT97DPCB3SD8VCZNGY4E/20230422_130616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683839391137-30OHJ5P7CH41HBLRLNN9/20230422_130640.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683839393659-5ZK8PAXM7GJB5OCHU6VT/20230422_130709.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683839404329-AGFRDG9SA4A1VWGSJ381/20230422_130817.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2bb2e862-e211-43fc-9d7a-b87f267e5974/20230422_130956.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Murano & Burano - For those of you who have read my previous blogs about church kneelers, you know how much I love cushions! These beautiful kneelers made me smile! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/roaming-the-streets-of-padua monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/51558286-67ab-42d4-acd4-d68909b40b9d/addtext_com_MTMwNjExMTc1ODg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/520592e6-1a2d-4990-a91f-98ea9cc5ae42/20230420_134047.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - I took the water bus ferry to the Venice train station for a day trip to Padua, Italy. Within a half hour train ride, I was in Padua. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683827632858-NHZRILOLC0AXTNSKLKGL/20230421_095328.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683827645183-NWF8F4B7LJNCSKH4JK2R/20230421_095401.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683827657847-2ODHKT52KCP98H1XJUK9/20230421_095613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683827659653-4BNC0Q8BZ7AYVF52YU5M/20230421_095802.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d230214f-f3e1-4ba3-b390-6c90686cdea6/20230421_101510.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. Groundbreaking for this basilica took place in 1232 – one year after the death of Saint Anthony. The basilica was completed in 1310. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/54602df8-d005-4ceb-a88c-8df92e31300b/20230421_104314.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828164165-K9IY03T2ZICFPQG32JDB/20230421_103000.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828171906-VQZIXMBH4PWHBJHB9M0O/20230421_103613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828182402-QXQSW480Q8S8OBBZK92S/20230421_104353.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828182357-H5M5A7JIVTJGSB31AB2B/20230421_104426.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/653a3bf9-ca3a-436e-be45-60480bb086bd/20230421_103548.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - To ensure I saw everything, I began by walking to the right of the basilica. There was a chapel with a sign indicating that this was a place of prayer. I knew as soon as I saw the red candle that there was a tabernacle on the altar with the consecrated host. Jesus was present and I was happy to sit in His presence. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people, both locals and visitors, who stopped by the chapel and spent time in prayer. It was a beautiful site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dc98446f-8998-4a58-9419-1631243e45ca/20230421_104454.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - On the opposite side of the basilica from the chapel was a sign indicating the tomb of Saint Anthony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/27efce8d-8514-436e-84fe-657241f6d10f/20230421_104622.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - As I walked toward the tomb, on the walls were magnificent statues depicting stories of the life of Saint Anthony and how he helped so many during his ministry on earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828380236-8UU68MBRX25MNI09V50E/20230421_104532.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828404997-C86MNB1Z820ZD3M9ISI0/20230421_104821.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828380712-OGWPRTAEQEBO8O2B605X/20230421_104621.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828403727-0GOD5EJHSWAFF03GT8IX/20230421_104753.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d9926935-5c78-461f-95e5-b9b909f0c86f/20230421_104648.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - The back part of the tomb was simple. People from all over the world placed their hands on the tomb offering a prayer to Saint Anthony requesting his intercession. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/84bb599e-8684-4d90-82c7-0bf23b3f89ae/20230421_105340.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - This was an amazing room that displayed the virtues practiced by Saint Anthony – faith, humility, penitence, and charity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828759971-6QU9V5CESH0K89ESW86Z/20230421_105612.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828759575-T64NA7AQZRKSBNHMY6NT/20230421_105628.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828766425-GHW3GX3G4JJJ3QDME2BN/20230421_105758.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683828765621-TY6XHS3IQQ4F5NJOX8UY/20230421_105859.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fc5fc167-42ac-4416-86a2-cb2b1051c3a0/20230421_105520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - Saint Anthony’s woolen cassock was also on display in this chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/de9d9658-856e-41d0-bcb4-f2a8005a14cd/20230421_121707.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - I purchased some beautiful strawberries from a street vendor, washed them in one of the many water faucets located in the square and sat on a bench enjoying the strawberries and the peacefulness of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683829081614-KAJB2EQBEAVTEZTL4PJ8/20230421_121632.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683829081837-7H79P1OZA5XZV66HOTP7/20230421_121651+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683829086281-UXF64PNMBM68RIKSGY05/20230421_122051.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683829087693-2WBHUZSNRWPX2363RFHN/20230421_123405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3c62d494-4a91-45d9-9a6a-0a50cb18dc6c/20230420_134058.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Roaming the Streets of Padua! - After a beautiful, relaxing day in Padua, I was back in Venice on the water bus headed to my hotel. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/first-day-in-venice monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/09cbb634-e580-4a51-89c4-fb33d64de715/addtext_com_MDMzNjMxOTY0NA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d861025f-adc4-4593-8e5e-39cf9e3ace73/20230420_084006.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - My day began with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. In Italian, this is the Palazzo Ducale. This palace was built in 1340. The Doge’s Palace was the seat of the Venetian government for nearly seven centuries and the home of the Doge of Venice. The Doge was the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fb428f4b-11c4-4225-bda0-a64698ef8575/20230420_091624.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - As I toured this massive palace, I thought of my husband. We used to lose each other in our 3,000 square foot home. If it wasn’t for the directional arrows throughout the palace, I would still be there looking for an exit!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726772914-PSVSFA3M1266HLCAOQ55/20230420_091939.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726737622-HG4G0GEUZPD7J25AU6TX/20230420_091736.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726747177-PML60FE5QHCHTCQ3RX0K/20230420_091832.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726755413-3XZNGQ9I9O899LLM958I/20230420_091836.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726755166-2B6HP4T6PUFXMZ2ADVXC/20230420_091848.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726763335-FFKKMVYD5FM2CP8EVD0W/20230420_091910.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726774664-3ZKWO8RFTC46HC21SG8X/20230420_091954.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683726780286-UW47XI2M9HAOCZ70GC99/20230420_092009.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/181aa80e-b71d-40a7-ae79-d462f595d257/20230420_091747.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - Even the fireplace mantles were massive with life size figurines on either side as if they were holding up the mantle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f77c6b82-3459-4962-b4de-ec1de20a7e13/20230420_091806.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - In many of the rooms, the ceilings were more decorative than the walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727091732-210EVDBNELWLF56VCCKW/20230420_092308.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727097229-HG6W9H76Q8BE9MSA88BT/20230420_092350.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727103748-FVWU6U7J28Q41Y1TDOCZ/20230420_092353.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727110388-FXA8CVJQ2KC783VPTDX8/20230420_092420.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1138554a-5fcb-44cb-a2be-6e2148ab2e83/20230420_093227.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - As I followed the arrows on my self-guided tour, I found myself in the Piombi which is the former prison located in the lower part of the palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727330865-PNCN75U0HGFK1BVO5SRI/20230420_093500.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727330744-P2WAB2KYFP5SUK1HD7ET/20230420_093546.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4523d183-9b21-4273-98f8-891df79b7313/20230420_094040.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - After a few more twists and turns, up and down stairs, and corridors, I found myself once again in an elaborate room of paintings and amazing woodwork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/638981a4-42a6-4242-9446-b39bbeede70a/20230421_165152.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice and is a significant tourist attraction in the city. The original construction of this bridge took place in 1173. The beautiful Rialto Bridge also connects the San Marco and San Polo neighborhoods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bd2334db-56ff-4bc1-8925-e024b5c2ef2c/20230420_101429.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - As many of you know, my last name – Mercado – is Spanish and means “market.” In Italian, this word means the same, but is spelled with a “t” instead of a “d” – Mercato. It didn’t take long for me to find the Fish Market, Vegetable Market, and of course, special stores with homemade pasta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727725214-9V4RQXDY15IGVLEMGFJU/20230420_101607.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727725501-61MUN2K6V0PW6XHHDGES/20230420_101635.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727731433-RJI5MV3SYGP02LVLUWYE/20230420_101742.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683727732032-1UYY296929LTDWFNCT8V/20230420_103022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a677f5d3-5921-40c0-ba39-64bc4247bff7/20230420_102454.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - The first of these surprises was the Chiesa San Giacomo di Rialto. This was a beautiful little church nestled near the market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2568a6cc-0bb6-4ba5-83ab-7253d7fe2463/20230420_103107.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - The San Giovanni Crisostomo is a small church located in the neighborhood of Cannaregio. This little gem was built in 1080. It was destroyed by fire in 1475 and rebuilt in 1497 with completion in 1525. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683728262881-KDH1UHWGN2D97JLKKSFS/20230420_103145.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683728262663-RENHLU0XSMTAVPG2KZ2U/20230420_103314.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/29292763-aa87-4199-886d-ce08ae2ebea3/20230420_104456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - One of the things that caught my eye during my visit to these many churches was the different styles of confessionals. Confession is an important sacrament in the Catholic Church. It is a very freeing and beautiful sacrament that I have learned to appreciate over the years. The woodwork and design of these confessionals were beautiful reflections of the unique architecture of each of the churches that housed them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683728463496-P9PB795DZH9AUQ97DOFX/20230419_132522.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683728463733-9K9B4MBQ3C46MIG7JTEO/20230419_134759.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683728500649-SVP9K7WZ36B7IJ7H5COX/20230422_163858+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683728509776-SF53Y1IGL90JNWZMD0AC/20230423_154757.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/07f042f7-90b2-4d1a-a0cb-9f3354e2512e/20230420_113456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - Although I didn’t take an official gondola tour, I did embark on a gondola ride across the Grand Canal for 2 Euro! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/93f7f016-1d42-4007-8a3e-6b938e2670d8/20230420_105704.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/488d4a82-7abf-4bc7-949c-bb67bbfd6b31/20230420_105716.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - The artwork in these churches is amazing. Sometimes you just have to sit and allow your eyes to move from one end of the building to the next to take it all in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/45739d9a-9384-4b1e-bb43-94b16377fd14/20230420_100404.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - As I continued my walk, there was gelato and Italian pastries EVERYWHERE! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1d81c9a0-c24b-4a32-9bfd-a347ac1a06bb/20230420_112358.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - This picture, in a meat market window, made me smile! Looks like something from New York’s Little Italy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683730616273-J0H45ISOXXQSLE9CY5PB/20230420_114933.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683730615623-B2Q402VJQNOTSXDBWNCQ/20230420_115041.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683730617315-51N3INRI6NHKMCOUZVSC/20230420_115048.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683730620485-0E7IQ17595WWDXTRNJEU/20230420_115133.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/eb34afdc-3c3a-41e8-b1b7-269b69c88ef3/20230420_115255.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - This church had a separate room titled Oratory of the Crucifix. The Stations of the Cross on the walls of this chapel were of large-scale proportion and very well done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1e321d5b-a316-47fd-827e-bb474c6a027c/20230420_115844.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - Another one of the churches on my list and located near the Church of San Polo was the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cfaceb2e-60e8-482d-b6e8-ea2cbeee7b2f/20230420_120212.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - This is a minor basilica dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Mother and is commonly known as the Frari. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1c457c42-c31a-42b2-8764-8c4ec21f202b/20230420_120225.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731173911-QI4VXU3U0EXFEE2E32TW/20230420_120419.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731178035-5CP4VLD30CVZ3FQQE5WY/20230420_120451.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731183730-MXJZL1OPRJ71XUHMUX6O/20230420_120918.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731186936-ZJ297QJG82TF4GCW3003/20230420_121158.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731190835-YKTWEHJGXU6EW0QFV8EV/20230420_121253.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731194341-AIDU2VYJ1F50GN9V5JYH/20230420_121411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731197744-RY9TV6C3KT402LY8BU04/20230420_121431.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731210032-Y3X1CV5YNRG3RK4L27YV/20230420_121714.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7a96605b-f371-494f-b7c7-c4e5f9ac43f4/20230420_122721.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - The Church of San Rocco also located in the San Polo neighborhood is dedicated to Saint Roch and was built between 1489 and 1508. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731609715-EGMTWKAA8BJUVX5MJMNM/20230420_123025.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731613998-KKQ2FS9RK70GNHH05XMX/20230420_123135.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731616804-HMV16VZK25ZNCYRYFC8F/20230420_123205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731619152-YJKA3VXKI6NAD9U1W98S/20230420_123327.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/28b799e5-2401-4b22-9cb6-9ceca5dd0a62/20230420_123001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - One of the oddest structures I’ve ever seen so far in a church was found in the Church of San Rocco. I have always loved the Pieta, but this is a very different style. Let me know in the comments below what you think of this. I can’t say it was a favorite of mine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d1f6d906-e55e-4f75-8708-baae47faca55/20230420_124914.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - I stopped in the middle of the day for lunch. Not knowing what to order, I decided on a sampling of different types of bruschetta. They were all AMAZING! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731899450-U1MH96Y2ML2Y3KR8Z2UN/20230420_133316.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731900500-RHAWS8IW5BFZR00QNM5O/20230420_133351.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731902686-KABPAM3124ZD3LWXU8TK/20230420_133453+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683731907784-44YOUG3PL5VAUTDRUCAI/20230420_133600.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4cfa8cd3-81ed-4e86-a1c6-9228f8f52911/20230420_095101.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - The church of San Marco was consecrated in 1094 and designated a minor basilica in 1807. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732190692-DJ3AS0OL4D8WH8BXIZDR/20230420_143830.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732193796-G87LIPKZLHBUUSGSDUSQ/20230420_143850.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732198232-AP7T5YY7MTZ09Q7CR82J/20230420_143950.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732232939-LV959DPV32X9EGG4SG8M/20230420_144859.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732186037-6H3OYOUEY7CUQ6FPB5GO/20230420_143610.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732240159-QXLJFEZXOX5HZA4OFR61/20230420_144909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732241767-7JYM46F5F5LUK2K92QRD/20230420_144936.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1683732194577-R794SB0E80JU2M0MQ6JH/20230420_143716.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/526ae107-adbb-4820-b76d-269fe8af64e0/20230420_144646.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - While visiting, I was able to see the Pala D’oro which is the high altar retable. This art piece is universally recognized as one of the most refined and accomplished words of Byzantine enamel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c02f36f4-d1bc-45b9-b262-81de419afc16/20230420_145821.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - First Day in Venice! - On the top, outside front of the basilica, are a set of four horses. These horses are replicas of the original horses housed in the Basilica Museum. These horses of Saint Mark are also known as the Triumphal Quadriga. The bronze statues were originally part of a monument depicting four horse carriages used for chariot racing. The bronze horses were placed on the façade of the basilica after the sack and looting of Constantinople in 1204 and were stolen by Napoleon in 1797. The statues were returned in 1815 and remain in the San Marco Museum in the Basilica. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/four-tips-for-easy-travel monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bd93edc1-9b17-4afe-9a95-e2dd890a9e3e/4+Tips+for+Easy+Travel.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Tips for Easy Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1c559536-6fc8-4f9c-806c-c4fd4979c11b/20230419_112222.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Tips for Easy Travel - The water taxi was a BLAST and I think it is the BEST way to enter the beautiful city of Venice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/772c1c72-3d9e-4bfe-b24d-7e26235d4b7d/20230419_112610.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Tips for Easy Travel - If you know the streets of Venice, then you know the many twists and turns and bridges and alleys there are throughout the city. It is like walking through a maze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e93d6632-5a3a-4476-9c49-df55098ab7f1/20230420_081415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Tips for Easy Travel - I was actually very close to my hotel but didn’t realize it. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/happy-easter monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ab241367-2a40-47ae-bcbf-0be841d4013f/THIS+ONE.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Happy Easter! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/norway-northern-lights monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4022d78d-7a7e-44e5-9406-a8834a41f176/this+one.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/aefdb4ba-c9a6-41d2-9331-a402930a2de6/20230218_075547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - Breakfast and lunch were buffet style. There were so many good, healthy choices with lots of vegan dishes as well. This was something new for me to try and it was all good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ba5742ea-f845-421e-9355-62abe3f16477/20230218_181805.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - Dinner was served with elegance with several choices to choose from. This was REINDEER! Another new experience and it, too was very good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3020bfb6-327c-413f-bb59-54977e946c83/20230212_145519.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - Shortly after boarding, I learned that Richard With was the founder of Hurtigruten. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/efa1d794-c1f5-44eb-a064-254e35687dc6/20230215_133515.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - I visited the Bodo Cathedral, walked the streets of Bodo taking in the sites, before heading back to the cruise ship where two scoops of my favorite ice cream were waiting for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678020967793-9AZHF7Q5GB1NTHMD4GWY/20230215_133242.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678020979779-Y4162N286GVVX7NO08HT/20230215_133354.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678020999305-YUUEQ1GIK9RFJW3EA8LM/20230215_133523.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678020982204-POUPTMZ4VOW3SG2QVEN7/20230215_133415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021026545-YZBPCUPVWNGPZP4S1FU1/20230215_133552.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021030955-Y6Z6JIDNPI7GEX58IJWO/20230215_135825.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021037114-W2COPLMAB1TP7KG9QG7V/20230215_135852.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021035608-U82HHRIJB2B4JG1K0TZX/20230215_142726.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c90ab98d-2fb7-4df5-bcfc-b450e824d85f/20230216_144103.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - In Tromso as I was navigating my way to the Arctic Cathedral, I found a small Catholic Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021256273-K81Y3S1MDP87OKV2RMWQ/20230216_144205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021263656-ZD03PE1LW2EIUQH1NZGF/20230216_144411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021277987-P6FC8LYLUYR0RESE59H8/20230216_144234.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021326306-53G5U4JKE69U512D9ILI/20230216_144248.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9421ffa7-db15-4854-8ea2-1f457e9cd802/20230216_151840.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - The Arctic Cathedral in Tromso was an amazing structure both inside and out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021453060-RJKUK1ULYO80QHH5Q2U5/20230216_152118.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021452879-6YAEKRIN7650V6S9SYGA/20230216_152154.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021455211-SMKLGJP2TIKH571BJCDS/20230216_152356.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021455004-FPLYK7QDX43RYP730D5W/20230216_155150.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b69f2d50-9e67-436a-82ff-0e96435003e4/20230216_160142.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - However, the main cathedral in Tromso is only open on Sunday. This was disappointing because the pictures on the inside of the cathedral on the website were beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7107a4bd-611f-4698-b2dc-e56099e60921/20230217_115824.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - The Globe Monument sculpture is the iconic symbol of the North Cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021739795-EEDD0W6AJCC3LBRGB0EF/20230217_121720.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678021763776-PXQ3EYA7N1JL3VHRR5LC/20230217_121858.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2e510285-68a2-40e3-9c99-9829e07f42d2/20230218_101823.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - My second excursion on this trip checked off a major item on my bucket list. DOG SLEDDING! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022023964-9U9VBWQUH7WIQTKLZGTA/20230218_101109.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022044144-ZH4VG278MGF2K1IQD8OO/20230218_101218.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022042632-XA0ELMVU2FNHXOWXD177/20230218_101338.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022052869-WVCRG6LON2LU7DXFI6D7/20230218_104518.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b2e62ded-e10c-426f-8df1-59880fa75f5a/20230218_105009.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - We then warmed up near a cozy fire and were offered a special hot fruit drink popular with the Sami people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/94e6a87a-b2f8-4977-8acd-aba2aeb00e95/20230218_112659.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - After this exciting adventure, we walked through the Snow Hotel – where people actually spend the night), and then headed to a special area to feed the reindeer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022364341-RENM60SFQPV4I5I73XNA/20230218_112529.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022373139-MEQBJ2WF1LON8TL3V745/20230218_112919.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022392779-F2J8984F2VXWBMM0ED3F/20230218_113904.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022404232-07DILFGLFBSUE7OSQI04/20230218_114904.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ae5d729c-74a7-48ae-992d-8cb22cfe9123/20230220_185812.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - It was very interesting to learn the drying process for cod used for hundreds of years. Stockfish is the result of this drying process with a storage life of several years. These are the racks used in the drying process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f7145ef5-af3f-43d9-b525-8c941c68ca50/20230220_192337.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - After a visit to one of the original fishing cabins from the 1840s, we existed the cabin and witnessed a beautiful light show in the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/20a41cbf-2e78-4e88-8eeb-981578315dd9/20230220_192515.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022734201-YJPQA4QYC6NM49X7HPY6/20230220_193050.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022743653-OE02IO9VUZ69OB9G076P/20230220_192410.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022743517-HF3COAC0BZPDSY7BBJHR/20230220_192448.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1678022748070-T0V0TUCD9QPOHBQI2AJ2/20230220_192746.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hurtigruten - Norway’s Coastal Express https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/prayer-journal monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/18039630-18f9-4d33-99f2-e2b052891ba1/Journal+%231+Cover.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Prayer Journal Available on Amazon! - A BIG Thank you to all who read my latest book – Mary’s Life Journey & Her Amazing YES! – and left a review on Amazon! The discovery of the different types of Rosaries was an interesting find for me and many of you as well. The prayer journal that I created invites you to meditate and contemplate the Rosary mysteries of the Dominican, Servite, Brigittine, and Franciscan Rosaries. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/door-opens monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8f1abca6-641d-4d39-ba8d-5abfde38d5a9/THIS+ONE.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Another Door Opens! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/trondheim-norway monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/be01848e-bca4-4f1d-bb0f-2960932c3c9d/Trondheim%2C+Norway.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a92812a5-35f5-4fae-8dec-696ffb8b1ac6/20230214_145555.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - This was a 12-day cruise filled with lots of beautiful scenery and excursions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a5277dc5-2680-4b9b-8917-82c2d3ecd843/20230214_093046.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - As we approached this beautiful city, the crew provided background on an interesting island located near the port. Munkholmen is a small island that has served as a place of execution, a monastery, a fortress, a prison, and a World War II anti-aircraft gun station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/90a2dca1-916f-4fd9-9267-d1c9f524b835/20230214_102031.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - Another beautiful attraction in Trondheim is the Nidaros Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7cb7b1b8-61ac-4ac1-a5cd-a00b4d9e8151/20230214_102322.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868150214-DLHVRNF5HFJE06XZNHAH/20230214_102302.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868168586-GIFNYYB6FG9JGDWKRJ38/20230214_102355.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868168466-50C0X5DBEO27C0D55CEY/20230214_102405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868203130-G68GF6I28VBRITNIE9KP/20230214_102514.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868676884-89JTEPJ4OGDUFRO0DNFP/20230214_102542.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868678994-AVZR5OXOY3XKEDUMTC39/20230214_102550.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868721856-RXIRMW2N66O7FOHT4OWH/20230214_102335.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677868681655-3VPZT903SDX8XD7A2BRP/20230214_102606.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/921d6f38-2300-4c34-851f-f789cd9f63a7/20230214_102426.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - An interesting side altar in the cathedral is dedicated to the Sami people. The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of Northern Norway and other surrounding countries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f4b59c87-7870-42d4-841d-1552c6af6aba/20230214_102843.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - Behind the main altar and to its left, is a beautiful chapel where morning prayer is held each Tuesday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b0f47061-5c21-45af-ab89-06874a981023/20230214_105630.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Trondheim, Norway - It was a beautiful walk back to the ship. There are so many great things to see in this beautiful country. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-boots monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7bd4b5aa-0cce-4d06-86c8-1aa160ad5c56/LOVE+Story+Title.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - These are Special BOOTS & my heart SOARED! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fa8ae240-b551-424b-8ff9-b86624349ce4/John+Office+Picture.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - These are Special BOOTS & my heart SOARED! - After a lot of hard work, he obtained the education needed to qualify for Officer Candidate School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d63f0ec6-0107-4335-9ba3-94a57b2f29a5/Flight+Ball.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - These are Special BOOTS & my heart SOARED! - After obtaining his commission, he completed flight school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e4ca49d5-ce7a-4a6e-bb68-438a7f045673/John+on+Flight+line.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - These are Special BOOTS & my heart SOARED! - He retired in 1996 as a Maintenance Test Pilot for the Chinook helicopter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/78b89c26-c8dd-4bf3-be70-51755e0dfc18/Boots+%231.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - These are Special BOOTS & my heart SOARED! - I’m sure by now you guessed it – my granddaughter drew her grandpa’s boots and the brush! My heart soared! What an amazing gift of love! I can’t say enough about this gift. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/62b702ef-a6c7-4a6c-ba0c-483b50ee22fc/BOOTS+Framed.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - These are Special BOOTS & my heart SOARED! - Once she signed the work of art, I had it framed and placed in a special spot on my bedroom wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ded60b94-c942-4f29-b842-92e5d895cb54/13442+%281%29.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - These are Special BOOTS & my heart SOARED! - THANK YOU, Alea! You are an amazing granddaughter and I know your grandpa is smiling down on you. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/bergen-norway monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/137f36f0-7aeb-434e-88e8-44b11bd4e9ef/Add+a+subheading+%2810%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d5105874-6a1b-4474-8fbb-7cf224b59e32/20230211_160453.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751191223-63RRM547HGW5G9FIKWX7/20230211_134605.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751190269-0NSETPQ832QAV513AXPK/20230211_134616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751195832-NRX1YRQ5CK0PYP3FMI6J/20230211_134634.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751220228-QQZL7LW234KXMVV3HCS5/20230211_135213.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751197013-W0DEZTHJ03YNC3AUJ3YB/20230211_134655.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751220063-SYY7P15BAO6Q0JU5MQM0/20230211_140730.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751238535-115WWTAX2XH3SQVWKIUY/20230211_155832.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751221739-T2GUQNQE5CH64BFHK36W/20230211_140819.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f2cf4f8c-42a3-4cc1-930b-1405a58ac3fc/20230212_083609.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! - St. Paul Church was completed in 1870 and founded by German Catholics as a missionary endeavor. During this time, Catholicism’s rebirth was challenged and refuted well into the 1950s and 1960s when parishioners recall chanting about their Catholic roots. Perhaps another happy moment for St. Olav!!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751899596-VQR8ZKZ62NFPLAPZ23E4/20230212_082855.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751899087-KHT48QZ7FUF5XUW3LCT2/20230212_082907.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751904355-MD6KUJEEE5B8I6F8ABAH/20230212_082924.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677751903997-U5UJMPPX3YFE8I47TX6A/20230212_083211.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6ad92efe-8937-46b2-a256-b3828db19db8/20230212_084132.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! - As I took my seat in the center of the beautiful church, I immediately noticed these bare wooden kneelers – probably from the 1870s when the building was completed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/acf5354b-9edd-4967-807d-9ae534d852ff/20230212_084205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! - I then noticed a hook with a small cushion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5e84ab0b-5572-42a1-8f6b-cfe866897f88/20230212_084144.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Bergen, Norway! - I chuckled at the ingenuity and was grateful for the padding! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/an-amazing-find-in-salt-lake-city monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8a0b3d39-c4ee-423c-9541-b441d09d0f1d/360_F_485770738_MLP9Ecdtdr92pipHuVmPbHfkE3UDMDb8.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Make it stand out www.denisemercado.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0e73d6d2-a2f9-4a23-bd32-1e18cff3fec4/1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane Matthew 26: 36-46; Mark 14: 32-42; Luke 22: 39-46; John 18: 1-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8c190322-a1c0-4c43-b737-9018d9f7ef9e/2.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is betrayed by Judas Matthew 26: 14-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d67f67d2-37ef-4c95-a40f-a65c34ccdc9b/3.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is denied by Peter Luke 22: 54-62; Matthew 26: 69-75 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/28439d14-ce62-4456-aa1f-3de3946c2218/4.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is judged by Pilate Mark 15: 15; Matthew 27: 24-26; John 18: 31-32; Luke 23: 24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cb1aa3ef-fd92-4d56-9ed6-be45b4342e94/5.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is stripped and scourged John 19: 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0acb1f8b-fe42-46ae-a186-c9ee36e68aff/6.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns John 19: 2-3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/da126290-a4e2-4dff-b3ab-369e3eeb273b/7.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus bears the cross John 19: 16-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0fc32b82-cd61-4deb-9f47-5fee13f16516/8.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene Mark 15: 21; Matthew 27: 32 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/73846d69-5fa4-49dc-9ac4-1c97cbd827a7/9.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem Luke 23: 28-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/161d247d-c131-4f3b-afd2-d23e9200a5c8/10.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is crucified Matthew 27: 33-44 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fa3445ef-b083-4d1e-ac50-e14250ed1f92/11.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus promises His kingdom to the good thief Luke 23: 39-43 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6f64e0ba-8d08-46af-9089-d23982479ba6/12.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus speaks to His Mother and the disciple John 19: 25-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9dc00e3a-1f38-478c-8c8d-0d38208afe6f/13.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus dies on the cross Matthew 27: 45-54; Luke 23: 44-46 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/383f11cf-0485-4b2e-884c-027bae44b663/14.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Salt Lake City, Utah - Jesus is placed in the tomb Matthew 27: 57-61 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/museums-in-oslo monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/05314327-4946-4b7c-b396-9077d680c648/Exploring+Museums+in+Oslo%2C+Norway.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/69abd1d3-3d29-42d1-a8b4-3de640df6a29/20230210_095236.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! - Fram is a ship used by Norwegian explorers from 1893 to 1912. These explorers, including Roald Amundsen, led expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1c6c42e0-d9c6-4c81-8e36-f99263ddd35c/20230210_103007.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! - Roald Amundsen was the first to reach the South Pole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691217477-CPRQ26DOKZRSOR3E80T7/20230210_100449.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691222372-NIA4TD06RAO83XAS9B7O/20230210_101036.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691232011-X8EG2XK6HLLTR6AGIYZV/20230210_102126.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691237175-DI1WLUD9PE78HUI6WDV1/20230210_104647.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/46771f39-6fd4-4e70-a160-46df6ebe986f/20230210_105829.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! - The original balsa wood raft used in 1947 is on display in the Kon-Tiki museum in Oslo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691605753-WHAKJFT9TQFVC1XLF8GL/20230210_105646.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691619855-E5QHB6GD0YMIHFG02M2P/20230210_105743.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691626650-F7ID1JK8LH5UQFX3DXLO/20230210_105443.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677691637900-QEVBZSJ8UJ05TRF0C54D/20230210_105508.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Exploring Museums in Oslo, Norway! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/q6qzy4w4gd59oz8i10vyrbjl48tqx1-rp4z2-tmw8j-2yjbn-kh9zz-ch28s-nb92w-b83kc-6bnyt-cn2bz-5frth-2mgjc-ta7tc-xe5pn-dzw9l-mwcfe-9yk2x-6rc6r-as5az-3cke8-n8pw4-xp5za-ywjm9-t4gfw monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/74a3a5bd-bccd-49ba-8b49-5495f3bc06e4/Add+a+subheading+%287%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b64ab1f0-dc29-40aa-84a2-f5159eefaf23/20230209_083719.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! - Despite several military battles beginning in 1308, the fortress surrendered without combat to Nazi Germany in 1940 when the Norwegian government evacuated the city in the face of unprovoked German assault in Denmark and other parts of Norway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664459884-7DSWUZWGC858HR60SLKC/20230209_082638.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664472507-Y9COJGP9QYO8288QJWQ0/20230209_083143.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664494458-5HUD9T0W5B56TTRA11OZ/20230209_083331.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664492767-8027CR7JVBJL7TN5K0HA/20230209_083333.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664507621-WPTLZBUBURRIB3REYX7U/20230209_084146.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664507846-DTAYD9THLMO3LAHBS8TV/20230209_084152.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664510204-UQUGSH3PKSQET16J566P/20230209_084636.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664511082-XIWQ48HPCKQLWY9SKN7C/20230209_085015.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3b80ace5-7854-4191-8089-fe9fac7263a6/20230209_123223.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fc549b57-66cd-43ad-a3f3-b8f9ae22bdaf/20230209_125632.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! - Gustav Vigeland is Norway’s most famous sculptor making his debut at the Autumn Exhibition in 1889. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664750677-PI0XRTV3CLK20SF0K5QK/20230209_122026.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664751051-5P22FN0UK57ADRU9NAUS/20230209_122044.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664756166-05KBI58KPS5GF8BY3B9M/20230209_122053.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664789542-3J8KFUIAXZIR8EDWBMLP/20230209_122642.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664757787-SDL94H1PFN0I0CO5MY0Q/20230209_122111.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664790091-VHDRAC2WPWPGC4E4UF2R/20230209_122915.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664828325-HTCVEVQWF8I7325P4ATM/20230209_123425.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664827430-APE0QGQHOTHVTVZSUUI1/20230209_123620.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664859414-KRCR0NI0KYNKNUZIXJ7G/20230209_123841.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664905957-PMN2NTYYK9VVLTRZWKEJ/20230209_122237.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664917722-4TCDTOJE6M3TNV6QFXRW/20230209_123827.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677664944585-CVE8NTXYKDXYG5KYGP7R/20230209_123122.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/aecd915c-a0af-48f5-8690-8ae557b46b57/20230209_133100.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! - I was lucky during my visit to see the Norwegian army conduct their changing of the guard ceremony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677665097264-AG0SY10X5WD2A5QD1AYP/20230209_134237.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677665100735-FGRXM2YFDRO35D9RYT33/20230209_134301.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677665102284-YGV8PMYG8BP8ZJP805ZM/20230209_134457.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677665105824-FPN2JJFOXPBXKS2IY8Y2/20230209_134945.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Fun Things to do in NORWAY! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/shepherds-pie-podcast monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/40340336-e67e-49b2-ace8-ec4619e8c9fb/17290096-1629303814556-ddeccb0a19728+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Podcast Interview with Antony Kolenc - Make it stand out www.denisemercado.com https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/oslo-cathedral monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4c02f45d-c274-4879-9deb-4b31b5390081/The+Beautiful+Oslo+Cathedral%21.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1e432280-8bef-44d7-857f-0a9ea444c5d2/20230209_091114.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral - The main church for the Church of Norway and the diocese of Oslo is the Oslo Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/fa32fd57-c3a5-42c5-b5ca-c4dcb3e27c1f/20230209_101948.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677518246877-T33WC3PA8XYBLXFQ2SAQ/20230209_101938.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677518262942-E2970BGL1RFRELBTJMG0/20230209_102002.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677518263169-8ZXWDVDQJAQ4LLM9T444/20230209_102014.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677518265414-249BTQTQJ6AMS3D7M1ZU/20230209_102022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677518276657-TN2QAL1P7N6GRBD98UOU/20230209_102303.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677518274898-8R2ITCRJVUY6T9CX9LAH/20230209_102346.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/105ef7b5-e333-4d12-ab1d-6d68d29d2c43/20230209_102141.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral - I also noticed a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother and the child Jesus. Next to the statue is a candle display. Visitors are welcome to purchase a candle and leave it before the Blessed Mother and child Jesus’ statue. Not much difference from the Catholic Church! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cd7b0d14-4b6d-47a6-8d22-ff522a0845a0/20230209_102047.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral - However, the altar was missing the tabernacle – something I always look for when entering a Catholic Church. In the Catholic Church, the tabernacle is the place where the Eucharist – the real presence of Jesus – Body, Soul, and Divinity, resides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2c449930-d8c9-49e9-a473-85c66f3fb510/20230209_102201.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Beautiful Oslo Cathedral - My favorite statue in this church was the portrayal of the Last Supper. If you look closely at this structure, you will see pieces of paper tucked in the fingers of Jesus and the apostles. Next to this statue is a small table and chair with a stack of blank paper and a pen inviting people to write their thoughts, prayer requests, etc. and place it in the hands of Jesus or one of the apostles. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/saint-olav monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/24f64bc2-ad62-4765-90c4-edbc0e5732ee/Your+paragraph+text+%2816%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c2f5ee4b-0b7d-4ca0-967b-94abc04a0327/20230209_104413.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? - My first blog on this beautiful country begins with the patron saint of Norway, St. Olav II Haraldsson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/75e19312-e8ab-4880-872b-2e41b21bbca8/29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? - “In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course.” (St. Boniface) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dac584db-990d-47f3-ba30-da19e87b45da/20230209_104315.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? - In Oslo, the capital of Norway, there is a Roman Catholic Cathedral named in honor of the great Norwegian saint – St. Olav. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/130eb762-ea7f-4172-a4ab-5a3788802d26/20230209_104613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? - I had the opportunity to attend Mass at this beautiful cathedral during my visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505567630-S9WHNLMJWS2L7GX3DTNE/20230209_104639.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505568584-WN9K0H4X23HC07JV2HNL/20230209_105644.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505569644-PSU0CHCWZOM9M8KUBF4K/20230209_113001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505570420-9XU525N373CAZJW81UUY/20230209_113029.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505592480-HIBL5UYNCPC44L33F4M7/20230209_104309.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505571869-XNMXC4Q34HZ3BQ04MYYR/20230209_113038.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505572355-2CB7QBEPTADC2TL4LJJN/20230209_113338.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1677505577238-G9V334A9C6WLYPIEHXPP/20230209_113450.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - What would St. Olav think? https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/four-important-travel-apps monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/40fc95af-9593-48a0-abad-e1172dd12474/4+Important+Travel+Apps.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Important Travel Apps - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2bc32205-2fa5-46cf-a1b5-1caf8cfc11e7/download+%281%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Important Travel Apps - #1 The Weather Channel App This app is so important especially when you travel with carry on ONLY. It is always important to bring the right clothes with you when you travel. This app helps you plan effectively. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f66ef0d6-7d48-409d-addb-20e00c008f59/download+%282%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Important Travel Apps - #2 Visit a City app I found this app several years ago and love to use it when planning my trips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c052c1ce-fa02-4795-889a-1aa8b4085d99/download.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Important Travel Apps - #3 Language Translation apps The first time I used a language translation app was in Italy. It came in handy – especially when ordering food. I used a Spanish translation app in Costa Rica. That came in handy when I locked myself on the back balcony of the beautiful Air BNB – see my Costa Rica blog for a good laugh! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dda0806d-d8f0-41a9-b3d1-b8ffdc284623/miles-as-currency-fly-delta-app-screenshot-2.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 4 Important Travel Apps - #4 Basic Travel apps There are four different apps in this category that you may or may not use on your trip. These include airline apps, hotel apps, car rental apps, and cruise line apps. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/patron-saint-of-students monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ef6492ed-f247-4673-a8eb-a85499a26dda/Do+you+know+the+Patron+Saint+of+Students.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4b3f88c9-645d-41da-9910-d9e635c6b3d3/images+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? - In art, he is depicted with a book indicating his role as teacher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f12dc87d-b188-4834-b51c-2f9ce136631e/aquinas-tapestry.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? - The dove by his ear signifies his writings were written with divine guidance. The sun represents the light he shed on difficult theological issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/96652da8-6b82-41ca-a7ac-e33624118a2d/st.t.a._iconicon_4x-100_4x.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? - The ox is from a story from his youth. St. Thomas’ nickname as a student of the Dominican order was “Dumb Ox” because he was quiet and slow moving. However, one of his teachers, St. Albert the Great, saw promise in this student and predicted that his teachings would be heard throughout the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b427e4c1-5188-49ee-9a00-5f96330379a7/20230118_073942.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? - The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in New Port Richey, Florida is a beautiful facility which started as a Mission in 1980 to serve the Seven Springs area of Central Florida. This church is a growing community with many parish activities to include the Catholic Daughters of America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1674302276819-BP88W49683ZZ5PPJVT9O/20230118_074117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1674302277054-C365DJEN5NZ3OS1H8DOY/20230118_074236.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1674302392538-N9COVHZNB959AHA1JAPF/20230118_074324.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1674302279552-SY9PB8XER6BHCECP71P9/20230118_074405.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Patron Saint of Students???? https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/rome-italy monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6d3b5775-b9bf-4963-9eae-fa7040244ac4/addtext_com_MDk1MzMwODUx.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6a4e225a-e6b5-40d3-b749-a2025892e61f/20211218_091703.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - As I approached the outside of the church, I could see a statue of St. Paul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4b4bb305-c3bb-4b61-ba44-8aa6c4c420da/20211218_093833.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - St. Peter is always holding two keys – one is gold, and the other is silver. The first key represents the power to bind and loose in heaven which indicates spiritual authority. The second key represents the power to bind and loose on earth, indicating temporal authority. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a99a8985-e74d-4709-a424-68b965a88884/20211218_093853.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - St. Paul is always holding a book and a sword. The book represents the epistles written by St. Paul in the New Testament. The sword depicts the way he was martyred. He was a Roman citizen and therefore could not be crucified. He was beheaded by the sword in Rome in 67AD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a7f5f551-846e-4882-ab41-6582d271a069/20211218_092228.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1673881575637-7Z99JN721HGE9YZCAKLM/20211218_092355.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1673881575465-1IGQC5GR56K3C57UXJ61/20211218_092403.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1673881583450-428CS2H694EHQ3L1D63S/20211218_092419.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1673881583126-15TTQGSGGB2UVPEDX66M/20211218_092424.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d9accb02-ee0c-4a9f-9f6d-cbfccede0983/20211218_093529.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - This basilica was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I over the burial place of St. Paul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9250dc93-c11a-4d7c-a73c-a45b3f4edcca/20211218_093537.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - In the shrine, placed between the tomb of St. Paul and the papal altar, there is a chain made up of nine rings. This chain refers to the many time St. Paul was imprisoned on behalf of his faith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f3a7099f-dd6d-4378-9a55-0507251085b2/20211218_092652.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - The Chapel of St. Benedict was dedicated to the patriarch of western monasticism and was built by the architect Luigi Poletti, director of the reconstruction of the basilica after the fire of 1823. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e155684f-393b-4677-85d2-b8029efcc361/20211218_092904.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament was built to house the venerated wooden crucifix of the 14th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cc048234-3732-418c-a52b-11f15ff72548/20211218_093236.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Rome, Italy - As I continued to walk around this basilica, I was pleasantly surprised to see a chapel dedicated to St. Stephen. Before the fire of 1823, there was an altar dedicated to St. Stephen near the tomb of St. Paul. After the fire, reconstruction included the Chapel of St. Stephen. The statue of St. Stephen is the focal point of this chapel. This work of art was carved by Rinaldo Rinaldi from white marble and depicts an adolescent Stephen with his eyes lifted up as described in the Acts of the Apostles. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/my-three-favorite-apps monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9bd5dab5-eb52-4f9b-a598-210d151ba337/My+3+Favorite+apps.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My 3 Favorite Apps - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/488f9633-7fb4-4ccd-95fb-28355d215b57/Laudate.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My 3 Favorite Apps - The Laudate app is Apple’s #1 Catholic app provided by the National Catholic Register. I first learned about this app from a friend at my church. I had no idea these things existed. Ironically enough, I didn’t know the word was Latin. My pronunciation of this word was laughable to say the least. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6e746c6d-6c0c-4c60-be74-3cff7922238d/iphone-amen.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My 3 Favorite Apps - The Amen app is produced by the Augustine Institute. I love the short meditations on this app that deal with courage, anxiety, mercy, healing, and spiritual growth. The Topics section on this app include music, rosary, and Lectio Divina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5a457b50-2e64-4968-a997-1662b7a70e3a/Pray+Catholic+Prayers.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My 3 Favorite Apps - My third favorite prayer app was developed by Devoted Coders, LLC and is named Pray Catholic Prayers. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/costa-rica monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/aab10b32-b35c-4797-9367-29af64cb5021/Old+dog+-+New+Tricks+%281%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672596448828-418HIA5MZ7IHDRRPSXWT/20221221_114028.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672596464050-66O8R099V8MLJ0NBBXZ9/20221221_114336.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672596482748-O10S2OMNTS2Y1YLLXY6X/20221222_061546.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672596511091-J8XCC3H8GS99DOHCWB4E/20221221_114330.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3d6456f7-439d-41b8-ae34-c7ed60511ffb/20221222_100448.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - Chocolate begins with the cacao bean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/793b747b-e43e-4ec2-abb0-e98152522b2b/20221222_104333.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - We had fun learning about chocolate production and making our own chocolate bars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5ae91174-5c43-41fe-bf1f-a9f7c73bf963/20221222_114830.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - Costa Rica is also famous for its aromatic coffee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597084617-VJP1ETS086A5CEGKJM7M/20221222_110233.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597110527-MHE0W8C731SW34FNZ8B7/20221222_113953.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597127351-R3D2V25690HIRGSG7S20/20221222_114432.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597146891-KIW6DJ16WEVP4M9YXRJ1/20221222_114330.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d70b92f2-d80c-4a36-8e65-a4e091c67fef/20221222_165208.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - My second excursion on this trip – not including the balcony disaster – was the Eco Termales Hot Springs. I have never experienced hot springs before. It was a pleasure to walk easily into the water without having to get acclimated to cold water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c2324068-7cf9-4b94-ab6b-df52f86c432b/20221223_110914.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - The next day, we went on a guided tour to find sloths in the Bogarin Trail. The guide had a high powered binocular system. He took this picture by placing the camera lens on my phone on top of the binocular lens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597638256-VOYDKQM137JA8FM3IDRY/20221223_094752.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597646303-EKYPPZR4QW3INC77O65F/20221223_101717.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597737505-LOA43JAQX7N92M2F3NR6/20221223_101039.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597770719-S0JKG7Z65JWADLXV1VYU/20221223_115222.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2905d5e3-24d9-4738-8527-0423c0d61d7c/20221223_104744.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - Our guide pointed out both red and green poisonous frogs that are quite small and prevalent in the area. Here’s a picture of one of the green frogs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ff3f9129-e7ed-4190-b44d-e994e4ac4bec/20221223_154827.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - After the sloth tour, we headed to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597900585-AZBRRPF2MCTR2AJM2T5V/20221223_142843.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597915296-X0RM0VEB74YYTJXCXSWN/20221223_150851.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597924123-HSH7QWQFCLJXIXHRZVCZ/20221223_141312.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672597937344-K4T1F5IQFE9P5M4SXOYU/20221223_142810.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dc531a87-c40c-4d81-bd8f-25086459ae84/09NaBvTE.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! - I laughed and screamed with joy. I got stuck on rocks and had to shimmy myself off. I twirled in all directions and had such a fun time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598195801-AZP0AXKFCCXOYCPHJ518/3_w49rnU.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598195893-RSUHBEH00QUD4UFHTBJG/6unQ2sug.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598271214-V07S7OPJ13BDNU53P7O1/MVPDkR_8.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598302375-329EW6AJVGAI7N7JZXOV/wBvtEL68.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598323204-P8KEK9WA720SZNIOJEEU/yfHCW2LU.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598323206-OVJ1E2WXVRAJ3MJI4YNJ/YJirFCyQ.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598348654-PKUPBSC5H7FZ04IQPT89/b-djazBM.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672598378277-LFMVZNZHSDJMJGICJDB0/xXSeeyTU.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Old Dog - More New Tricks! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/hebrew-signage-costa-rica monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ac9acc7b-c9f1-40a2-8d75-f6e4c5338797/Hebrew+Signage+in+Costa+Rica%21%21%21%21.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2f3451e1-3a8b-4e2c-be5d-12d1b0b48bde/16382.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! - To my surprise, as we drove from the San Jose airport to our Air BNB in La Fortuna, I noticed Hebrew signage on the country roads. Because we were all surprised to see this, I decided to do some research. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672586920104-0X1INENHHOUYP9HALCXL/16393.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672586922273-0V9FRFPUF774ETO4EQG1/20221226_101811.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e1b5077d-03f0-4cf9-9e7a-b20ff136ecee/file.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! - As I researched more about the Jews in Costa Rica, I stumbled upon an article about a statue of Anne Frank given to the citizens of Costa Rica by the Dutch Embassy in 2008. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a9bb416c-9a88-4552-aee5-1ec302373ed0/20221221_174307.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! - We arrived in La Fortuna on December 20. After settling into our Air BNB, we enjoyed the Christmas lights in the downtown area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2f88b695-0291-4138-bd61-c6f608ce23d1/20221221_173544.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! - It was so good to see the church that first night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2c5e0a72-c010-4948-8bca-312160cc9c86/20221222_130019.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! - When I first stepped into this church, I was taken back by the crucifix. It really wasn’t a crucifix above the altar. It was a statue of the risen Lord. I have never seen anything like this in a Catholic Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672587945558-5VI5UIQBUSVUTNJIZ9CT/20221222_125959.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672587968852-5ZR7819A4NTPIA89A9ZY/20221222_130029.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672587967292-P0VM2PINZ6JIM4XTE0E3/20221222_130038.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1672587978614-ASK7J7NGDCKVD5SLQMMP/20221225_093318.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cccef2d6-a24d-424c-b43e-7c37cc97cbce/20221225_191452.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Hebrew Signage in Costa Rica!!??!! - We had a great Christmas celebration that evening at our Air BNB. We did some food shopping in the local stores and my son made a beautiful bar-b-que dinner for all of us. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/last-blog-for-2022 monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1d678a21-16da-4372-98c4-5e28e7cccd7f/canva.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e7c1dd58-b420-4e3d-97fa-e447e1b87825/20220406_104347.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - In April 2022, I traveled to Utah and visited all five National Parks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ec1a369f-b4f9-4339-b13e-a3bbf4c098b9/20220623_152430.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - In June 2022, I visited Mackinaw Island in Michigan and met a new friend who snow-birds in Naples, Florida. I will be reconnecting with my new friend later this month. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8f0e833b-96c2-4fae-9c8e-a799ec46b812/20220902_123123.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - My trip to Alaska in August 2022 was so much fun. The train from Anchorage to Denali was the best and the scenery did not disappoint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/33b9d88d-663c-4790-a36a-556537eb9e06/20221007_103727.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - My trips thus far had been solo since my husband died in 2017. However, in October 2022, I had the best time with my friend Jill on the Rocky Mountaineer train adventure in Utah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5b046485-3ea4-4ad8-9751-d797d67735e1/20221009_110427.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - On that same trip, I reconnected with my childhood friend, Liz in Loveland, Colorado. Jill, Liz, and I are now planning a reunion at Jill’s lake home – hopefully sometime soon in 2023! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/14592481-0425-4455-a475-8a3d03c7c85e/20221117_092728.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - In November 2022, I reconnected with my daughter in Milledgeville, Georgia. We had a great visit and took the time to meet Father Patrick Tuttle at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Macon, Georgia. Father Tuttle is the co-star of the YouTube channel Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/da45c2de-ca29-4112-8ec7-fde9a1e77730/print+C.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - Early December 2022, I took my first Virgin Voyage cruise and loved it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b55e6794-e56b-45dc-ae0b-02eb09c28064/20221226_091735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Last Blog for 2022 - The finale adventure for 2022 was a family trip to Costa Rica for Christmas. My son did an excellent job in planning this trip. We booked excursions together, but he picked an amazing Air BNB that provided a breathtaking view of the Arenal Volcano in LaFortuna, Costa Rica. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/two-books-added monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2619af03-033b-4126-ba76-95b41442d5cd/Added+2.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Two New Books Added! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/oldest-church-in-miami monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e174d5af-c463-4df2-8caa-0950bf459c90/addtext_com_MTE1NDM1MzI5OTM.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c33ea1b5-be40-41cd-b667-ba3ded457de0/20221204_123606.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! - The stained-glass windows were made in Germany and tell of the life of Jesus and Mary. The altars throughout the church are made of Italian marble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780683215-S2MUDSF4L1X0GQAHJAON/20221204_123659.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780682260-DMY49OH0I9P9AOSUYMKA/20221204_123710.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780730310-4UC4TYYR6W8A1M84V2HL/20221204_123554.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780756069-PG6RA50AMCV9PM002920/20221204_123628.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8627ac59-ec93-463b-81c5-4a5e3ffcba1a/20221204_120904.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! - My visit was in early December and the church was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The altars were magnificent. I had the opportunity to attend Mass during my visit and was happy to see a young and vibrant congregation. I am sure I will be visiting this church again – especially when I take a cruise out of Miami. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780918333-KQ5M22JCAL830P9YM67Z/20221204_123559.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780934092-XHQKE4AD8OBQRYOCW9BQ/20221204_123616.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780952804-0E1K5GUBDS6GMPPPDLVB/20221204_123639.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1670780978551-XQ3CY09EJOOK0XJIJPSJ/20221204_123606.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/70186523-7268-4bde-bcd8-10e924a22a6d/20221205_114733.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! - My favorite – of course – was the ice cream shop. On another part of the ship, there was popcorn! Two of my favorite foods ever – ICE CREAM AND POPCORN! It was a GREAT cruise! Seriously - the food was EXCELLENT and very healthy. It was hard to find fried food on the ship. I was grateful for that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5ab78a6b-1866-4466-8cc8-7f142e7bcea4/print+C.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oldest Catholic Church in Miami! - If you are interested in cruising, let me know in the comments below. Maybe we can meet on one of these beautiful ships! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/catholic-convert-podcast monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0b265ac1-6364-4294-afc2-e8109cb2793b/Reversion.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Reversion & Conversion - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/celebrate-immaculate-conception monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667944482494-7ZIC6ARMSD343K6G1PBX/FB+Immac+Concept+FREE.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - To Celebrate the Immaculate Conception… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/upon-friar-review monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1f01084e-b248-43c5-9dbd-96f4b8cad502/Upon+Friar+Review.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3767ae25-c320-4e24-9624-18815f36ef3f/20221117_092728.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! - When visiting my daughter in Milledgeville, we decided to take a day trip to Macon. We were told by the church office staff at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Macon that Father Patrick would be the priest presiding over the morning Mass at 9:00am. I brought a copy of my book for Father Patrick and thanked him for providing the Upon Friar Review YouTube channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/239cd52f-9e2d-4fd3-b02e-02c920fa6c5c/20221117_110116.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! - We spent an hour walking around and admiring all the beautiful stained glass windows and statues. There are over 60 stained glass windows in Saint Joseph Catholic Church that were created in Bavaria, Germany. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067061881-CU7NEW173CBIMVO49FB9/20221117_110741.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067062836-DSIJ7J7BR34HLHU7RDR2/20221117_110750.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067069345-FMO0UE4OCWFLD03AKF1T/20221117_110817.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067070449-OKHA5M5AMGQK0SFO5EMM/20221117_110826.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067193734-MOAT6EXWBLVRRQ8ZWG8Y/20221117_111804.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067214884-N5MKUACMAO430R6JT8GQ/20221117_111740.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067233546-BSZAJE2VLDAPKNHW3CKR/20221117_111605.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669067295125-8SY3R23BEMHQ9RCIFZIN/20221117_111534+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Upon Friar Review! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/flannery-oconnor-milledgeville-georgia monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b5087a43-c859-4d17-af16-5fba8c899f15/addtext_com_MTE0OTI0MjY3Mg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Who was Flannery O’Connor? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ada40ebb-830e-4bf4-afb3-86e21593b2a0/20221116_111448.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Who was Flannery O’Connor? - Located near both campuses, we found the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. This church was built in 1874. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669049904583-PPNAZG9ZMUXRN56WYW7K/20221116_111726.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Who was Flannery O’Connor? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669049916302-WWIAOQ9N32IFK027V0E1/20221116_111457.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Who was Flannery O’Connor? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669049916650-J6PL91BCKJ797XG2RMUZ/20221116_111519.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Who was Flannery O’Connor? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1669049922851-OWUAW6R3NUZ5JHPMD3HH/20221116_111652.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Who was Flannery O’Connor? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b7afc3f5-b0ef-4eea-9ae2-2d76bd1d109e/20221116_150229.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Who was Flannery O’Connor? - Flannery O’Connor was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1925. She moved with her family to Andalusia in 1938 after her father was diagnosed with Lupus. Flannery’s father died when she was 15 years old. Flannery attended the Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville which is now known as the Georgia College & State University. Flannery then attended graduate school at Iowa State University. Writing was a gift she knew she wanted to share with others. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/thanksgiving-2022 monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8016a4f9-8079-4ed9-a15f-d79d77c4632b/Thanksgiving.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - So much to be thankful for… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/new-authors-new-books monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c4889c51-604b-44e0-8b21-210d139cc102/More+Books+%281%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Discover New Authors & their Books! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/saint-petersburg-catholic-daughters-of-america monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667737035824-OGW79TF36RAGQHPSFVJI/addtext_com_MDcxNjAwMzMzMjM.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667737170796-CCIWYVHMF3QYBPMVZDFT/20221105_075049.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida - St. John Vianney Catholic parish began in 1937 to serve the beach communities on the barrier islands. The history noted on its website states that, “when the little church opened, the cost of pork chops was 23 cents a pound, fresh shrimp was 18 cents a pound, … a Kenmore washer sold for $39.95, … and a 1937 Packard sedan went for $1,025…” WOW have things changed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667737309065-UK08WNUWNAYSHHVL34LD/20221105_075540.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida - As I admired the beauty of this church building, I am once again in awe at the way humanity chooses to show their love, appreciation, and respect to the God who is LOVE and created us for His LOVE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667737357347-UU9I2V7SGEXO09TW7GF3/20221105_075547.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667737366698-C7WSUHEYIHCGDA8XZP0M/20221105_075839.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667737367125-WMOHF31Y23WHET0WU0NN/20221105_080034.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667738028383-KJ170R3WS0F7LX4FGVQA/20221105_090844+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida - November is the month in Catholic tradition where we honor those who have gone before us. I loved the beautiful ceremony provided by this group of women. I especially loved the display at the front of the altar provided for each of their deceased members. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667737532758-DJCAAPIZ9OP3E0D8SZ45/Cross+and+Crown+Gold+Resized-1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Beautiful Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida - The CDA was founded in 1903 by the Knights of Columbus in Utica, NY and is one of the largest international organizations of Catholic women in the world. They are currently in 42 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Mexico, Peru, and Kenya. In Florida, there are currently seven courts. The local chapters of the CDA are called “courts.” https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/number-one-on-amazon monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667510335499-63KQ5HNSP9TVQT9XNJ5M/Screenshot+of+%231+New+Release+Christian+Mariology+Vertical.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - We are #1 on Amazon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/holy-ghost-church-denver-colorado monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665930967157-BTQNJ8WKQZIGHASE2PXC/addtext_com_MTAzMzE0MTkwNQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Holy Ghost Catholic Church - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665931100423-FR3F1OSMOFMLKCT5E3ZR/20221008_091545.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Holy Ghost Catholic Church - The Holy Ghost Catholic Church was a beautiful building both inside and out. It was open and we were grateful to have the opportunity to see its beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665931192349-QJQPCJYT2EF97S3DS78R/20221008_091113.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Holy Ghost Catholic Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665931191960-X3C8K61NCZRS9EP3SAOV/20221008_091117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Holy Ghost Catholic Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665931193786-O8D3M0X03F5UFZ7J3XLC/20221008_091150.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Holy Ghost Catholic Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665931194122-2BNKQ0PM2WFKIICF0ASP/20221008_091225.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Holy Ghost Catholic Church https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/embarrassing-tsa-moments monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1666740301189-IMUC25S9HG9IAA9N1X04/Embarrassing+TSA+Moment.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Embarrassing TSA Moment! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1666740651366-0Q8XQROYKDW7DXQU3UO7/20221017_080639.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Embarrassing TSA Moment! - The one thing that we can conclude from this embarrassing and teachable moment is that all airports are not the same! However, I think it is wise to know the rules and to be sure to read them carefully. When I got home, I immediately bought an approved TSA 3-1-1 liquids bag from Amazon. I will proudly place my 3-1-1 approved liquids bag in the gray bins if anyone asks me to do so. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/todays-the-day monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1666444667153-9SXHS63P1GXEQIHUMJJG/Welcome+%281%29.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Today’s the Day! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/book-launch-announcement monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1666211814778-NHPW1V9OP3SD88KP6H91/Welcome.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Tomorrow is Book Launch Day! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/chapel-on-the-rock-colorado monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939492006-RJJMD5HW1TNUIHGY0M3H/addtext_com_MTEwNTQ3MTYwMw.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939635084-ZKCZB991NOBAIG9GY50A/20221011_144040.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock - The sign on the outside of the church states, St. Catherine of Siena – Chapel on the Rock. However, the business cards provided in the gift shop refer to the property as Camp Saint Malo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939819872-C17ZI7O3QWKAFTEV0BVS/20221011_144144.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939828797-T3W36WXGQNJHPVASA99V/20221011_144211.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939841426-49B5QRFB7YEE5UFWK0LO/20221011_144257.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939840462-2QJTJ9G7EHKVS266JMBC/20221011_144311.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939882456-X217VSKAWL6XDSWPMGIW/20221011_144221.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock - As I researched this property further, I found no explanation as to why the chapel is named for Saint Catherine of Siena. However, when you know Saint Catherine’s background, the dedication seems more than fitting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665939996880-4UQBH7C6P1A72CC11QYY/20221011_145446.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Chapel on the Rock - In addition to the chapel, there is a beautiful gift shop and coffee shop on the property. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/loveland-colorado monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665879028769-ULQOF3LRB4N3U4S3CWHP/Blog+3+Head+photo.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665879236985-AANX0H0S0HDRBMC8E6HJ/IMG_20200407_193259925.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - Here we are at my birthday party in 1964. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880479020-20AN5139UG1ITNCK9CBS/20221009_110427.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - And here we are last week enjoying a hike in beautiful Colorado! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880192141-63CLSU8ZWDN8NNWUK4B5/Mary+%26+Denise.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - Liz is an amazing hostess, and it was so good to reconnect with her and her mom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880150024-CQ5E2Z9OMBUM760L0QNY/20221008_160943.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - Liz had an amazing itinerary for us each day. Our first stop was the Benson Sculpture Garden near her home in Loveland, Colorado. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880312836-P7IS9NWE86VY00VLLVBG/20221008_161536.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880321905-Q8R1M7FLHZGJHQHVM131/20221008_161731.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880328268-4KME1OCLUDGGRXS0B1A2/20221008_162836.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880349339-DRMD33A3EMYU773923I4/20221008_163811.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880415541-FSHGDKLRU39W78L78XI2/20221009_110354_04.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - All three of us love to hike. Our first hiking adventure was at Devil’s Backbone Open Spaces also in Loveland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880637853-JHDMRES2QRWH8V4SL8MF/20221009_104234.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880643844-GFZPW0EOCEICTP3AAGPE/20221009_112001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880653101-5C0PRRJS73I8ADFH736T/20221009_111945.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880659744-3WM4TCJ5O6IL7JROB2DN/20221009_112054.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880788187-M708DF4C6HXNEDZVWWNK/20221010_101620.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - I truly enjoyed visiting Cheyenne and the beautiful State Capital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880842799-XVN0H7LTSM0AI9V5Y5JN/20221010_101400.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880857353-UP6R3DOT6PFY57BAXWLP/20221010_112556.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880867064-FNF281CT440MRYYDC73S/20221010_114522.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880885182-C29R11LR0654BZ00B4VG/20221010_114619.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665880945138-39JGNTA1YM9TI9IMD56T/20221010_150514.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - After touring the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado, we headed to Coyote Ridge Trail for another long walk. It was during this walk that I saw – for the first time – prairie dogs. They were everywhere! Our goal was to complete the entire trail. Unfortunately, a biker came toward us warning of snakes on the trail. We immediately did an about face and headed toward the car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881079960-DJA8QFJN0TJ5GB852V21/20221011_102419.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - Our last day together was spent at Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked to Bear Lake and Emerald Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881136733-SWLEI8VTEBY16RGDVSVP/20221011_090828.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881148312-026KEFS4T53M41Z3V2K0/20221011_100940.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881150584-Q4SGYM9RC31K0AG9OBTH/20221011_101107.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881160105-S690GMLX56UGDH52CRNV/20221011_101832.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881243044-LMJG7YIJS1DQIAP8SZWV/20221011_121831.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - IT WAS WINDY AND COLD! But I was determined to get to the overlook and take pictures! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881310884-Y41MXRBKWD26K5AR5AEN/20221011_121503.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881310754-A2LXXTFJ0X9DAONBKQC3/20221011_121709.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881313953-CMR0A0645A2L0NK487H8/20221011_121711.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881317334-T2P68GOY8VKQ6K842C9Z/20221011_121713.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881454583-EW3KI1GJZYVU0UYJC8AM/20221011_153853.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! - As we drove home, we noticed two elk sitting in a green field off the main road. They seemed to be waiting for us to take pictures. What an amazing find! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881656364-N6GIS1QNNUZ5RHAHWD1W/20221011_153858.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881666110-50SC4DC9WSNRL3TEWM8K/20221011_153945.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881680242-67XWG7KIGKHQA346ZF8T/20221011_154206.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665881682776-DYAW6E8BYUOJSZZPGE3Z/20221011_154336.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Childhood Friends Reconnect! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/new-book-announcement monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1666013297411-GLL29D7S2YAB4K2J6MAP/FB+Book+Review+.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My New Book Comes Out on Friday! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/rocky-mountaineer monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665702599574-E00980NA0RYSKV8TG3JT/addtext_com_MTgzOTU0MTQ2MDY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665702920529-IOQNBAED51C6KU7QV6Q8/Jill+%26+Denise.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey - This was also the second time since John’s death that I traveled with a friend. My friend, Jill had this same train company on her bucket list, and we decided it would be fun to do it together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704087120-7LE8ZTY8FY6L5CNHY5C0/20221006_172345.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704121238-CR41PPP46IGAZMGBT21B/20221006_135156.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704134078-MP074D9RXQFWHD4JP29H/20221006_155634.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704148774-JH3URIK85GSA6QCDAWAD/20221006_155333.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704157832-82B498U7X18P4NPXZN4M/20221006_155634.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704175065-1V4GNZVQR762ZJ2Y7ZB1/20221006_160411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704192184-7FV7OZ4I5T06L9XCC0J2/20221006_160411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704211138-3F1F5U6G44TSWA86Y0YO/20221006_183810.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704232989-1EA5HFOOOYADCHR2ANAT/20221006_174318.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704341866-L2S8Y8K4R7R77B8LAYQ7/20221006_144448.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704368331-XWO6FWI8F9HK3T2GKXQ5/20221006_140340.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704371131-MK4QY6Z8VA7B3U3FOT1A/20221006_141536.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704372532-TV8PJDCR56DCXYQ23AEF/20221006_142042.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704383425-TTNLXZXSP8RJVKA4A5AU/20221007_105837.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704383370-LELRSIT02Y0MV4B4NSG9/20221007_110310.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704395253-JYC7NK3AGU2403IXV5U1/20221007_154100.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704384680-061751CXC09TK4UMMJZQ/20221007_110348.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704514696-P6OSMNT2Y8H2HAEYQUUF/20221007_074435.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704545172-RDC3M10IZN4VYME4IKQM/20221006_194230.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704558219-U207BDV2Z5JCR2YHM03T/20221007_074554.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704561791-TWLLNIYGKBMOVUZ2CQ9L/20221007_074747.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704573100-Z5Y743ESTEBFWKRP12UX/20221007_075845.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704590242-BIW469GXYWVH7M0PNYFL/20221007_093105.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704619721-I4V1MWWVMHLP7CP8P9AI/20221007_101957.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704618829-3D4RUA5V32IVYKNC2G4R/20221007_102209.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704622429-Z3CHR5QEHWMKXSRJ4DUB/20221007_102515.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704684535-5URDA1ZCD3RRH6PH2VUA/20221007_114720.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704713506-PV3GFMA90FSPS4MOVPZT/20221007_104102.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704726781-NTUWXDY5ZHNLC5QKE7GA/20221007_112951.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704735209-JYZ74IH5C4E9N622FV23/20221007_141826.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704746397-JOU2LWXWCZ51A6U6AWRH/20221007_113015.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704759271-ICWWNXB9G2THY7AWRADX/20221007_141826.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704775632-XR921XGJIQ8GZ13KCJO2/20221007_172422.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704785305-MBGQUL78APPP0KKOB3GO/20221007_141906.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665704797516-ZKYU7XXJ6PHBWSQP946A/20221007_115411.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/unxpected-news monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665695398031-V9JB8W1DAB2IVAAI5Z9M/Unexpected+News%21.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Unexpected News! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665696548851-L9GZQKMATZVDW7Q3VNFR/20220719_155910.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Unexpected News! - However, as I sat on the bench at his grave site, our song came to mind. So, I did a search on YouTube and played the song on my phone as I stood by his tomb. Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel was our song and at that moment it brought a flood of beautiful memories from the first time I saw John. It was a little bit of heaven on earth. I am truly grateful for the man God gave me and can’t wait to see him again. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/two-beautiful-basilicas-florida monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661102848232-9RQHH4XJ5KKHAJXJ7OEA/addtext_com_MTUyOTQwMjQyMA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103218598-ZJ7P9EK06QMKUWTZXMYA/IMG_20190701_090757965_HDR+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida - This basilica was built to serve the many Catholics visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando. In 1979, land was purchased to accommodate the vision for this basilica. The first phase of construction began in December 1984. Within two years, the initial phase was completed which included a building to use as a church and offices along with a bell tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103343274-D8R4GABXP4MUWPF10RWQ/IMG_20190701_090859556+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida - On the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary in August 1990, ground was broken for the main church that would seat as many as 2,000 people. On January 31, 1993, the first Mass was celebrated in the new church building. This church was dedicated on August 22, 1993. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103389205-XKZG6KV1FZU97BRDOBWB/IMG_20190701_091401209+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103389563-UFODM90PKI7QAJYE2X6E/IMG_20190701_091551956+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103395481-ON1EQIL4J9DWCQGYOEK1/IMG_20190701_092246845+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103396343-34AIAHS8GSCMQ8H2RKA1/IMG_20190701_092250494+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103468041-CW7G1HLTWTPV66B35SEF/IMG_20190701_090034003_HDR+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida - The grounds of the Shrine include a Rosary Garden, an outdoor chapel, and a bell tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103549488-NPM85QS5JB8HKPXFEDRH/IMG_20190701_090351834+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103589241-YIA8DY9M4H4HD7DQ7SW0/IMG_20190701_090709929_HDR+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103590409-14MLGR5F6OEP4OVRACLR/IMG_20190701_090732369_HDR+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103601363-VP7YMFL359YKBGPG7SXA/IMG_20190701_092505895_HDR+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103600072-IWZDG097WZJUN9TNVIKS/IMG_20190701_094539535_HDR+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103896584-WVIJ7HJVQIWK5EH0NVDW/IMG_20200825_082707105_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida - The Basilica of Saint Paul is a Spanish mission-style structure 181 feet long, 80 feet wide, and 123 feet from the street level to the top of the cross. The church, at the time, was the highest building on the mainland and seated 1,150 people. It was also one of the first buildings in the area to be built with a central heat and air-conditioning system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103861114-MPZIP5PYUBLWPTBOP3LK/IMG_20200825_083231121.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103861269-Y0FXWN0XZ4BJZ7CDX8Q3/IMG_20200825_083246205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103864353-H3OSBPRVU7R9VWWH0AWG/IMG_20200825_083433023.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661103922890-WL5J01Y5BK6K77SQTCB6/IMG_20200825_083225059.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 2 Beautiful Basilicas in Sunny Florida https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/author-bio monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662932996771-U4L7QB28SSC7YTQXGEQ3/Book+Cover+1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Author Bio - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662933843661-L04ZMV1PIBJBFGHOXLLN/7080.jpeg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Author Bio - As I read the many documents provided by ProofreadingServices.com, I couldn’t help but think of this classic picture. This is my Aunt Cathy and I on my First Holy Communion Day. We are standing outside the bakery across the street from St. Michael’s Church in Brooklyn, New York. This picture looks like something from the Godfather or maybe Goodfellas. Yes, I was raised Catholic. What a picture! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/book-description monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662930620012-2FJ5OXMG0HONHI46EC8G/Book+Cover+1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Book Description - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/book-cover-reveal monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662928011679-UJH4MZH3HDC0I6WU4H5C/addtext_com_MTYyNTI4MTI2NTA.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Book Cover Reveal - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662928114099-0FD3O4ZDHNWYKTQZDY14/Book+Cover+1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Book Cover Reveal - While the manuscript was with proofreaders, I spent time looking for an appropriate picture that would honor the Blessed Mother and explain the content of the book. I fell in love with this picture and submitted it to the editors to use in their book cover design. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/saint-luke-church monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663173084350-BQAZV2R2F2P2YVLOKO3U/1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663171671459-FQZ49WST1SLILYZHU5VP/20220809_101054.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! - Finally, it was time for groundbreaking and construction of the new facility. However, the first phase of this project did not include the church building. It was common practice then to build the parish hall first and then to build the church building. The parish hall is important because it is the place where all community activities can take place – including Mass. However, the parish hall is only a temporary setting for Mass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663171707316-MLB1VZCMQHGCI7BEKXKK/20220809_101015.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663171723004-CAKPVS26IRPOT6T8GKQR/20220809_101106.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663171722909-Q9XQS3UH1ZL240Q9O6RB/20220809_104703.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663171725970-2RBZDJF0WVXTX8NMJUXO/20220809_104717.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172077593-RJINP3CYGEBOHO3QELX9/20220809_105007.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! - Original church setting before initial renovations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172161111-I5GWEEXUR2UP1CBFIZWG/20220809_104938.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172179274-T131481O85MNQK5SBWWZ/20220809_105034.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172179220-DUEF6K03806FWT6MQZQU/20220809_105215.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172184649-0DMHFUIJB2XQC6MZ2USI/20220809_105226.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172260029-5SIBE3PSGU9RYSYUHH7E/20220809_110225.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! - Current church setting. The transformation is stunning! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172369511-3FJ1NGY5PB5NYYQ6JIYC/20220809_105935.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172374939-OGYZW955WKP86CFQUO07/20220809_105840.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172386594-GHQSNB5815AT97BISFRN/20220809_110624.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663172395795-NHYV5YBSL26CPMM7EVWB/20220809_110516.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - You don’t have to look very far for Greatness! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/eight-helpful-tips-for-successful-travel monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662924041464-E01TXYDCJ0ZUGULHC35Y/8+Helpful+Tips.png Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 8 Helpful Tips for Successful Travel! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662924351735-JFTNZFXOI8W8VEQPVBIK/20211206_053438.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 8 Helpful Tips for Successful Travel! - And so now, I travel with only carry-on luggage which goes in the overhead compartment and then a large tote bag that fits snuggly under the seat in front of me. I highly recommend you give it a try! One GREAT benefit – you don’t have to worry about the airline losing your luggage! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662924557012-7YPQES5PQOS6NK2ALPV8/20220911_145919.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 8 Helpful Tips for Successful Travel! - When I travel within the United States, I also bring a small tea kettle with me. This way, I do not have to heat tea water in a coffee maker. And yes, all this fits in my carry-on luggage! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/never-stop-exploring monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661355720853-VCABDVW1I95IED0DPRSS/addtext_com_MTUyMzUxMjM5OQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Never Stop Exploring! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661356010504-32NN0D7Y0WUBDX67IBQS/IL-Italy-Map+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Never Stop Exploring! - Italy is so beautiful and diverse. As I studied and planned for the trip, I developed plans for other parts of Italy. In May 2023, I hope to visit Venice and the surrounding towns – Padua, Vicenza, and Verona – and then head north to Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. It would be great to see two countries in one trip! Another two for one plan includes Lake Como, Italy, and several cities in Switzerland. I am looking forward to train excursions in each of these areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661356088104-23XHL5AXF25OGDJWDRBA/20220822_071558.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Never Stop Exploring! - Knowing the importance of my “bucket list,” my granddaughters created a map of the United States with special heart-shaped tacks as a Thank You gift for taking them to Charleston and New Orleans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661356277296-UI5JTA96F7SH98EJZLUR/20220824_112100.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Never Stop Exploring! - I knew I would have plenty of places to visit in the USA and Europe. Then, I found these books on Amazon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1661356470210-8E9GX3DLIEIVNFAQCRNR/addtext_com_MDY0MDM5MTA3NDQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Never Stop Exploring! - Yes, my list is long, and it is not going to be cheap to do all these things. I am sure my nursing home won’t be top of the line because of all these trips, but I will at least be able to wallpaper the walls with beautiful pictures from all my adventures! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/book-reviews monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662911332824-P5DBGV2FI6JS5V3RMSUN/addtext_com_MTAzMDI2MTA4MzY.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Book Reviews from my Alaska Trip! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/alaska-part-two monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579163236-EQKWA11FAPF8PM3UE8SQ/addtext_com_MjAyOTI1OTU5OQ.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579377391-6AE0XPOPHJ70IFC4B4VD/20220902_123124.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - The train ride from Anchorage to Denali National Park is 8 hours long. Our train made one short stop at Talkeetna, Alaska. The scenery throughout the trip was breathtaking. Denali was absolutely beautiful! Hard to believe that this picture was taken with my phone! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579499497-JTS809E3M23S35UJ47KZ/20220902_100341.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579527229-7GJGM8JIKG4NF93BPLZL/20220902_100846.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579540708-ECO5RXOL6LBXM58D1ZP3/20220902_103402.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579582595-BD8PTURY6T6AWOXXL9YM/20220902_124434.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579706807-WY40QJJA000N96BG0PTH/20220903_125027.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - Since Denali National Park was one of my destinations, I bought the train and hotel package that included Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks. What a GREAT adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662579818425-8SWJVHESQ32B462T4DPN/20220902_174306.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - The McKinley Chalet Resort was an amazing property with shuttle service to the Denali National Park along with a variety of other excursions to choose from. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580046511-H8PZ81IJ2OMZ9U3NKJ5P/20220903_090806.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - On my first day at this resort, I signed up for a three-hour walking tour in the National Park. The walk was beautiful with fall colors EVERYWHERE! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580083355-NONCPSMZTEKXT7LYDX8R/20220903_083132.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580091852-XXATG6LZXLA31NFEB46T/20220903_094515.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580100351-E4C7OFMIQJC6YHUR6XT9/20220903_082623.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580106072-R8PHO63R6H10OUBSP50V/20220903_100048.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580195755-JY9E7TCHJUBHY3TP56D4/20220903_133841.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - As I was waiting in the lobby for the walking tour shuttle, I saw a video announcing shuttle service to a dog sled demonstration in the National Park. After my three-hour walk, I took the shuttle to the Visitors Center and then boarded a separate bus to see the dog sled demonstration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580236426-SG5MCIVU8YP8B6EVI9C9/20220903_142536.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580242289-NYUSTNOUD1VP0CG28NA0/20220903_133945.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580257847-UOBZT1KWZS0I06KOR9K9/20220903_141213.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580273977-GLXLTUW3YN715Q2YH2SQ/20220903_143205.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580445672-UKNF3VLWVLGY60TXV709/20220904_085802.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580468341-690U52PWY5QRLB9MILTO/20220904_081202.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580486445-ESL28TLRCGWRWTOO0W66/20220903_144423.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580492914-7ODNQ4WIUR979F4RC37S/20220904_090038.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580497042-21W54Q71CVWP1JJSCDCH/20220904_081318.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580626324-SR5CI6RPRCO4EKEAEYQ1/20220904_162513.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - Because seats were assigned when I arrived at the Denali Train Depot, I didn’t know until I got on the train where my seat was located. Luckily, I was on the right side of the train and the scenery did not disappoint. Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580676873-GAUPQDQK6H2903KEAT7L/20220904_161045.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580687646-WDW78PP3A958FLN8BF29/20220904_163318.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580696720-DC6JBB5JKDJF8LYC0TZV/20220904_164122.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580705996-KNP7KBZJTPH510FUAS1O/20220904_163823.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580801821-G0NRPJCM42VSUHALZNWH/Bear.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - As I headed into the airport at midnight for a 2am flight, there was the bear I was looking for as I was checking in for my flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662580848611-1GSJ8E4UOEYTM3IMIP7T/Moose.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 2 - At the gate, while waiting for the plane to arrive, there was the moose. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/alaska-part-one monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662562230585-M8A4TT3R6OGJ9OJI83ZW/addtext_com_MTgyNzQ0OTI3Ng.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662562484186-4SRCSJY1BHHR4X1ZDUVD/20220828_100033.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - I truly enjoy researching and may take up this challenge to learn the differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy and which came first. God only knows where this will take me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662562678167-B1QA3SQF93KTHKDB21GK/20220828_100658.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - As I entered this beautiful structure, the service was already in progress. I was blown away by the beauty of the candles and icons. I did know about the Orthodox altars being separated from the congregation and that only priests and their assistances were privileged to this area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662562825678-9QFTC5UV1K5E4TA65KDN/20220828_100940.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - Many people were standing or sitting in regular chairs. There were no pews anywhere! Although, they did have beautiful benches. (You may remember my previous blog on lack of pews in European churches and where they came from. Click here to read more.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563010778-YO7REYU2YIN8V4KRG9WE/20220828_102303.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - At a certain part of the service, the curtain separating the altar from the congregation was drawn closed and people started lining up near the altar. I knew that Communion was about to begin and decided to stay to see how all of this would play out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563061347-LEYXPTNMRMXDBK3TNAGM/20220828_102830.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - Suddenly, the curtain was opened, and two priests emerged with very large chalices. I wasn’t close enough to see exactly what was going on, but it did not look like the people were drinking directly from the chalice. They were, however, receiving the liquid through some kind of device used by the priest. What I did notice clearly was that after they received the liquid from the chalice, the priest raised the chalice, and the person would kiss the bottom of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563178338-XAIGGN3K0IZ1VBRF223X/20220828_113530.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - The Catholic cathedral was beautiful, but not quite as ornate as the Orthodox church. It was interesting to note that attendance was quite good for both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. That is always a good sign. It is heartwarming to know that people make this commitment to worship God. I am also grateful to live in a country where we are free to worship Him as we choose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563320828-1WE8GJQPCJVSAC7CDKJY/20220828_112403.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - After Mass, I met a woman at the Gift Shop that told me about St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church. I stopped by for a quick visit and then headed south to the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge in Cooper Landing, Alaska. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563440615-FROO7ZI6W8XT43FCHPSJ/20220828_135919.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563495085-YA8OTCGNBXS57ZTQFTGF/20220828_135923.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563495594-YR0A5YBNYX9P1TAGRFPB/20220828_140425.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563497281-A1I9BS3G0MMRPS13KO5F/20220828_140444.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563496995-12QR3G62SZ3Y97Y1RA3T/20220828_144532.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563605501-ZFCOJDXIYSG1PK2JEF3X/20220828_171317.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - The hotel was everything I had hoped it would be with a wood burning stove in each lodge room and beautiful hiking trails leading to the Kenai River. I had dinner on the deck overlooking the river with gratitude for a beautiful first day of exploring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563666762-M7R12THRF7Z0KP39ELVI/20220828_171431.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563666238-71HUKCIZ3MZ1EXFDDYGY/20220828_172350.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563679522-AWE3T33YRZC56YBM39A6/20220828_173901.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563680387-8XA3AY1U4R5V02IZJ50C/20220828_175737.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563797018-NKYWYJDTMEHN29FDUYOQ/20220829_104309.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - This glacier is the only part of the Kenai National Park accessible by car. The remainder of the National Park must be seen by plane or boat. I chose to see the remainder of the park by boat and will embark on that adventure in the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563850258-2EBNB3BC727FG44W0XY2/20220829_094805%280%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563865617-30NR4A5YV5I2PJQAP9NG/20220829_104105.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563870089-KTWACN4YKW3H9YZYZTGD/20220829_113745.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662563884025-0OQX4UFZQWYLH1TSBQFM/20220829_101619.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564123541-GDL2IU04RR5SC393DT97/20220830_114030.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - Dressing in layers is key to boating in Alaska even in the month of August. We got close to several glaciers, fjords, sea lions, bald eagles, and puffins. Shortly before the day long trip was to end, the orcas made their debut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564178239-N5T9NKXLV43M80MA1PFU/20220830_124947.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564202009-GIOIDG21US3BSKP0LLYQ/20220830_133526.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564216576-OUUA501GAGRM8IAEAUZB/20220830_150347.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564233597-6R0EWPJE938LSXX06WVZ/20220830_150633.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564298949-5KFJSHP319Q2ITTJRCDP/20220830_161759.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564486087-Q2OWXQHQK4421VX4EDG2/20220831_115537.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 - Homer Spit is a geographical landmark. This 4 ½ mile piece of land located in Homer, Alaska is the longest road into ocean water in the world. I had the best clam chowder at Captain Pattie’s Fish House on Homer Spit. I then was on the hunt for ice cream! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564681723-6EMG1Y6KC5AUOLV5ARM2/20220831_130902.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564694613-Y5YFLFVM9AYTWLXZBL34/20220831_131029.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564702212-713V44PQTSS0FRLBDOJL/20220831_133948.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1662564707250-OTU4GK7FTOBPT70GGTKH/20220831_134022.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - ALASKA - Part 1 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/always-travel-with-a-book monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659967314021-ZLD4REYM4UR5ME9CPEKD/addtext_com_MDk1OTQxMTQ5Mg.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Always Travel with a Book (or Two)! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659967491692-R2C4JU8GOGY272I8PFGT/20220808_064551.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Always Travel with a Book (or Two)! - Rome Sweet Home is a wonderful book about the faith journey of an amazing couple. I chuckled several times as I read this book. Both Scott and Kimberly Hahn were very astute Presbyterians and rejected all things Catholic. The way Scott and Kimberly felt toward Catholics is the way I felt, at one time, toward Protestants. We all have our prejudices and most always they are rooted in fear and ignorance. Scott asked some hard questions and then was brave enough to dig to find the answers. He found those answers in a very unlikely place – the Catholic Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659967617988-GYCXVIFXBBOS32E6QBEV/20220808_064415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Always Travel with a Book (or Two)! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/montreal-saint-patricks-basilica monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895246590-BXMSCFXQSWQBMGL0MUYT/addtext_com_MTM1NDE0MzEyNw.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895548120-QJZU4IXAMWOIRV9TT477/34.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! - St. Patrick’s Basilica in downtown Montreal was built to accommodate the massive number of Irish immigrants that came to the city in the 1840s. Construction for this beautiful church began in 1843. The first Mass was celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day in 1847. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895657583-SPN3VYJXZPCKC62V0U0U/33.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! - As I walked into the church, I was captivated by the beautiful woodwork throughout the basilica which was complimented by the French Gothic Revival architectural style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895734117-V3MMA6ELVPMX30J3FCYY/25.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895774867-ZBS7IFIS4KOX5NFEMI58/28.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895774539-STYYVWGNZV88B11U0SS1/29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895812714-62B8JQYTHSQQ39F6QRJC/35.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895778150-0CKC7U6W70X7MVL7JM23/30.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659895812778-EXRKCOQMPM2KUMIUCJUL/36.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659896074519-D3WKMMYRI36TCXZSMV1O/31.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! - The Stations of the Cross were quite spectacular and the largest I have ever seen thus far. Between each of the Stations were oil paintings of various saints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659896127879-285081CU8AO571BF8XE4/37.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Browsing through the City! - The organ for this amazing church was first built in 1850 and installed in 1852. What an amazing choir loft! You can see the seats to the right and left of the organ and the many organ pipes directly behind the seats. It was quiet as I walked through this church and wondered what it would be like to hear the organ and choir sing during Mass. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/artichokes-in-rome monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311436190-9O4MM6GL2PWQDI43VL5M/addtext_com_MTkwMDE5MTE0OTU.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311598029-JYGHUK5XT3KXS0VXIZLZ/20211215_110729.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! - Tempio Maggiore di Roma or The Great Synagogue was located two blocks from the restaurant on the banks of the Tiber River. This great place of prayer was built between 1901 and 1904 and serves as a cultural center for the Jewish community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311664576-0Y34Y8IF2X9PHCHDV60J/20211215_111509.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311692075-7HJ4G6DZ7ALMWTJYJWNS/20211215_114104.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311692108-VBIJJQK91W87ZOVAM58H/20211215_114507.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311694036-JEKLHGK3GLGHGDS7C9Q9/20211215_114626.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311768230-FLBH45OL9JZWZH089324/20211215_110843.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! - After touring the museum, I joined a small group led by a guide that took us outside the museum and through the front doors of The Great Synagogue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311920664-HB9ZMC1YE9TONF7C2I58/20211215_111747.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311981355-G0Q4196J06ZNUBNKS8A6/20211215_111755.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311978255-4E6LDTBO5KV2F8PKBBUV/20211215_111816.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311984505-VZ5LWZ2ACAZ9PCRC70WI/20211215_111847.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311989038-5T8PB6CIIMBL57ZN8LJ3/20211215_113137.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659311992741-NT684HB0WXKTL73628M7/20211215_113159.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659312000608-EWCM69UHJCHAWEWWC4NL/20211215_113305.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659312000671-F31S874ADPRXM1KDRD3M/20211215_113328.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659312072431-LH31SGYCG3QMLO19WZ4I/20211215_113252+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659312131395-6Q9FXJPUUHXHOPYVGO1H/20211215_121947+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Best Artichokes in Rome! - Upon leaving the synagogue, I was more than ready for those famous Jewish artichokes. Now I know why so many Youtubers made this recommendation. They were DELICIOUS! https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/oratory-versus-chapel monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288158076-UO48HMXJ0QKZK32IMQHJ/throw_your_heart_over_the.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288438839-FBJKZM02WLOAVSKN8BLN/14+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel - My visit to the Saint Joseph’s Oratory was the highlight of my trip to Montreal. This oratory is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and a national shrine. It is also the largest church in Canada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288763201-VXE1DHBTX71BKC0FT8JY/17.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288762968-GA2U5RUAOI6J36JJTIFN/18.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659289073036-97PRR543SO4ENIVNGSR0/16+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659289172181-B4JN4ON3QZ1B7XFM4SUB/19+%282%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288539950-YTTYPN3RFEZHNEU7CW6T/IMG_20210413_085551778_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel - During COVID lockdown as I searched YouTube videos for travel destinations, I discovered The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona. What an amazing place. This is architecture I had never seen before! This project was designed and managed by a woman, Marguerite Brunswig Staude. Her inspiration came from the construction of the Empire State Building. The chapel was completed in 1956. It took 18 months to complete at a cost of $300,000. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288639310-0BNGJU6KHYRDGHP55LVH/IMG_20210413_091822891_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288656645-E3779SBE6Q65YBSHOF3K/IMG_20210413_092653484_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659288691059-5K78Q3M8BP53L4HR2OOJ/IMG_20210413_085714144_HDR.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659289332178-ESEGIPNDW6P2XSA3D1Y1/IMG_20210413_091807783.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Oratory vs. Chapel https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/basilica-saint-mary-major monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659278343017-RHB8I9XP191E3O8BZ1I7/addtext_com_MTAzNjAxMTAxMTI.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659278656734-ODNA98JCOJRIY8F16DRF/20211217_085649.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome and was one of the first churches built in honor of the Virgin Mary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659278800849-I9CGHNDC1BGUVU0BENY9/20211217_084327.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659278801871-OSE6I4RZGCLC8FJSS3J3/20211217_084425.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659278838921-BPA8NE3US8SMFR3Z14LN/20211217_084641.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659278807149-A7HFSLPAF9K3DU9XU0KX/20211217_084431.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659279092815-MCUTWNUFRE6QOTHG65TQ/20211217_085728.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major - We may never know how this legend plays into the facts of this beautiful basilica. We cannot deny, however, the architectural genius of this structure. I am amazed that people built these structures before there were power tools! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659279167809-88MAJFTFT6HGUS0RGFHN/20211217_084323.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - The Basilica of Saint Mary Major - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/saint-ignatius-of-loyola monthly 0.5 2024-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1659183004996-810SF5RR0QA5L1AZMVY9/MV5BMWQxNGU2NGQtZjUyZC00NzdhLTk4NTMtYTdmNzc2ZGYyYzI2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTAyOTE2ODg0._V1_.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Favorite Saint - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/three-big-differences monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658682071804-2TLUT0MGPKUWG6SL79GO/2.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Big Differences - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658682183888-XY3ORU2QK9BTF88Y35YA/1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - 3 Big Differences - The second difference noted was the placement of the ambo. The ambo is the official Catholic term for the place where the Gospel is read. This is also referred to as a lectern or a pulpit. The location of the ambo in Catholic churches in the United States is at the front of the church to left of the altar. However, in the old European medieval churches, the ambo is in the left center of the church. Across from the ambo in these medieval churches is the crucifix. This is the third noted difference from what we are used to in the United States. The crucifix, in churches in the United States, is almost always at the front of the church above the altar and is the common point of focus for the priest and the laity. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/milan-italy monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658173125138-M3V6E5GHB1M3CGLI3PBQ/20211210_083653.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658173544623-E94JXU1GNDPZFNKJWJPB/20211210_082042.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658173545532-2RVB72KE88CUHQISNTVS/20211210_082840.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658173566986-XLXKZI9AOOMBG758G5E9/20211210_085352.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658173568784-5TKHF2F1QULTNGY3WFN4/20211210_090212.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658173663330-F1BVDJINLJ9FN7KF2JPR/20211210_083653.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! - One of the beautiful statues that brought tears to my eyes was that of an angel lifting the deceased toward heaven. The smile on the deceased person’s face spoke volumes to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658174410299-BUWY48TZOE0COQRY41LG/download+%281%29.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! - Ernest Robison designed this statue in memory of his son, Matthew who lived his life with cerebral palsy and died shortly before his 11th birthday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1658174589497-3MLLJKMRPJ8MZ2BEV4ZC/51mhM3K5g5L__SX331_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - An Amazing Find in Milan, Italy! - This book would benefit not only families of children with special needs, but also the extended families and friends who have difficulty understanding the stamina and endurance required of these parents. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/three-favorite-places monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657649651073-6T94B0MFTFMLD1D0X31T/unsplash-image-_7gIfk0MU0o.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657649975578-DMBT11WVTHNS0GIOYA38/20220712_121307.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! - I love the peaceful setting of this park located on the water with all its beautiful trees. I usually park my car near the entrance of the park and walk along the park road leading to a small walking bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650162746-XMP4W29LPOWBXZ5TQCB9/20220712_121456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650171309-DU0YPG7RKME9R3ID8AGT/20220712_121708.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650167291-USUX4D1LW7FOVR0ASM7E/20220712_121845.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650176736-Y3UQHELPY3JPHHEL8D0B/20220712_121940.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650263284-IN8JJVAV7WDXZM73E9O4/20220712_122536.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650257144-1GATOOYVJM49Z9MR68QQ/20220712_122734.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650260600-64SF5DG0Z18QI0VVZH3D/20220712_122921.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650263686-S8IRKL2V8GYBU4XUNGAU/20220712_123010.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650266591-FTUQGKATFHYW3MNJ66RX/20220712_123113.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650266070-HU7Z4EG62Z8GHAQVHYGW/20220712_123117.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650268196-6V38IP7JKGNC9BK6RO56/20220712_123452.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650269486-LWY7CZBZB0FE69GYO36I/20220712_123511.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650336251-2F3YD92EEDBZ2IRWUDSJ/20220712_124708.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! Once at the resort, turn right to access beautiful Main Street, Safety Harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650421169-I0ZNMSWV4CJCB3Y9EA5F/20220712_124548.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650423260-DPWBXAURRC59V221G7NF/20220712_124734.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650424765-2EMZ9LZS8U9HRZ0LCZ6P/20220712_125024.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650428037-SZ1M70J2JXJDXFTUDZFM/20220712_125235.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650433955-PBOE0MJG9NZ3SS2D9VAW/20220712_125252.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650439119-5VYXDQZYYS85OUKWTHF8/20220712_125344.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650438741-ATGNV49TSCWYVMACN1PV/20220712_125440.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657650439849-CVQDXIBXZQC5AFDLVWCK/20220712_125522.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657653727921-FFVAVGUOP0SP9C2YXGBD/20220711_142818.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! - Fred Howard Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has a beautiful, wooded park area leading to a beautiful causeway. At the end of the causeway is a large parking lot with entrances to the beach area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657653853132-PEBWCOZI697SA7XDBZ2J/20220711_150645.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657653853938-ZG3G096GX6INTUCDXC5D/20220711_150735.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657653858380-NGSGACGQN7UERWV84WHJ/20220711_150740.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657653856257-FXTUJRBU5P61U8AEOMG3/20220711_150914.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654042271-CHUHWN81IRS1JMWV2VPU/20220711_151254.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654042398-1DNCSYBRWYPE5QGCOTNH/20220711_151310.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654049135-HNI6ZAAFC9Z0KF950B3I/20220711_151321.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654053230-YAFQGC5ZB2F62UU3E9M0/20220711_151415.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654447879-BUAV4GWND71Y8GQZJTBW/20220712_110251.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654482090-0JAAMI5UO4MF4MKRSNIL/20220712_103953.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654483170-IFTTJ30RDKNU1Z3VGLAW/20220712_104001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654484412-SMF72XNODLZIUC4DTHO4/20220712_104038.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654485653-8IOQHTA1COV8AMO2U88Q/20220712_104053.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654486164-AS43Q3W30YO8N9QIC4XM/20220712_104058.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654488110-BW3WSX6D88ITFM1YYX4Y/20220712_104553.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654489254-XRUMG859QXOC46FE8170/20220712_104606.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654491272-B844OVL91J8PRL5YRV6N/20220712_104926.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654495794-UII3S2ZRRRD86ZRC8RQ1/20220712_105052.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654496382-AKTNDB9R6G62SPFGOIK5/20220712_105059.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654498403-0BFGLH5G4T1BWA6HDNZN/20220712_105523.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654621543-7FG1XOTCJPGAM7I9MKPS/20220712_113615.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654622135-9FP1ZKAAZL4VHETAJTR8/20220712_113816.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654650709-16SQKLR27MGWB5AHO3KG/20220712_112417.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654681454-I7U0MRYKA3ARBYQCV21F/20220712_113244.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657654758778-7RIFAMMHZYTR9EE0A7YY/20220712_111857.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Three Favorite Places! - Construction for this hotel began in 1924. The hotel is located within walking distance to the downtown area and overlooks the Clearwater Bay. The hotel was completed in 1927. The hotel changed ownership several times before it was sold in 1961 to Trinity College. The college remained at Fenway for over 20 years before moving to Pasco County in 1988. Once again, after several owner transactions, the hotel was purchased by the Marriot to be part of their International Autograph Collection. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/movie-review monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1657140431215-W9HFTBPXSJ1NZK20FTEN/unsplash-image-ny-lHmsHYHk.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Movie Review & So Much More! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/july-4-celebration monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656851006682-6FW20U1ETRXD5JM4K84O/unsplash-image-gZltlzPun9c.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Country, ‘Tis of Thee… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656849419031-5G0WE4MBX2QD98V6DE9C/unsplash-image-MtKj_MvfNLs.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Country, ‘Tis of Thee… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/special-day-special-blog monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656666792093-5ZN11BITVXXC4HP1VCSZ/1.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Day, Special Blog - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656666920267-LUILSF5KIX49H1Q7SJH3/2.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Day, Special Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656667129941-M5ZVCT9FGFNJK2ADJWK6/3.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Day, Special Blog One of my favorite places to visit is old churches, and there are plenty of them in France. One of the destinations on this trip was the Citadelle de Blaye. This is an old military fort with lots of great walking opportunities and plenty of beautiful sites. I walked over 12,000 steps the first day and did not seem to find the local church. The following day before the ship left port, I went back out on my own determined to find the local church. After a short time, I found it on one of the side streets. It was a beautiful old structure with two large red doors. I walked in and was very amazed at all the beauty around. I spent time praying and lit a candle for my husband. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656667312690-BDVD3WN3XNBAXUZAM7HT/4.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Special Day, Special Blog Many times, after good thoughts and understanding flow, it doesn’t take long for doubt and fear to creep back in. Lord, I miss my leg. I miss John. I long for his hugs, his kisses, his touch – nothing will replace him. How do I get used to this artificial leg? How do I pretend to be grateful? Lord, show me, please. Blessed Mother, please show me how you walked with your pain. How did you digest grace? What did it look like for you? After many tears, I said a rosary and felt the peace needed to say once again to my husband, “I love you, John Mercado – always have – always will.” https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/michigan-adventure monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656452964292-JU0ZXV30JY0TG75MIL4P/20220621_132157.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453242148-EVMCWSWOAE65BY2B1TGM/20220622_090346.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! - This cathedral was established in 1857. The present Gothic Revival-style church was built in 1881. I truly enjoy visiting old churches. I am amazed at the architecture of these beautiful structures. The artwork is also breathtaking in so many ways. People built these structures to show their love for God, his Mother, and his saints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453387446-NF9D2S5T9Z74VPJ4V1JV/20220622_090406.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453388605-PSMR3LIC8DERSSHZPI2Z/20220622_090434.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453392611-HO6BROO64ERW8KHO015L/20220622_090458.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453395126-2PE2S683CDVYL1ASNHI0/20220622_090511.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453394266-4S5I0AA7S94Y126J2VO3/20220622_090516.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453395343-4EVCJA2TJKLUW20NM58O/20220622_090520.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453401286-CR4BK9QN51NF90LDYZQE/20220622_092604.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453403673-EH7KDR6VF4UN227NUW7Y/20220622_092819.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453525065-XP25UILUBJZFQQ925LMV/20220622_093240.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! - As I was getting ready to leave the cathedral, I noticed a sign that listed the address for the Adoration Chapel. After entering the address in my GPS, I realized the chapel was located across the parking lot. What a beautiful surprise. I spent some time in the chapel enjoying the peace and presence of Our Lord. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453721936-XY7819TDEN4KARYQTS3W/20220622_094149.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453724755-IKSWDH4ZSGBFQ7LE2536/20220622_094206.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453726500-SDZ5M4OFYLXDAWGZU135/20220622_094655.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453729862-BZUKTHGHSBGDMKK9FF2Q/20220622_094719.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453732767-2J4F02TRS6PKP3LVM9OE/20220622_094723.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453735948-ON86C811VKNNA7FLCB4B/20220622_094739.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453737887-38ZSS07DUSBACS23KI1P/20220622_094747.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453773587-V7JY5VJXIB0FZDL0JA28/20220622_095128.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656453834805-2CNNR3OUDU5LHLMPKV6E/20220622_100626.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! - I was ready to go back to the #1 reason for my visit to Sault Ste Marie – the Soo Locks! The Observation Platform made it easy to observe the process. The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior to the remaining Great Lakes. Lake Superior is 21 feet higher than the other Great Lakes. The locks, through a process involving gravity, make it possible for ships to obtain the water level necessary for safe passage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454028125-LKCFUUW9AE8815P0WEW1/20220622_101223.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454028756-S5HIRW259P35BZYHM2VE/20220622_101233.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454033615-TLVGLOURXIGCG0FGLXZN/20220622_101858.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454034295-9THX3EGQ1V00CJS22B3Y/20220622_102008.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454039249-PYK6SYFV4US8K3T2Y9VE/20220622_104305.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454043575-SMHUAUZM7VA12GWH6W2G/20220622_104433.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454044196-URCBB1CEKKEIGW8RJ874/20220622_104638.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454046786-M7F2Q5B4JRKOOHWVWDS6/20220622_112849.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454251174-RM22DMGZVWAD375FNBX8/20220622_151956.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454255485-0JV32I1H6HWHADEBGC85/20220622_152115.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454301001-OVKQLGG225Q9QLJ1XAOI/20220622_152842.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454255248-7I3LYYFO3JSNNF2ABS5M/20220622_152626.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454335874-LA5IZ10529OOYYEI46YL/20220622_153147.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454339667-36Q74YGE48N7Z9ODD598/20220622_153200.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454367781-0JY5OSJ5YD58K8TS1UIQ/20220622_155353.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454397087-QFCK34BW1WI28SVI1EYY/20220622_160120.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454594363-JTJW4E8959V9XESRAEBI/20220624_085546.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! After a 15-minute ferry ride from Mackinaw City, I arrived on Mackinac Island with horses and bicycles everywhere. My hotel was a short walk from the ferry. The accommodations were excellent. I would highly recommend Hotel Iroquois. I spent three beautiful days exploring the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454729175-4ZXMW84KRGYVZYTI2KZY/20220623_092240.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454724206-6BU8B0SZURIPUERWIMLW/20220623_092253.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454892779-IP92NCGRC9JXHII63FPJ/20220623_094329.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454893308-ZRQ7VGQBT1OQQMTO0ILR/20220623_094728.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454926378-6V4XLLW1ZCPG4PD5EBBD/20220623_095134.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454926649-HLBRB86LX38F98Q6QLXT/20220623_095140.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454957754-F05MV8WZ8JKKSNF98SKP/20220623_095851.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656454978711-0L4743NV8VGMGFZXH6DI/20220623_103112.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455015792-K7UN9GDNQ21VSJI7OM1Q/20220624_142909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455016261-39D6JFEOSLW07YYVLFY9/20220624_142929.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455020080-HFSFS5M8Z9P3HP3FEYCU/20220624_153156.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455103847-98GVMUMMEM6Z1ZJ6E1CE/20220623_103919.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455101401-VXKGO54ZF5NRT0PK0MV8/20220623_103929.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455104362-GECDN634R1LD8JCOONTP/20220623_104001.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455143901-VL8O3XZGDKCT4EP5LIC5/20220623_115232.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455105680-5PO7BKQ3YBF7097T5L7I/20220623_104009.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455142800-QSHAS3AYKBU68WS79ZI9/20220623_115257.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455182262-YIVPZIEYOLWMGGIDQMA8/20220623_142419.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455216760-B0ULS13JUSPZKFMDA4YB/20220623_144133.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455335146-3LVW77WPHFZ0FTG0A47A/20220623_112857.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455336885-TSAEJ5856ZGE1QXJMJRB/20220623_113015.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455365745-QRLBA6FCJKD5Y6SM1JPI/20220623_114407.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455366288-GMEEYZVXTGFSCQV81M41/20220623_114456.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455391865-0C1PHTTF414AFW74Y0DD/20220623_114557.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455391835-FE8WYANVGOCM3HYT7CTC/20220623_114608.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455436117-C7EOOD81PONEYB48S7AY/20220623_111741.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455438354-7TWW9EMKWRXLJCJPGXH8/20220623_111914.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455526852-9W6CDRZOH12Y3MMDXLBA/20220623_120307.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! Mackinac Island is famously known for its fudge. I’m not a fan of fudge but what I enjoyed more was the homemade ice cream available in most of the fudge shops! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455608104-RN80NRGBLA5BHZ553VQD/20220623_152430.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455650058-DQW5F1A5U4R0ZEJM0NJB/20220623_152613.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455650044-TN6NNSPU6C9UP8KKILJ4/20220623_152634.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455680886-ADP69GK38F88KU1W5NKO/20220624_092453.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455772567-50537B7AFWA01YGPZPK6/20220624_173841.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455777086-LIDNL9KQ91UWXLYVKIF2/20220624_173909.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455778844-T2LMEQSBQLN8V2MHW403/20220624_174144.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656455778782-L9ZOOZ5AO57P9RXPWW95/20220624_174342.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1656456031798-4KLXFCGZQ1S4LTML1I5E/20220625_170137.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - My Michigan Adventure! I ended my visit to Mackinac Island with Mass at 5:30pm on Saturday at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/teaching-old-dog-new-tricks monthly 0.5 2023-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1654026395401-F2N3ZTKB0L6TCD2MJUNW/unsplash-image-FvrsW5ZkdIM.jpg Denise Mercado Catholic Travel Blog - Yes, you certainly can teach an Old Dog New Tricks! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/Favorite+Saints monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/European+Travel monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/Book+Related+Blogs monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/Heartfelt+Blogs monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/Podcasts+and+Articles monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/USA+Travel monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/Travel+Tips monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/Book+Updates monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/blog/category/Other+Parts+of+the+World monthly 0.5 https://www.denisemercado.com/about daily 0.75 2024-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1653928670077-ZVCS5SHR1X77G3MU6UQ4/183a.jpg About With my best friend and husband - John - 2016 https://www.denisemercado.com/contact daily 0.75 2024-08-29 https://www.denisemercado.com/other-book-reviews daily 0.75 2026-01-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663359643335-A7ZL00EYHVSNMOSTYVM7/unsplash-image-RYtFleIk_4U.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/995f8359-a445-47a8-ba20-79bbba694ba0/61RGNB-FP0L._SY522_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/6d5e966d-d94f-4ab6-a1ee-7e9fe0ef236d/51pSB2u5pAL._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e5472ffa-a3fb-4ead-8ea0-76d78ea919a3/91Eq5EjKlBL._SY522_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1ab9d1c8-a3dd-48d1-9964-2ec4e36d619a/51-ez1Na%2BfL._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/293cb73d-3fb8-42cd-ab8d-ed3d6c7a5ae8/412yE8Sv6CL._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ea2bc3d8-bc76-44d2-a174-9d6792ecb8b9/41jgEU7Fx5L._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f689aec2-df33-4b4f-9064-22c64c90a237/41%2BWm-XKrNL._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bf807919-6f0e-4f0f-9b69-bcb7afa23d4e/41uFR1U4dsL._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ecdf07d5-5411-4eb9-bff2-9bac7493659a/61erXdG1SyL._SY466_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/065d4e7f-a3fe-4720-8293-4b31c70aa70a/71K9l%2B6N85L._SY425_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/364076dd-2da3-4e6b-af12-40ab49c2c55b/81MQH7n-8RL._SY466_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a0af7482-10ad-40e3-a298-2930c9bc5724/617kBUVGNRL._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/38bd6af3-e82c-4e03-96da-3c5fbf5ba0e3/41hLxYCTlSL._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/f3361ac3-063e-402a-bec2-e137d2a446e3/71KSVvEBB1L._SY466_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/421b8201-1103-47d1-b976-bb465dd856a5/41mzVaboDvL._SY466_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e7fcdc08-9206-4fdd-942d-569de315f61f/61pXt8oXc%2BL._SL1500_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/912f5b7e-dfe6-42e1-bf58-dd65692b7b94/71cJCNEM-%2BL._SL1360_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e0448999-5fc5-4b31-9e37-29095c5bca51/61amc5ZkqKL._SL1360_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/880338be-7670-41c6-9c92-490a45c4d81c/91jXGt3BaXL._SY466_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8785739e-c059-4a69-8e92-c1f0e372fe0d/71Q6z3v7vdL._SY466_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/89b2db0f-aed2-47d5-ab37-1d5276ab52cc/510VkftoT6L._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e8e5d6ed-a64a-463b-a83a-227119f7f539/7116uKrUOzL._SY466_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/86e857f1-3f7b-47cc-8a0b-7ccbf4286661/518Oil5PBGL._SX398_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/c675f118-09d4-4478-a7c4-375b81b4c1ec/512fnE5ZjRL._SY445_SX342_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9bd79141-f9cd-4bb5-a8b0-2338140d4d32/41REbGZ9l8L._SX308_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/0a53e06a-f019-41d7-a0b2-00786007883a/51RIeNGkVNL._SX326_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/a165fa00-08ae-42e0-919b-316f63895245/41f9hC9ZhcL._SX298_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/63ac0eeb-495a-47e6-bb5f-8fae8d9b9cd4/415iviIySlL._SX322_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/b5775743-4898-4e0d-8be7-c88f77adfe42/51Lz1c7zJdL.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/85018cce-c042-4658-9438-1a80efd853e3/51bEuJjhi1L._SY344_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/15a204b7-aa70-49a4-8864-f67542ad40b5/71cdHi%2BhDWL.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e3a4cccf-fb3b-4add-80d8-86c1095ed9f5/41-3fr3rhuL._SX311_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7ab5eff5-8c40-496d-89e0-80255b426eda/51ZKycW0ypL._SX322_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/2ae490d9-1155-49b0-b9ba-9e3243beeadb/41iVvktrg-L._SX322_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9911c74a-4094-4775-a25f-a02ba989f47b/51wix0QP-kL.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e57abfe8-14a5-4d08-aa73-c03712ed2228/41K7oH2sTkL._SX322_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e5814c92-4c85-4be9-969d-1aaad35d8a85/511SPS83mPL._SX331_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/982387be-ca36-4bd7-baa8-4419519d12fb/51TRLeOXNPL._SX323_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/8e91c26e-b3e4-4123-9d0d-b5f0ca431ac0/515NFd03wdL._SX302_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/9928769a-3eb1-4236-81d8-69268e718481/41b4de5Iu2L._SX322_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667936115008-5VP010D7B8M3TWNKYOZY/TraSoc7782_-Harwood-Mysteries-Series-4-books-art-2.png Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667842046191-TGZDR189QG0U4D1ENB86/51j12sAKrKL._SX327_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667841683701-FK1A2C6L4PQNYXUADXCW/51yCYYtfYOL._SX353_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667841100746-24QJCC0B69OZ1UE908RQ/419Vvebu1gL._SX328_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667840505024-I53WJLPNVB0N7G5PZRM2/514y4o0JFpL._SX332_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667840828745-CDYQ49T4UKK9MX39SP3K/61gwJvIELXL._SX355_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667050762189-GIRUBXIWB2PV1W4ELM0K/71Hl0VI0KXL._AC_UY218_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665843037611-1D6AFZ7MLQJ28GF3OCNX/51lAeh1heqL.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665842665086-LINFY3XRLRFPXUMRR0OK/41ok5XE7A2L.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663604134947-3U1LZS60B06DNRMMWMCD/41yNcHNbE-L._SY798_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663603547085-LSHLZ3CP9YY7F0T8NSDT/41pVK2tsUcS.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663603065517-8URWA7KUJTQY8PZFDB8C/513xilYaiQL._SX331_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663602652338-68GELKP30AZWZI2L4VUP/51hpuliQZWL._SX324_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663360337093-GTSMZ4M7CFAO241ONZ8A/51E075TsrML.jpg Other Book Reviews! https://www.denisemercado.com/travel-accessories-seasonal daily 0.75 2025-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e6a9d57c-8499-419a-9553-3d00f6328f8d/winter+phone+holder.jpg Seasonal - To protect my phone from the intense cold, I used this thermal pouch that was not bulky. It took up minimal space in my pocketbook and kept my phone safe from the freezing weather - that is when I wasn’t using my phone to take hundreds of beautiful NORWAY pictures!!!!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/bf8def9b-0e0b-445b-b739-1d01115c9b8b/thermal+underwear.jpg Seasonal - They call them Thermal Underwear, but when I was a kid, we called them Long Johns! These were very comfortable and warm and did GREAT under my snow pants and jeans. I was never cold and able to enjoy the beautiful sites of Norway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1b0a44bb-3197-488a-912a-18b5cae51f8f/wool+socks.jpg Seasonal - To keep my feet warm, I wore these beautiful wool socks. My feet were never cold and that was a very GOOD thing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/627e8105-f999-4a71-8225-7d17469b607c/winter+sweater+2.jpg Seasonal - Another FAVORITE sweater. I like the neutral color. It went well with both my jeans and my black snow pants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/d0a6e799-7d4c-46db-bb7d-30ded1d55c83/shoes.jpg Seasonal - Beach shoes are the best for long walks in the sand. These are my favorite - got them in blue! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/cef9e309-218e-4af6-869a-afc891a5d116/sketchers.jpg Seasonal - Skechers are my FAVORITE walking shoes. I love the sneakers and the sandals. I’ve walked many miles in these shoes and easily packed them in my carry-on luggage. They come in a variety of colors and sizes! https://www.denisemercado.com/travel-accessories-hiking daily 0.75 2024-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663594123716-O50WVFMWMVDLGO3OXPFA/20220406_104347.jpg Hiking - I never really liked backpacks. There is something about having all your stuff behind you that bothers me. So, I went on the hunt for a suitable pack and found this one. It is my favorite crossbody bag and I use it whenever I go hiking in all our beautiful National Parks. I highly recommend this. It holds all the bottled water and other supplies you need for hiking! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663592941595-DN22NI498L2I8G5GTLXV/20220919_090053.jpg Hiking - These are my favorite hiking shoes. They are a bit worn but still have plenty of life in them. They’ve supported me through National Parks in Utah, Arizona, and Maine and I will be taking them with me to Glacier National Park in August 2023. I bought these back in 2021 and unfortunately, they are no longer available on Amazon, but here is a comparable pair that comes in a variety of sizes and may become your favorite hiking shoes! ENJOY! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663593461893-LOCCL64GUYHJVAJLZ6ZN/20220919_090200.jpg Hiking - Whatever hiking shoes you settle on, don’t forget to bring an extra pair of shoelaces. Two pairs of hiking shoelaces come in this pack. I always bring one pair with me - just in case! Be sure to measure your shoelaces before ordering! https://www.denisemercado.com/travel-accessories-electronics daily 0.75 2025-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663598445385-LQTFSCAKMO1NIY483DYT/20220919_103839.jpg Electronics - When you plan on spending the entire day exploring new places, it is always important to have on hand a portable charger battery pack for your phone. This came in handy on every trip I’ve taken so far and fits nicely in my crossbody purse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663598846990-H2W1IXOXWT7JCF3XSOKH/20220919_104410.jpg Electronics - My son introduced me to the Sapphire 2 - Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot shortly before I embarked on my trip to Italy. With this device, I can purchase phone plans within the country I am visiting (or global plans if I plan on visiting more than one country at a time.) People told me that getting lost was the best way to explore Italy. This device calmed my fears about getting lost permanently. Because of this device, I was able to explore and then use my phone GPS to get me back to the hotel. This would also come in handy to text or call those you are traveling with. I got the Sapphire 2 at the military PX, however, Amazon has comparable devices. Enjoy Exploring! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663595463438-TNPDXAEWNEHXQ2CP6U8S/20220919_093938.jpg Electronics - My oldest granddaughter introduced me to the FitBit. One day, she announced boldly that we had walked over 16,000 steps. I couldn’t figure out how she knew that, and then she told me about her new fangled watch. Never too old to learn! I love my FitBit and take it with me everywhere. In Italy, it helped me justify one more beautiful Italian pastry - after all, I walked over 5 miles each day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663597347640-WDAHY07JGJYXDO39PJH6/20220828_173901.jpg Electronics - My husband had much longer arms than I do. Our selfie pictures always looked great. Now that I am on my own, I am learning to use a selfie stick! I used this gem for the first time in Alaska! https://www.denisemercado.com/travel-accessories-essentials daily 0.75 2024-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e164833c-8676-4356-9992-d88e4045bce7/71Fwtbl%2BX-L._AC_UX679_.jpg Essentials - I love crossbody bags for safety. I am not a fan of backpacks. This little treasure is an anti-theft crossbody shoulder bag for men or women. What I like best is that it can be worn under your coat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663595801328-CMUJUI6AGA7NVBVF7EHI/20211206_053438.jpg Essentials - The blue and white bag sitting on top of my carry-on suitcase WAS my favorite bag! I loved this bag because it fit comfortably under the seat in front of me and I could fit lots of things in there including my crossbody purse. I now have another FAVORITE bag. This has many compartments that help with organization. My favorite part of this bag is the bottom compartment where I stored my hiking boots, slippers, and two sets of PJs. This new bag also fits comfortably under the seat in front of me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/5c82ca4f-e25b-4289-b140-ac67bff5d3a6/71vgPN3ZVbL._AC_UX679_.jpg Essentials - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667424293829-KPK9D8V0HZE0WIUPAEDR/61VzZ%2B3OHKL._AC_UX679_.jpg Essentials - This little gem came in handy. Much better than stepping on a scale with your bag and then subtracting your weight. Easy to use and very accurate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1666742127942-FFEESRNZN16M9QKCJEQN/20221017_080639.jpg Essentials - If you are looking for a reliable TSA approved 3-1-1 liquids bag, here’s the Amazon link for the bag that I am using! It even has the little airplane on the bag to show that it is the approved size. If you place your items in this bag horizontally, instead of vertically as shown in the picture, you can get more items in the bag! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1667836464621-YUEO7DW3MUN3UBDOIZL4/81x1nlh7f-L._AC_SX522_.jpg Essentials - I am definitely hooked on compression bags. When 7 sweaters can take up less space in your luggage - I’m HAPPY! Here are some fun ones for gift giving! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1665845631983-QY7CRMKDBZ7NRHQ5F8AL/20221006_065607.jpg Essentials - Traveling in the fall and winter can be quite challenging, especially when you travel with only carry-on luggage. I was recently introduced to compression packing cubes. These things really work! The larger bag in the photo has 7 sweaters and the smaller bag has 17 underwear and 4 camisoles. Whether you check in luggage or travel with only carry-on luggage, these bags hold a lot of stuff! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663597942346-DEEJCDY0OR1I5PRM2SUJ/20220919_103038.jpg Essentials - This little gem came in quite handy. When I go hiking, my phone was always in the front pouch of my cross body pack. I would constantly take it in and out of the pouch for all those great pictures. Because I was afraid of dropping the phone, I did some research and found this carrier. I LOVE it! The straps wrap nicely around the phone and hold it in place. There is even a pouch on the back for your ID. I am now able to take all the pictures I want without worrying about dropping my phone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663594443996-3LF5KF5B6AKS1V8OQZ7A/20211212_151120.jpg Essentials - When planning my trip to Italy in 2021, I was warned by several seasoned travelers to be aware of pickpockets. I was very nervous about that and so I did some digging and found these amazing scarves. They each have two secret zipper compartments for cash, passports, and other important items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663596338395-LNHBP7UC9JVBQ6BBYHBW/20220911_145919.jpg Essentials - This little travel tea kettle has come in very handy on all my USA trips. In Europe, most hotels have tea kettles in each room. But in the USA, hotels only have coffee machines. Sometimes the coffee taste can be detected when making tea water. I’m a big tea drinker and love a hot cup of tea first thing in the morning. This little guy makes it possible in all my hotel rooms AND it fits snuggly in my carry-on suitcase! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/1663596911924-BUV05SMVPDAY9VR43ASO/20220919_101124.jpg Essentials - When I first started traveling with ONLY carry-on luggage, I searched for ways to pack my vitamins and other medicines without having to bring bulky containers. These pouch bags are my favorite and I know they’ll be yours too! https://www.denisemercado.com/presentations-book-displays daily 0.75 2026-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/dc058d85-4ccc-4489-8558-1e7675a90e44/20251016_134759.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/26beeec0-de7e-4b9d-96ef-17e803a62a90/20251129_075723.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/142a28be-0aa7-449f-abda-3079b3947762/DSC_0203.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/7bb537df-ec59-4123-bb65-f795fabc17ed/DSC_0219.JPG https://www.denisemercado.com/books-by-denise daily 0.75 2026-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/34cfdc38-a718-49a7-afab-a9fc3698d3d6/1759050957.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/4a20aedd-88db-4d47-8dd7-1c929d2cd1ee/NEW+3.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/3344fc97-6b94-4ece-95d5-e08e7baf4d09/NEW.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/46e7966d-ca22-4b6a-834e-bdd170ab4e19/NEW.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/decdde4e-3128-46c9-91b6-24b9a7da54aa/NEW+1.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/e0cdab30-02df-4c49-8e73-646c033ee525/NEW.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/11acf8b1-d999-4627-b8e3-5d88fddc69e9/CMA_Award_Seal_2023Book_.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/515fcbe8-c168-443d-abc6-d5c769ea58b6/gold+Readers+Favorite+Award+-+Copy+PNG.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ebefaa91-7ea1-4db3-8b70-7dbb9ca3ce7a/Finalist+2023+300+dpi.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6294bd498921207ac7749be4/ae9695c1-ca60-4946-8727-27ce62189309/N.jpg https://www.denisemercado.com/podcasts daily 0.75 2025-06-06