During my
stay at the Capuchin monastery in Karlobag recovering from blisters and
challenging walking conditions (rain, mountains, no rest stops), I thought of
Alberto often and wondered how he was doing walking alone. I knew that he had
little money, and that a man knocking on a door seeking help was perhaps less
likely to receive it than a woman doing so, or even a couple. I was worried for
him.
Alberto had stopped at Karlobag and had told them about me, and so they
were expecting me. I was treated with love and kindness beyond compare. I had
my own room with a bed, bed sheets and a hot shower! And of course, warm meals
in abundance. For a pilgrim, it was pure luxury! Fra Ante Logara, the
monastery’s Superior, had given Alberto the names of people he knew along the
way who would help, and sent him with his blessings.
He did the same for me, and
added a most precious gift: a letter of introduction explaining who I was and
my walk for peace. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. This letter would become
my pilgrim credential, and I would collect the stamps of all the monasteries
and places where I would stop along the way. I would use it all the way to
Greece. Huala, Fra Ante, thank you!
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