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A Day to Give Thanks to the Lord

Canakkale, Troy, Bursa

After spending a day contemplating and praying at Mary’s house in Ephesus, visiting St. John’s tomb, and witnessing an incredible sunset in Assos, we now wake up in Canakkale, a city in northwest Türkiye surrounded by mountains with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea. From here, we traveled to the ancient city of Troy, known for the story of the giant wooden horse crafted by the Greeks to deceive the Trojans, infiltrate the city, and destroy it. While Troy is not a biblical site, it was truly impressive to see the ruins of a city dating back to 1800 BC—an experience far from ordinary.

Seminarians in front of the Horse of Troy in Canakkale, Türkiye

We then continued our journey to Bursa, where we were to spend the night. Though it was a long bus ride of over three hours, we used the time to reflect on the Gospel reading of the day from Luke (17:11–19). In this passage, Jesus sends ten lepers to present themselves to the priests. On the way, they are healed, but only the Samaritan returns, praising God, prostrating himself before Jesus, and giving him thanks. It seemed no coincidence to meditate on this Gospel while traveling on Thanksgiving Day. We, as Christians and pilgrims, following in the footsteps of St. Paul, are profoundly called to glorify and give thanks to the Lord, not just in moments of trial but every day of our lives. Because every breath we draw, and every moment of our life is a gift of grace.

Seminarian Alexis Hernandez in the ruins of the Ancient City of Troy

Upon arriving at our hotel in Bursa, we prayed and celebrated Mass together. Fr. Kasule reminded us that while we were not celebrating Thanksgiving in the traditional way– with a huge turkey on our table, along with green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie, we were united in the act of giving thanks to the Lord through the Eucharistic sacrifice. As St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Colossians, “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:17). Thus, we continued our time of prayer with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recounting and giving thanks for all the blessings, gifts, and even the challenges the Lord had given us throughout this pilgrimage. 

This year, I give thanks to God for the gift of brotherhood and friendship, for the blessing of walking with my brother seminarians toward the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I also give thanks to you, the people of God who pray for us and support us in our formation, enabling us to experience the same places where St. Paul walked and evangelized. Thank you for showing us that to be pilgrims means to give thanks in every place, at all times.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Johnny Alexis Hernandez, Diocese of Laredo

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