Greetings! Fred said he heard from you in Bombay, then he calls, "David is on the front page of the Tribune" on Holy Saturday, so Nausicaa and I found the paper on Easter Sunday, your spirit is with us this Easter week. Yesterday I went to a presentation where Nausicaa spoke about her trip to Ireland, and first thing she says is about Taize. It is an important place. Use your eurail pass and seek refreshment. I told her you were thinking of stopping, she said,"David would never do that." Fred misses you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Judith

Posted by judith r. | April 10, 2007

Dear Dave,

This past week I have refelcted very often on your journey and our journey together... I still search for the words for all that I am thinking and feeling.... As you have discerned this week and taken in the beauty of Easter in Rome, my hope is that you have taken a moment to reflect on the gifts you give not just to those of us fortunate enough to know you, but to the many people around the world that you have touched in your voyage. Dave...you reach farther than you will ever know, you were born for this (your mom and sister are right), few people could struggle and yet survive the way you do, and few people have as strong a faith to be able to endure the many challenges. This is a great thing that you are doing for yourself, we your family and freinds, and for the whole church. Most people won't realize that, but when was the last time David Henry Heimann let that stop him. This journey is already inspiring so many, and whether you continue from here or not, it will always inspire me. The body has its physical limits mind them as you do, but find that greater strength that you and I have always shared together continue dave... knowing you, I dare say you may regret it if you don't... even if it means there needs to be revision in your plan continue...revision is never settling, just living in the moment.... and you know so well how to do that!

we grow with your love, we reinvent ourselves through your inspiration, we are lead by your example, we are all with you david

I am constantly and happily surprised by the strength of our friendship, even with you thousands of miles away I feel it more strongly than ever. I am so proud of you...

Love Pat

Posted by Patrick C. | April 10, 2007

Hi, David. As your sister, I'm sad to report that I haven't read EVERY one of your blogs as I've had my own youth to minister to, but I'll get there. I've been reflecting on your discernment process since Mom reported it to me. I can only imagine what you're feeling, the fatigue, the experience of being a minority, and having nothing with you but what your back can carry. Many things have happened, and will happen, here at home that you share with us in spirit only. But the words I have for you are the words I tell people when I describe this pilgrimage to others: you have been groomed for this journey. So many things you have learned and experienced in your life have led you to this, and you are Uniquely qualified and gifted to be where you're at. In the time you've been gone, you lived and shared with us the true catholic (universal) church, showed us how small our world is and pointed out that our neighbor isn't only the person we borrow a cup of sugar from. However, should you decide that it's time to come home (after the Eurorail pass expires of course) we will be happy to see you. And I'm sure Fr. Craig would clear his schedule to talk with you about joining his staff. God is with you, and remember, Play the Opposite.

Posted by Karen M. | April 10, 2007

Dear pilgrim I see you have now participated at Holy Week ceremonies and have taken a pause to reassess your plans. You are half over, and the record you write are magnificent. Added to it all, is the support and guidance your are getting. I could complain about bad reception of pictures and details on your Indian pilgrimage,but that is a technological problem. As for your European leg, I understand that 16% in europe go to church and that it is the most athetic continent in the world! Check it out. You might get to Israel, and I repeat the request that you go and stay at the La Salle College in Bethlehem. MY close friend from Dublin, Brian Lawless ( Procurator in Taiwan) comes to visit me tomorrow and I will talk about you. Your visit here was wonderful, and those who met you ask about you. Pray for the joy of Easter, the Risen Christ, | Harold Naylor

Posted by harold n. | April 10, 2007

David, I am most impressed and wowed by this spiritual journey. I pray that you will continue across the world, so that we may know the power of God that brings us all together. I am a minister in a protestant denomination and have become very disallusioned with the church in general. Journeys like yours help to restore my faith in Christ and in His church. I haven't had time yet to read all your entries, but I'm looking forward to the journey. Thanks for sharing your life with us all.

Posted by Rachel B. | April 9, 2007

wow david thank you for sharing your experience with the world....i am realizing, through the sharing of your pictures, just how alive God is around the world...every picture of children, woman, man, church,cross, saint, I see Jesus Christ....for me every picture is a like a church song for God...i am having a Divine Mercy Feast on sunday the 15thApril...we will keep you and Adsodalitatem in our prayers....God Bless

Posted by bernice g. | April 9, 2007

Dear David,

I wanted to share my Easter experience with you. If you remember we met at the Church of the Resurrection in Solon. Well, after seven years of marriage, my husband decided to join RCIA and join the Catholic church. When we got married, I knew that it was not my place to force him to join the Catholic church, so we decided to join a non denominational church. It was a wonderful experience while we were there. Though I did insist that when our children were born I had to have them baptized in the Catholic church. I must admit that I did nudge him from time to time, but to no avail. When we moved to Solon, we started to going to St Rita. What I did not know is that he had talked to our old pastor about joining the Catholic church a long time ago and our pastor told him to pray about it and let the Lord lead him to where God wants him to go. Due to misconceptions that he had about Catholism, he was resisting. But when we came to St Rita, he felt the calling and he joined the church on his own.

This Easter, as we celebrated the Holy Week, I felt a joy that I have not felt since the birth of my children. I felt the joy of seeing my husband be baptized (again) and finally be able to celebrate communion with me and my family. I realize that I could not have ever been able to force him to join the church. I had to step back and let God take over and move him to join.

As for you David, you did not come to the decision to perform this pilgrimage on a whim. The discernment on whether you should go on with you pilgrimage will not come from anyone but from what God puts in your heart. Realize something, if you do decide to come home, you have still accomplished more than you may realize. You have touched the hearts of everyone that you have met and brought their stories to our hearts. That my friend is soemthing that you can be proud of.

Whatever you decide, I am proud of you and truly blessed to have met your aquaintance.

God Bless David.

Posted by KATHERINE C. | April 9, 2007

David, Europe has been the heart and soul of Christianity and Catholosism for hundreds of years until recently, meaning maybe the last 25 to 50 years. There's a great article in yesterday's New York Times Magazine written by Russell Shorto entitled "Can Pope Benedict XVI Re-Chritianize Europe. It's a must read while you're in the midst of contemplating your next steps. In my opinion, you would regret forever, if you did not personally observe what's happening in Europe today. You are doing such a great job. RFH

Posted by Rich H. | April 9, 2007

oh David i am so proud of you... saw you on the front page of the trib today (which of course i still read every day... what's a few thousand miles between a girl and her city?) and i was so excited i sent the article out to everyone i know. Of course i believe going on is essential - what you are doing is important work for the church, and truly inspiring to those of us who want to transform the world the way you are. I think often about what you've said about unswayably optimistic recent college grads who think they can go change the world in big ways, and how maybe we're a little silly for it - but i beg you to look at yourself and the amazing things you're doing, and know that by making these steps you are transforming the world for many, including me. I know you're not out there for me, but personally, following your journey has given me strength to keep doing what i'm doing, as best i can, in order to better serve God here and now, and after the Air Force. I miss you and, again, am so very proud to call you my friend. Good luck, and shoot me an email if you have a minute or two (asking a lot, i'm sure). A blessed Easter to you! Love, Abby

Posted by Abby C. | April 7, 2007

Dear David, I read about your travels in the Chicago Tribune and I would like to applaud you on what you are doing. It is important that we Catholics and human beings focus on our similarities and not our differences. Pray and ask Jesus what you should do but listen as well. Like Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsmane "if it be Your will Lord take this cup from me. Father not my will but yours." I personally really hope that you continue your journey and carry greetings from all Illinois and American Catholics. Go to Africa, the Holy land, Lourdes, and any other place you feel God is calling you to go. In Jesus Christ, Ari

Posted by Regina R. | April 7, 2007

David,

The advice Kellen gives (above) using Mother Theresa's comments is wise. You may wish to add to that how you'd feel if you do return home and never complete your journey. Sometimes it's easier to discern what is next by deciding what is NOT next.

If you're at peace with coming back to the states and not completing the journey, then that tells you something. However, if you think that after some time you'll have wished yourself to have kept going, then that moves you in another direction.

Sometimes it's not "which option is best" that God uses to speak to us, as often both options appear to be on solid ground. But, God can use the opposite way of thinking-- which option can you not imagine not doing. If you can't imagine coming back to the US and not thinking "what if I had kept going" then you might have your answer... keep going.

Either way, may His Spirit guide you to peace in your decision.

Regards,

Joseph (Connecticut)

Posted by Joseph M. | April 7, 2007

Hi David,

I read about your trip on the Chicago Tribune today. I'm very impressed that you are undertaking such an ordeal. But I have one question for you... why no France?

As a history student currently on a study abroad program in Paris I can attest to the majesty and beauty of some of the cathedrals in France. I've seen about 10 of them in the past week or so, from Notre Dame to Sainte Chapelle, and from St. Denis to the cathedral at Chartres.

I understand if this oversight is simply because your itinerary is already so packed, but you really are missing out... especially in terms of Chartres. The cathedral at Chartres is the first Gothic style Cathedral ever constructed in the world.... and it also houses a relic from the virgin Mary.

Hope the rest of your travels go well..

Hilary

Posted by Hilary L. | April 7, 2007

David,

The question of whether to continue your travels or not is perhaps a gift. To be in question means to be open to possibilities to which we are usually blind.

Here in Chicago and the U.S. there is a need for people like you who have the vision and intent to find a new way of living. How will you work if you return here? Small scale work with youth is a worthy work but is it possible to do something on a larger scale? Youth need to be touched around the world. Doing that within the bounds of organized religion is not really possible because youth recognize the false - which is not inherent in religion but in what humans have made of them.

The work that is needed is that of helping people to see the truth/reality - not what the church says truth/reality is.

Hopefully, you will not have the thought that I am suggesting that you give up 'the church', 'the religion'. I am not.

I see in you someone who could have a real, a beneficial influence on people on a larger scale than is possible for most people. But for that to happen you have to work directly with what you call God and I call simply 'the higher'. This higher is free of all churches and religions.

Whatever you decide I wish you well. And I share you wish to bring 'the higher' into this world - the Earth. A task where I see my limitations and lack of being.

Jonathan

Posted by Jonathan Q. | April 7, 2007

David, a lot of different ways to go on are thinkable: returning to the US after Easter, going on with the pilgrimage for the whole year, taking half of the year for a profound reflection in silence&

I think it is not that important to see what is possible but what is essential. Listen to your heart. Listen to the Spirit. And if the inner and outer noise prevent you from hearing I give you this advice: Take a time out at Assisi at least for some days. You will find a good companion who 800 years ago, being at your age, in the little chapel of St. Damian asked over and over again what he should do. This is how he asked:

Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and understanding, that I may accomplish your holy and true command. Amen. (Francesco dAssisi: Prayer Before the Crucifix)

May the light of this holy night not only fill your eyes but also your heart. Auguri di Buona Pasqua - Blessed Easter! Ralf

Posted by Ralf T. | April 7, 2007

I've used this technique before in discernment. It seems to work. I was reading a book, Mother Theresa's Lessons of Love and Secrets of Sanctity by Susan Conroy. In this book, Susan shares words of advice that Mother Theresa gave her. Follow your joy. If what you are doing brings you peace joy and love, you are most likely doing God's will. If you can't continue your task without feelings of anxiety and despair, you need to re-evaluate.

Remember: God sees the whole beautiful scene. You can only catch fleeting glimpses.

I was so happy to read an article on this project in the Chicago Tribune. I'll be following the rest of your journey.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Kellen

Posted by Kellen O. | April 7, 2007

Hi David, Wow, and I thought I've seen a lot of churches. I am also a graduate of Loyola Chicago, Busines '95. Beginning in 1998, I decided to attend Sunday mass by visiting and exploring different Chicago churches and neighborhoods. I'm currently up to 53. Guess I've got a litle ways to go.

What you are doing is quite inspirational. To experience so many different cultures while all connected by a common faith must be a wonderful adventure. Keep it up, stay healthy and strong, and God Bless. Have a Happy Easter.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Steve

Posted by Steve J. | April 7, 2007

Hi David. You ask if you should continue your pilgrimage or return to the U.S.A. Do you think your mission is accomplished? Or do you think you should also witness the faith and disbelief in the other parts of of the world? You made your experiences during your journey and maybe you have the anwers for people who are still seeking for answers, here and elsewhere. My wish for you are open ears and hearts. You are welcomed here in Berlin and hopefully in other parts of Germany, too. frank

Posted by Frank R. | April 6, 2007

It amazes me to hear (or read) all that you have encountered in your pilgrimage. I feel like it is time for me to remind you of the things you always told me back at Ignatius. "This is an important time in your life and you must pray to God so that He may be at your side. No matter what your choice is, make sure that you are doing God's will and not your own. If you do something, make sure that you do it with all your heart. God has a plan for you, and you must be open to it, even if you don't agree with it." I am sure that you are enojoying this time of discernment and hope that you are really open to God's call. I know how much you love the one-on-one ministry, especially with youth, and I can honestly say that I can't think of a better person to make this pilgrimage. You, and your ability to make things greatly complicated/philosophycal, can break your experiences around the world into small pieces that will help change the image of the church throughout the world. Having known you for 7 years as a youth minister and friend, I can honestly say, from the bottom of my heart, that every person that you have met from the beginning of the pilgrimage has a different image of the church and of Catholics because of the seconds, minutes, hours, or days that they spent in your company. All of these people have learned a great lot from you and you from them. Take all of that, along with all that you brought into the pilgrimage (and your ministry) and offer it to God. You taught me to give all that I have and to give it with love for THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD. You also told me that you are not as great as I may think you are, but that much is wrong. You should know this, but I will remind you: You were made in the likeness and image of God, therefore you are just as great as He is and just as powerfull. Keep that in mind as you discern the next part of your sabbatical. However, also keep in mind that no matter what struggles face you, if you echo Jesus' words, "Father, let your will, not mine, be done...Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." God will answer your plea. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I always thank and praise the Lord for ministers like you. God bless you and all that you are doing for the Church and its members. Love always, -Edgar P.

Posted by Edgar P. | April 5, 2007

Hi! Don't know if you remember me, we met at my friend Sophie birthday party in Hong-Kong and talked about your trip around the world churches and the european and especially parisian church. It's great that you can be in Rome for holly week and Easter, it's probably going to be a great experience. Each time I go to Rome I really do feel something special. I'm sure praying in the Pope's city and next to John-Paul IInd's grave will help you in your Discernement. I guess it's quite normal that after a while your seeking the deep sens of this really long pilgrinage and that to go further you need to have some answers... You are the only one who can hear what's God's vow for you but since you're asking for help my fexw recommandations would be : - keep praying (I guess you know Charles de Foucault's prayer which is really helpfull)and at some point the answer will be obvious - tell God your fear and expectations - one of my jesuit's friend who is a priest told me one day that you need to pay attention to all messages and signs you hear or feel. If they are not coming in a nice and smooth way it may not come from God - last thing is that I think as baptised people we are some way or another called to testimony about our faith to others, one way can be visiting churches in other countries especially those where christians are minorities

I wish you a happy Holly Week and a nice Easter and if you decide to go on, I'll be happy to share a meal with you in Paris

Florence

Posted by Florence G. | April 5, 2007