Photos from the Emmaus group trip to Old Rag Mountain Monday. https://flickr/photos/bcprva/sets/72157646600362274/ Report from Cadet Jack Cornett: In the early dark hours of Monday, October 20, 2014, Benedictine’s Emmaus members gathered in front of the Saint Benedict statue at the front entrance of The Abbey. Accompanied by Mr. Grapes, his son, Aaron Grapes, Father John Mary Lugemwa, Father James Glass, Benedictine postulants Ambrose Okema and Joseph Wasswa, Deacon Kevin Hogan and teachers Pat White, Nolte McCarthy, and Michael Bussman, the group embarked for the Shenandoah Valley to hike Old Rag and have Mass at the summit with a 360-degree view of the valley. The group arrived at the base of the mountain around 9 A.M. Soon after, they began the two and a half mile hike up to the lower summit of Old Rag. Of course, the group needed an altar for Mass, so Cadets shared time carrying a twenty pound card-table to the summit with them. Mr. Grapes frequently reminded those carrying the table of Jesus’ endeavors carrying a two-hundred pound cross up Calvary; the Cadets’ task was benign. The hike was tough for the aged, but the youthful Ugandan natives Fr. John Mary, Ambrose, and Joseph led even the Cadets for the majority of the hike. After approximately an hour and a half of hiking, the group reached the lower summit and took a break. Father John Mary and Father James heard confessions before Mass while the rest of the group took a small break, enjoying the glorious mid-October view of the Shenandoah Valley’s autumn leaves. During Mass, Father James’s homily reminded the group of the importance of the three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love. When Mass concluded, the group enjoyed lunch before continuing the hike to the upper summit. Because the majority of the second hike was scaling small boulders, those unable to climb stayed behind and enjoyed the spectacular lower summit view. From the upper summit, the group members on the lower summit were ant-sized. The view was increased by several miles. In order to return to The Abbey at a reasonable time, the group’s time on the upper summit was limited; however, the view was unforgettable. Descending the mountain was simple in comparison to the ascension. The group boarded the Cadet bus and spent supper at a The Barbeque Exchange in Gordonsville. Thankfully, no Cadet or guest returned to Richmond hungry. After a long, memorable day of hiking Old Rag, the group awoke the next morning with sore legs and lucid memories of the glory of God’s creation and the best view on the east coast.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 17:22:42 +0000
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