Footsteps of St. Paul: Sardis & Laodicea

Wednesday, Aug.20

Ancient city of Sardis. Sardis is also one of the churches mentioned in the book of Revelations. It is one of the seven churches John addresses. John warns the christians there they they should be awake or alert lest Christ come in judgment upon them 'like a theif'.

Sardis is truly a hot spot in Turkey. The temperaturs exceeded 100 degree. One of the ladies in our group started to come down with heat stroke.

Some of the site visited in Sardis included a magnificent bath-gymnasium complex built by the Romans around the middle of the 2nd century. Back in the days of its use ic covered over 5 acres. The courtyard that encompassed it was covered with marble.

Footsteps of St. Paul: Pergamum

The ancient city of Pergamum was the first stop on our visit of historical and biblical places. The only specific reference in the bible to the city of Pergamum occurs in the book of Revelation, written by John of Patmos. In the book John send messages to the churches in the seven cities of Asia Minor (Turkey), including the church of pregamum. The church in pergamum is both praised and critized. It is commended for its Christian faithfulness, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom. The church is criticised because it tolerates a group called the Nicolatians who eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication. Revelation describes Pergamum as the place where Satan's throne is.

Pergamum also had, what has to be the steepest ampitheater in the ancient world, with a seating capacity of 3,500 people.

So New Life Can Begin

The theme I've chosen for my sabbatical is: So New Life Can Begin! This theme reflects my hopes and dreams. After a very tumultuous three years of recovery, repairs and rebuilding following hurricane Katrina, I am looking forward to a time of recovery, repairs and rebuilding in my personal, spiritual and ministerial life. The goals of my sabbatical are: (1) To study, reflect on and acquire skills and attitudes for future opportunities for collaboration with other mission-driven, faith-based organizations. (2) To study and reflect on current developments in the Church and the World. (3) To relax. (4) To move into a new and different setting to experience personal and spiritual renewal.
The first stop on my journey will be Europe. I plan to spend time visiting Vincentian confreres in Rome before traveling by train to Switzerland and Germany---just for the fun of it. I will also visit Vincentian confreres in Istanbul before arriving in Izmir, Turkey to begin a two-week historical and biblical program offered by Catholic Theological Union (CTU) entitled: In the footsteps of St. Paul. The program will conclude in Greece.