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AS I sit here in quiet ambience of my room, listening to the church bells ringing softly at 6 am, I can’t help but feel an enormous well of gratitude overflow within me. The gentle chime resonates not only through the stillness of the morning but also within my heart, echoing a profound thankfulness to God for all His precious creations. Each bell toll feels like a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the diverse flavours of life we are blessed to experience. I couldn’t be more grateful to our Almighty for the wondrous tapestry of existence that weaves together every aspect of our lives. Each tone resonates with my heart, reminding me of the journey I am on and the blessings I have received. With every lovely pilgrim I have met and every experience I have had, I can’t help but be thankful for these pages in my book of life scribbles with rich flavours and poignant connections. Today, November 16, marks my last day in this sacred town, and it feels surreal to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve embarked upon.
Last week, I shared the feelings of awe and wonder as I traversed through iconic cities like Prague, Czestochowa, Wadowice, Krakow and Budapest. Budapest, a city that showcases a harmonious blend of history and modernity. Walking along the Danube River, I was mesmerised by the stunning views of the Parliament building and the majestic Buda Castle. Visiting St. Stephen’s Basilica was a profound experience. Standing beneath its towering dome, I felt a whisper of divine presence. The soft twinkling of candle flames and the hum of prayers filled the air, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. Budapest taught me the beauty of stillness amid the bustling city life — an essential reminder to find peace even in chaos.
In Esztergom, I was greeted by the grand basilica, Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary a majestic sight perched atop a hill — just as faith should stand strong against challenges. The awe-inspiring architecture had the flavour of resilience, steeped in centuries of ecclesiastical history. I could almost taste the bittersweet blend of tradition and faith, reminding me that our beliefs are queer cocktails of joy and pain, blended together in divine wisdom.
Moving onward to Zagreb, I couldn’t help but delight in the sweet and savoury blends of indigenous spices that form the backbone of Croatian cooking. The bustling markets were bursting with local produce, olives, and herbs that tantalised my senses. Here, I learned that diversity isn’t just a principle to be appreciated — it is essential for the actual dish we call life.
Each ingredient adds depth and sustenance not only to our meals but to our families, cultures, and communities.
Leaving the buzzing of the city behind, I journeyed to Zadar on Croatia’s stunning coast. This city, with its ancient Roman ruins juxtaposed against modern art installations, made me realise the beauty of unity in contrasts. Standing at the Sea Organ, where the sound of waves created music, I marvelled at nature’s harmony. The Sea Organ serenaded us with the rhythmic ebb of the waves, resonating like a prayer into the horizon. It was a moment of sheer spiritual connection — my heart stirred by the realisation that music, like faith, binds us together. The flavour of Zadar was that of harmony, a reminder that our lives, just like the spices in our meals, must blend to create something beautiful. Visiting the Churches reminded me that spirituality can be found in the simplest moments. The gentle lapping of the sea, the sun setting over the horizon — it all felt like the grace of God whispering through the world’s beauty.
Crossing into Medjugorje, I felt a strong sense of purpose and peace. At this holy site, I witnessed countless pilgrims searching for answers and a tighter bond with the Almighty. We prayed together; the devotion palpable in the air. I realised that our connection to one another and to God is like the varied spices in a well-cooked dish — it is the blending of different notes that enhances the overall flavour of life. Here, in the stillness of Medjugorje, the spice of life revealed itself as a prayerful reflection, an acknowledgment of both our solidarity and our diversity. The Queen of Peace welcomed us with open arms. Climbing Apparition Hill, I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. Each step closer to the top felt like a step closer to understanding my purpose. The overwhelming sense of community and love among the pilgrims felt electric. The evening Mass at St. James Church encapsulated the spirit of unity and faith, filling my heart with overwhelming gratitude for the journey I had undertaken.
Travelling through these diverse cities allowed me to savour every moment with all five senses. The sights, sounds, and scents of each place were mesmerising — the ringing of church bells, the laughter of the pilgrims, the rich aromas of local cuisine lingering in the air, the tactile sensation of ancient stones beneath my fingertips. God blessed us with these senses, giving us the gift to experience the world fully and deeply. This pilgrimage has served as a reminder of how these senses connect us to our surroundings and to each other.
With each destination appeared profound lessons on the importance of diversity. Just as the richest dishes are often those with many spices, life itself becomes more fulfilling and meaningful through varied experiences and perspectives. The spice of life is not merely found in the taste of food but in the flavours of our relationships, the cultures we embrace, and the shared stories that bind us across nations.
As the journey draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on how every taste, every scent, and every interaction has enriched my faith. The pilgrimage has shown me that the real gift of God lies in our five senses — the ability to experience life fully, to savour each moment, to listen to music and voices that create a mosaic of existence.
In the end, life itself is a delightful spice, an intertwining of faith, connection, and gratitude. My journey through these diverse flavours has been not just about places but a deepening of my love for God and for every soul I encountered along the way.
As I leave Medjugorje, I carry with me not just memories but an everlasting reminder that life, in all its searching and seeking, is truly a divine recipe, daily braised, waiting to be tasted.
As we continue to uncover the myriad tastes that the world has to offer, we celebrate the mosaic of cultures, faith and flavour that contribute to our global community. Join me next week for Part 3 of this ongoing journey in my Life Senses column, as we delve deeper into the irresistible allure of wonderful flavours of life.
Dear readers, may we continue to savour the spice of life in every shared meal, every conversation, and every moment we are privileged to experience. Each day is a new chance to deepen our appreciation for the diversity that makes life wonderfully complex, just as every spice enhances the dish it graces. Let us embrace this diversity and remain thankful for the intricate flavours that shape our precious lives.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pilgrims Pilgrims climb Križevac’s (Cross Mountain) stony trail, where Fr. Smoljan blessed the cross and celebrated Holy Mass in 1934, a revered path of faith in Medjugorje.
QUOTE PHOTO: Mahatma Gandhi
QUOTE: ‘Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.’ – Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948). He was a prominent Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist. He strategically utilised nonviolent resistance to spearhead the successful movement for India’s liberation from British colonial rule.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
