Three Hearts: On the Way

Several years ago now, some friends of ours (and fellow parishioners) up and moved to Oklahoma. Shortly after Francine’s death, they reached out to invite me to join them on a short annual pilgrimage that takes place in the hills of Oklahoma.

This is called the Three Hearts pilgrimage, and it ends at the Abbey of Our Lady of the Annunciation of Clear Creek. I have long followed the growth and progress of this monastery. In fact, the rosary that I purchased in 2012 for use on our first Camino was from them. Earlier this year, I realized that the string that holds it together was starting to fray, so I purchased a new one from them. Likewise, the monastic breviary that I pray is from them.

Clearly, I have an affinity for this place. But I was also in the early days of mourning and deep depression.

I told them I’d think about it.

I thought and prayed about it for some weeks, and then on August 15 – the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our “Catholic anniversary” – I looked up at the picture of Francine that hangs in the dining room, and I asked her, “What should I do?”

That day’s reading from the Holy Rule provided the answer. The chapter was entitled “How Pilgrim Monks are to be Received”.

I bought the tickets that day.

And this, my friends, is why I am today traveling to Oklahoma. I will endeavor to post my experiences, but I’m given to understand that cell reception might be a little dodgy.

The walk itself is short – just Friday and Saturday. And then I will be staying at the monastery for a few nights. I need this time to stop, pause, reflect, and process.

Ultreïa!

Date: 08 October 2025