My best picture ever! Took this picture in the Reims Cathedral yesterday. It’s my new Lock Screen pic!

Visited the Museum of Surrender in Reims (which was serving as the Allied Supreme Command Headquarters) where in May 1945 General Alfred Jodl officially signed the document of surrender ending the War in Europe and the defeat of the Third Reich by the Allies…very, very moving!

Hello from Metz, France which is where the Carolingian Dynasty originated. Charles Martel (literally the Hammer) defeated the Moors at the Battle of Tours in 732AD. His grandson was Charlemagne! The cathedral here is said to have the world’s largest collection of stained glass!

The Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains which is believed to be one of oldest churches in France! Originally it was a 4th Century building that was part of the local Roman bath complex which became a church for many centuries until used for various civil needs.

It was near Metz during WW2 that my Uncle Ted (my Dad’s brother) was seriously injured from mortar fire. Fortunately he recovered and was blessed with a long life. In fact, Uncle Ted was my confirmation sponsor. We should never forget the sacrifices made by so many for freedom.

Last full day in France…did a day trip to the very beautiful city of Nancy which was the captain for the Dukes of Lorraine…such a beautiful city!

Now in Trier, Germany which was a Roman Imperial city. Two emperors were born here, Constantine Chlorus & Maximiam, though history remembers their famous sons, Maxentius & Constantine the Great who battled for control of the Roman Empire at the Milvian Bridge in 312 A.D.

Trier’s famous Roman Gate, the Porta Nigra, which was built in 170 AD and the cathedral in the background. Less than 100 years later, Trier received its first bishop (250 AD). Just to give a little perspective the famous Bishop of Milan, St. Ambrose, was born in Trier in 339 AD.

Trier is such a cool city…cool historic center, a palace, largest Roman building still standing (Emperor Constantine’s throne room), Roman amphitheater, bridge, baths, & gate…super cool!

Time for a break from the cities to the town of Cochem (which is on the beautiful & quiet little river, the Moselle). The MoselleValley is famous for its flowery white wines. So beautiful and refreshing here!

A lovely day on the Moselle River here in Germany. Just a few more days before I head back home to ⁦@ctktampa⁩

A reminder. For as beautiful as Cochem is, here is a striking reminder of how dark things became here: the pastor of one of the parishes here was arrested by the Nazi regime during World War II and died in Dachau. Something definitely worth reflecting on.

Took a little side trip to the village of Beilstein (which is also on the Moselle). This village is so precious (like out of a story book)…just an example of the many cool things one encounters by traveling! Now onto the next stop…

Last stop in Germany, the Imperial City of Aachen which ironically was last stop of Charlemagne (literally Charles the Great) as well as he reigned here and died here and his tomb is here! So cool!

Charlemagne is called the “Father of Europe” so Happy Fathers Day! Not only was he great, but one of the most significant figures in Western civilization. Just seeing the little things, like this hunting knife, that belonged to him was beyond super cool!

One last stop before flying home tomorrow- the city of Leuven (Louvain) in Belgium with its famous university..

Prayed at the tomb today in Leuven/Louvain of St. Damien De Veuster today (also known as St. Damien of Molokai), a 19th Century Belgian priest who devoted himself to the care of the lepers in Hawaii…what an amazing and inspiring witness!

My Belgium, France, Germany trip has come to an end…time to pack up and fly home to #Tampa and ⁦@ctktampa⁩

I am now on Instagram ... follow me @ fr.lenplazewski there...

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a Jesuit tradition dating back to the 16th century, celebrated each year at Jesuit schools around the world. As part of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Jesuit High School, the school welcomed back today for the Mass of the Holy Spirit