On Saturday, January 30, we left by bus for Montilla, Cordoba, with the mission of gaining an indulgence. We were a group of about 40 people: adults, several married couples, young people, two children, and one that was still yet to be born...and the four Sisters here in the Servant Sisters' community in Alcala (Seville, Spain). Montilla is famous for its wine, but we had come to see two great saints: Saint John of Avila, Patron of Spanish Priests, and Saint Francis Solano, whose Jubilee Year is being celebrated.
The historic “villa” of Montilla awaited us with temperatures at 9 degrees Celsius and fog. After the nearly two hours of traveling, our pilgrims were grateful for a little hot breakfast before continuing on our way. In the door of the Church of the Incarnation, dating back to the 18th century, we were greeted by Fr. Miguel, a very hospitable priest who told us about the house of Saint John of Avila, from the 16th century, where he met with Saint John of God, to counsel him and from whence his soul went to Heaven. He also showed us the Parish of St. James (Santiago), dating back to 
the 15-18th centuries, site of the Baptismal Font where Saint Francis Solano was baptized. We had Mass with a group of Perpetual Adoration adorers and other families from “The Saint's Parish” as the call it, in reference to St. Francis Solano. During the Mass, Confessions were being heard and the Lord was able to pour out His many graces. The pilgrims were delighted with their lunch at a restaurant called “El Quijote.” The Sisters and the girls ate sandwiches in the Sacred Heart Parish Center, where Fr. Jesús, a young priest promoting the Jubilee Year, hosted us. Afterwards, we visited the Church of the Incarnation, under the care of the Jesuit Fathers, home to the remains of “the Master of the Saints”: Saint John of Avila. There, one of the priests spent a long while with us explaining everything and let us kiss the relic of the Saint. We returned to the Church of “Solano” to see a small presentation on the life of “The Saint” and the perpetual exhibit they have on display that shows several of his writings and a timeline with important events in his life. “May God be glorified” was one of his most common expressions. Saint Francis went to evangelize in America, fleeing from his fame of holiness and with the desire to bring souls to Christ.
On the way home, we prayed the Rosary in thanksgiving for all the graces we had received over the course of the day and took advantage to share our experiences and impressions. We reached Alcala at about 8pm. We returned with our hearts filled and with the desire to imitate these great saints that contributed to the splendor of the Spanish “Golden Age.”
