The Basilica of Nuestra Senora del Pilar is not the cathedral of Zaragoza, but it is certainly the most impressive and the biggest church in the city.

Outside of the church, I see a flock of pigeons and instantly, I remember Saint Mark’s Square in Venice, where I had lots of hungry pigeons pecking the seeds scattered all over me. Too bad, there are no seed vendors around, or I would have lied down again and allowed the pigeons to peck seeds all over me. Of course, some of my friends think that’s crazy because those pigeons are virus carriers. Oh well… I feel just fine now, three years after Saint Mark's Square, so what should stop me this time right? I know. There are not as many pigeons. And we are on a time crunch. So, no. A picture will do.

After the mass, which Father Ray presided, we go touch the miraculous pilar and did some prayers, offered candles of intercession, and visited the Blessed Sacrament. I pray again for the people who asked for prayers, and light a big candle for their intentions.

A quick bathroom stop, a to-go lunch in the restaurant by the basilica, and a couple of shots by the fountain of the huge plaza, and we are ready to go on with this longest bus ride of the whole 11-day pilgrimage – to Lourdes, France!

The stop to Zaragoza is an additional item in the itinerary, and it is all worth it.