Battlepacks

2003 Mile ... Almost One Third of the Way!

Welcome to Beautiful Greenland!

Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice-capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973, but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008, although Denmark continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs in consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government.

Few places combine such magnificent scenery, such clarity of light and such raw power of nature. Vast swaths of beautiful, unfenced wilderness give adventurers unique freedom to wander at will, whether on foot, by ski or by dogsled. With virtually no roads, transportation is expensive, but splurging on helicopter and boat rides is worth every penny. These whisk you over truly magnificent mountainscapes and glaciers or through some of the planet's most spectacular fjords. Greenland also offers world-beating but charmingly uncommercialised opportunities for sea kayaking, rock climbing and salmon fishing.

The world's biggest noncontinental island has the world's sparsest population. Nonetheless, scattered mainly along Greenland's west coast are dozens of photogenic little villages of colourfully painted wooden cottages, plus a few small towns as well as the capital, Nuuk Town (Godthåb). In the south there's an appealing sprinkling of emerald-lawned sheep farms.

Culturally, the unique blend of Inuit and Danish blood has produced a Greenlandic society all of its own. This sometimes discordant mix of ancient and modern combines seal hunting and dogsledding with Carlsberg and kaffemiks. While it has many underlying social problems, Greenland suffers negligible crime, and sensitive visitors with a passionate but unaggressive interest in local ideas will find a fascinatingly rich culture beneath the thick façade of Greenlandic taciturnity.

With an ever-improving network of tourist offices, and comfortable if unflashy mini-hotels and hostels, Greenland is no longer the sole reserve of plutocratic cruise-ship passengers. However you travel, it's wise to schedule a wide safety margin for unpredictable weather. Leave ample time in each destination to unwind, soak up the midnight sun, watch icebergs explode or be dazzled by the magic of the aurora borealis.

Off On The Road To Jerusalem!

WEEK ONE ... begins on Ash Wednesday and goes until Sunday, March 8. At the conclusion of this first week, simply record your name and miles in the comments section of this "Madison" blog post. You may also put them in the Sunday collection basket or email me at rheilman@yahoo.com.

Viewing this beautiful skyline, we are reminded how blessed we are to live in this glorious heartland of the United States. Madison and its surrounding area offers immeasurable delights for all ages.

As we embark upon our journey to Jerusalem, our combined miles will land us in many beautiful destinations along the way. Just as we did with the skyline of Madison, we will post a picture of each week's stop and give a little information as well.

Happy Walking!

Reclaiming the Sacred

DEUS VULT! (GOD WILLS IT!) was the battle cry of the first Crusaders as they sought to reclaim the Holy Land on behalf of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are being called to join the battle today of reclaiming the sacred and holy in our world today.

OFFER IT UP: Walking and exercise can be strenuous, so are kinds of sacrifice. The word, “sacrifice” actually means “to make holy.” Pope John Paul II said, “Prayer and sacrifice constitutes the greatest force in the universe.” We can offer up these sacrifices to God, asking Him to bring more holiness and sacred into the world, especially helping us to see all life as sacred, from conception to natural death.

What is "Walk to Jerusalem?"

WHAT? Walk to Jerusalem is an exercise program to promote physical and spiritual well-being. The goal is for participants to accumulate enough miles of exercise to walk from Madison to Jerusalem. That’s 6400 miles. Travel with us across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland and then to Britain where we begin to travel the same route the Crusaders took on their way to “Reclaim the Surrendered Ground of the Holy Land.”

HOW? You can either count the miles that you walk or run, or 20 minutes of any aerobic activity (e.g. swimming, biking, cardio machines, team sports, tennis, etc.) equals 1 mile of walking/running. Keep track of your miles and turn them into the collection basket at Fr. Rick’s parishes each Sunday, or record them each week at this Walk to Jerusalem blog.

WHO? Anyone! We encourage you to use this program as an opportunity to exercise as family, with friends and co-workers, with people in your neighborhood group, and with other church members.

WHEN? We officially begin at the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009.

WHERE? Anywhere! You can exercise in your neighborhood, at a gym, or at home.

WHY? To commit to improved physical, spiritual health in 2009. Walking and exercise can be strenuous, so are kinds of sacrifice. The word, “sacrifice” actually means “to make holy.” Pope John Paul II said, “Prayer and sacrifice constitutes the greatest force in the universe.” We encourage you to offer up these sacrifices to God, asking Him to bring more holiness and sacred into the world, especially helping us to see all life as sacred, from conception to natural death.