Gloria in the middle of the photograph; to her left is her son Lluís, and to her right is a guest priest; then Luis Jaureguízar, Gloria’s husband.

On Saturday, November 8th, a large group of about 100 people gathered in Pallerols to celebrate Gloria Gratacós’ 60th birthday.

She herself summarizes how the day unfolded below.

“Pallerols is a very special place for our family, and that’s why we decided to celebrate my husband’s and my golden decade there. The idea was to gather our families (parents, siblings, nephews and nieces) as well as our friends for a celebration on Saturday, November 8th.

We began the celebration with a Mass of Thanksgiving,

The celebration of the Eucharist in the church of Pallerols

where we explained why Pallerols is such a special place for us. Afterward, we had a buffet lunch in the exhibition hall on the second floor of the rectory, as the weather was rainy and cold.

The lunch at the rectory of Pallerols

The lunch at the rectory of Pallerols

However, when it was time for dessert and coffee, the sun came out, and we were able to celebrate in the courtyard at the entrance to the church. The sunset views confirmed the spectacular beauty of this place.

Celebration on the esplanade in front of the church of Pallerols

Celebration on the esplanade in front of the church of Pallerols

Celebration on the esplanade in front of the church of Pallerols

Celebration on the esplanade in front of the church of Pallerols

The celebration ended with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church, which was lovingly lit and helped us to reflect with the Lord. It was a wish many of us had to have a quiet time to pray in this wonderful place.

Prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament

As a memento: homemade cookies with a sticker featuring an image.” From the “Rose of Pallerols” that Saint Josemaría found on November 22, 1937, with the phrase that indicates what we all find in Pallerols if we know how to look for it: “that we may always see the smile of Mary.”

The following day, those who wished went on an excursion to the cabin of Saint Raphael, followed by Sunday Mass and a country brunch at the entrance to the church.

In short, a spectacular weekend surrounded by family and friends at the feet of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pallerols.

The image of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary of Pallerols

With heartfelt gratitude to the “Associació d’Amics del Camí de Pallerols de Rialb a Andorra” (Association of Friends of the Pallerols de Rialb to Andorra) who have made possible the reconstruction, care, and maintenance of this place, and the path followed to Andorra”.