Saturday September 13, 1930

On the return voyage to New York, there were no wreath laying ceremonies, no formal receptions. All that had been done as part of the solemn part of the pilgrimage, the visits to the cemeteries. Now was the time to unwind and enjoy the time spent on the voyage back to America.

Josephine continued to enjoy the sights and sounds that the SS America had to offer. Standing on deck, perhaps she saw flying fish skimming across the breaking bow waves, or dolphins and whales, although, without the aid of binoculars, the whales resembled dark humps above the water in the distance.

In all probability, on a few occasions the SS America crossed paths with ships sailing to Europe. As the ships passed each other, horns blowing, the passengers waved to each other right there in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Then the other liner faded away into the opposite horizon.

Josephine’s pilgrimage was the 18th pilgrimage that took place in 1930. The last two pilgrimages to Europe sailed from New York on August 29, 1930 (on the SS America) and August 30, 1930 (on the SS Republic).

Josephine continued to enjoy the delicious food available five times a day! She attended daily Mass, walked the deck for at least a mile most of the days, and enjoyed the movies and other entertainment offered at night.

Josephine went to bed this night, thinking about Mass tomorrow morning and what the rest of the day would bring. Little did she know!




Source: written by Carolyn Ourso