An ad-hoc pilgrimage of sorts, on my third town (Portland, Robe and Penola previously) -- as I holiday, camping around South Australia and Victoria -- where our first Catholic Saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop, stayed and ministered. She was very involved in children's education which, as I look to change careers into a teacher's assistant, is quite meaningful. Her and Fr Julian Woods' example is one for me, and -- while not Catholic -- I have sought their prayers. An unexpected blessing.
Thanks be to a former priest who set me on this path by mentioning her in relation to encouraging me to visit Robe (not for her alone).
@Climacus, if you happened to go through Adelaide on your peregrinations, you may have seen the lovely statue of St Mary McKillop and two cheerful children in the little park between St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and Victoria Square.
When on a pilgrimage, is it better to have some kind of running commentary on the landscape, history, churches etc on the way; an accompanying written meditative journey based on scripture and prayer; or simply a route which leaves you in silence and expectation?
@Climacus, if you happened to go through Adelaide on your peregrinations, you may have seen the lovely statue of St Mary McKillop and two cheerful children in the little park between St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and Victoria Square.
Thank you. Didn't make it there (I was there last year, having caught the train from Darwin). I do not recall seeing it; next time I am there I will take a look!
When on a pilgrimage, is it better to have some kind of running commentary on the landscape, history, churches etc on the way; an accompanying written meditative journey based on scripture and prayer; or simply a route which leaves you in silence and expectation?
Asking as I am going to put a local one together.
I’m afraid you will get as many answers to that as people you ask! Some will prefer one approach and some another. Having the material for your first two ideas, route commentary, and the scripture and prayer available but not compulsory might be best for those who prefer the silence and expectation….
I think I'd expect at least a brief explanation of why each stop was important and perhaps a suggested prayer or action.
"Next you arrive at the church of St John, which has an ancient well in the churchyard. You may wish to pray this prayer of blessing by the water..." kind of thing.
As Cathscats says, people don't have to use it, but it gives them an idea or two if they want it.
Comments
Thanks be to a former priest who set me on this path by mentioning her in relation to encouraging me to visit Robe (not for her alone).
Asking as I am going to put a local one together.
Thank you. Didn't make it there (I was there last year, having caught the train from Darwin). I do not recall seeing it; next time I am there I will take a look!
I’m afraid you will get as many answers to that as people you ask! Some will prefer one approach and some another. Having the material for your first two ideas, route commentary, and the scripture and prayer available but not compulsory might be best for those who prefer the silence and expectation….
"Next you arrive at the church of St John, which has an ancient well in the churchyard. You may wish to pray this prayer of blessing by the water..." kind of thing.
As Cathscats says, people don't have to use it, but it gives them an idea or two if they want it.