THE PILGRIMAGE COMES TO AN END

After a short train journey from Paris on the Eurostar we arrived in London yesterday. Pilgrims spent the afternoon looking around London. St Eugene came to London and England several times. He supported his brother Oblates in their mission. The English Catholic Church was small and slowly growing after Catholic emancipation in 1820. On Wednesday the pilgrims travelled to Kilburn where they had Mass at the Oblate parish of Sacred Heart. After Mass some of the pilgrims visited St Eugene de Mazenod Primary school next door to the Church. Fr Paul, Cathy, Shak, Dal, Melissa, Cheryl and Rob visited another famous land mark in the afternoon: Buckingham Palace. You may have thought the Queen would welcome us personally! No. She was nowhere to be seen... but she has a lovely house.
Pilgrims start to head back to Australia tomorrow... But you won't see Fr Paul for a few more weeks.

Last Day Photo's: London

Last Day Photo's: London

Last Day Photo's: London

Last Day Photo's: London

Free Day in Paris

The pilgrim's enjoyed a free day in Paris.
In the evening some of the pilgrim's gathered for a meal and some light entertainment and enjoyed Paris by night. The pilgim's will rise early tomorrow to travel to London, England.

Day 9: Paris

This morning Pilgrim's headed to Mass at Sacred Heart Basilica at Montmartre. The group had the crypt to itself for the 10am Mass. The Pilgrim's reflected on the memory of Cardinal Guilbert OMI [c1870] who raised the money to build the basilica. The Cardinal was also one of the first Oblates in the congregation. After Mass the Solemn high Mass was starting on the main altar. There were at least 10 priests and 15 altar servers with incense and the most heavenly music. Fr Paul was inspired with some ideas for Burpengary!!!
After a light lunch and some shopping in the little village behind the Basilica the pilgrims headed to the Eiffel Tower. The view of Paris from the Tower is amazing.
Tomorrow is a free day for the pilgrims.

Day 9 Photos

Day 8 Photo's

Day 8 Photo's

Day 9: Paris

The Pilgrim's awoke this morning to rain, but conditions quickly improved for a pilgrimage walk to St Sulpise, the place where St Eugene entered the seminary. After that the Pilgrim's wondered to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal and finished their pilgrimage walk at Notre Dame Cathedral. St Eugene spent at least a few weeks each year in the French capital attending to business. The afternoon was free for Pilgrim's to wonder Paris. Most of the Pilgrim's spent the night on a river cruise. Pilgrim's had to find jumpers as Paris was only 16 during the day and 6 at night. The Pilgrim's enjoyed a day of walking after yesterday's train journey. Our spirits are high and we look forward to tomorrow's Mass at Sacred Heart and Eiffel Tower climb...

Photos Day 8 Paris

Day 8: Paris

The pilgrim's travelled from Aix to Paris todqy on the TGV high speed train. After some confusion on where the bus was located to transfer us from the railway station to our hotel the pilgrims arrived at the hotel at about 3.30pm. The pilgrims shared a lovely dinner at a resturant next door to the hotel. It is interesting to note that St Eugene would often travel to Paris and it would take him 20 hours in the train. It only took us 4 hours.
Until tomorrow....

Day 7 Aix-en-Provence

Another fine and sunny day greeted the pilgrims as they awoke this morning in Aix, birth place of the Oblates. This morning the pilgrims travelled by luxury coach (driven by Jean Piere) to Marseilles the place where St Eugene is buried. Fr Paul took the co pilots seat up front of the bus to outline the program for the day. The pilgrims were welcomed in Marseille by a protest with many streets closed and roads blocked. However, the pilgrims were able to make their way to the Cathedral for Mass at the tomb of St Eugene de Mazenod. The words of St Eugene spoke to the pilgrims as Cheryl Bell read the famous homily St Eugene gave at the Church of the Madelaine in Lent 1813 - "Learn who you are through the eyes of Christ". As has become our custom the pilgrims sang the St Eugene College song at the end of Mass moving many to tears as song filled the ancient cathedral. After a light lunch the pilgrims made their way made what is normally a 5 minute bus trip but took one hour up the hill to the Church of Our Lady of the Grand. This Church was built by St Eugene in 1856. The Church is significant to the Oblates as the Image of Image stand on top of the Church and was the last image missionary Oblates saw as they sailed to their foreign missions. On the way home in the bus Fr Paul told jokes and was going to sing but was stopped by the group!!
The pilgrims gathered at 6.30pm before dinner for a sharing session and a debrief of the pilgrimage so far. Pilgrims expressed a greater awareness of the Oblates and the spirituality of St Eugene, an appreciation for the community spirit of the group, a greater connection to the mission of the Oblates. The pilgrims also found the long days challenging, the train journey from Rome to Aix particularly long.
Tomorrow the pilgrims travel to Paris.
Thanks to all those who are follewing the blog and don't forget to post your comments and messages for the pilgrims...

Day 6 Aix-en-Provence

Today the pilgrims explored the place where St Eugene founded the Oblates. Brother Dominic walked us through the Foundation House and skilfuly immersed all in the life of Eugene. In the morning we explored the history of the foundations of the Oblates and the significant part Fr Tempier played in establishing the order with St Eugene. The pilgrims celebrated mass in Eugene's chapel where Fr Paul used the chalice which was given to Eugene when he was ordained a Bishop (1832). It was an awesome experience to drink from this beautiful chalice. Finally we viewed a relic of St Eugene's heart which was well preserved in the chapel.

Pilgrims were treated to a superb lunch and were overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by the Oblate community. We shared lunch with eight missionaries from French speaking countries. Many customs and stories were shared across the table.

In the afternoon Brother Dominic led the pilgrims through the streets of Aix, pointing out the many significant places associated with St Eugene's life and his family.

Tomorrow the pilgrims set off to Marseille to celebrate mass at St Eugene's tomb.

Day 1 Aix-en-Provence

In the early hours this morning one could hear a constant rattle echoing from the cobble stones as the pilgrims moved on. Arrivederci
One would say it was a challenging journey - six train changes up and down stairs, struggling with luggage. Thank God for our muscle men, Rob, Peter, Reg, Denis, Phil – Fr Paul helped........once. However the pilgrims gained a slight insight into Eugene’s long and difficult journey into Aix-en-Provence. Having said this, the scenery was spectacular and one could imagine what Eugene would have thought as he travelled to and from Rome.
Best news the pilgrims received today, the arrival of Tracey Johnson (Yr7 teacher) beautiful daughter, Ellie Grace.
Tonight the pilgrims will rest their weary bodies at Hotel La Caravelle after their first taste of French cuisine. An exciting day awaits the pilgrims as they will visit the place where St Eugene founded the Oblates. Stay tuned for more blog casts.

Day 5: Last Day in Rome

Pilgrims gathered this morning at 9.00am for a pilgrimage walk to two significant places associated with Mazenod. The first stop was San Silvestro Church where St Eugene stayed on a number of times while in Rome and where he was ordained a bishop. This was followed by Mass at the 12 Apostles Chucrh. Sts Philip and James are buried in this Church and St Eugene visited this Church.
Some of the pilgrims visited the Catacombs in the afternoon while Fr Paul did liturgical shopping. He maxed out his credit card but has some really nice stuff!!
The day finished with dinner at Piazza Navona. Tomorrow the pilgrims head to Aix, the birth place of St Eugene and the Oblates. The train trip is 14 hours and the train leaves at 7.15am so I am off to bed.

Day 5: Rome

More Day 4 Photos

Day 4 Rome Oblate House

Today pilgrims journeyed to the Oblate House where we joined Fr Harry Dyer for morning tea. The group explored Oblate General House from the roof top which overlooked the city of Rome. Mass was celebrated in the chapel by Fr Paul and Fr Harry where all pilgrims were deeply moved. After mass the pilgrims viewed and prayed in the presence of St Eugene's heart. A relic of St Eugene's his heart is kept here because he was known to have a heart as big as the world. The pilgrims left in awe and inspired by this incredible experience.

Sunday afternoon pilgrims were left to venture through the streets of Rome discovering the catacombs, basilicas, shops while struggling with the language.

The evening was spent dining, wining and laughing with the locals. A bonus of the evening was the entertainment of a piano accordion by authentic Italian (bound to win the next Italian Idol). Pilgrims encouraged him in true Aussie style.

Day 4 Rome Oblate House

Rome Day 3 Photos