Pilgrim Blog: Day 7

Patty:

A Chaperon’s Perspective
Don’t for a moment think that this trip down under is a vacation. Despite being in a wonderful country, full of friendly people, and basking in mild 70 degree their winter sunshine, this pilgrimage is work for all, and not just those adults tagging along to insure the head count. We have all walked endless miles, sometimes being pressed by a tight crowd, to hear the word of God. We’ve all done a fair amount of soul searching, shows instances of growth and enlightenment, while participating in daily Mass, prayer services and discussions. In talking with Kathy Stebbins, one of the coordinators from the Archdiocese, I said, “I never realized just how hard a pilgrimage could be.” But as we heard from the Cardinal from Guam on Tuesday, the tiredness, the pain, and the keeping track of each other in a sea of 500,000 are all things that we can offer up to God. And these offerings have enhanced our experience and brought the group closer together.

In Boston Red Soxesque today was a double hitter. The morning started again with early breakfast: 6 AM. I could almost say these early calls are getting easier (except for Phin and Sean L). Almost, for I am grateful that breakfast tomorrow is at seven. (Thank you, God!) After eating, and gathering the troops, we headed out for Cardinal Sean’s catechesis. As the day before, we walked to the train station, hopped a ride, and then walked to the school auditorium where the session was being held. Warming up for the Cardinal was a very rocking out Lifeteen Band. The singer had us up, clapping, stomping, and having a lot of fun. This guy definitely knows how to make liturgy fun.
Except for the All Pilgrim Day I had never heard the Cardinal speak, so I was quite excited. He gave a wonderfully inspirational talk in which he discussed discipleship, carrying our own crosses and being a part of the body of Christ. He told us our life is all about gifts. And the giver is God. He said, “We allow God to be an anonymous benefactor.” And only when we take away his anonymity do we truly discover Him. The Lord wants us to make ourselves a gift to others. He warned us about the glitz that bombards us through the media. One quote that I found particularly thought provoking was, “More than Israel has kept the Sabbath. And the Sabbath has kept Israel.”

Topping off the session the Cardinal presided over a Mass that was very spiritually moving.

Next up in the double header was the Popes arrival. We had been assigned a great spot, (B1), right up next to the stage on the farside of the area called the Barangaroo. For the opening Mass we were at G1, so we thought we’d walk down the wharf, walk past G, and the stage and Bob’s your uncle, we’d be there. Not so, this was to be another pilgrimage experience. To ease the flow of 500,000 pilgrims they parted the troops and sent all those who were tagged to enter Gate 1 or 2 (us included) off the wharf, back up into the city and way around to the other side. We walked for over an hour; a walk we could have done in less than half that time by sticking to our original plan. Still by some miracle we arrived in our spot just in time to watch the Papal boat pull up to the dock. (Easier in the day we learned Cardinal Sean would be on the boat with him.)

The press of the crowd was overwhelming. The air was hot and thin. At times I thought if I picked up my feet I would be carried along in their press to be closer. But who doesn’t want to catch a close glimpse of the Pope? I’ll never forget his smile, and later, at our evening discussion, I wondered if we, as a crowd of 500,000 were more impressed with him, or if he was more amazed by us all standing there wanting to listen to his message, which was simply the youth are the future of the church. That the youth must keep God in their heart and do what is right.

Be proud of your pilgrims for they are all doing well.