17 June 2026 · 2026-06 newsletter
With plans in place for our annual May Pilgrimage to be held outdoors under gazebos in front of the Shrine, including our procession, things changed when the weather forecast predicted rain and damaging winds. By Wednesday of the previous week, it was clear that this plan would not be possible. We therefore had to move the event indoors to Emilie House and send messages to all the Coordinators of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate, Movement members, and anyone else who would be attending.
Saturday was cold, wet, and windy, and the forecast was still predicting damaging winds and rain. Needless to say, we pressed on with the preparations.
Sunday morning was an early start, with more setting up to do. A small band of helpers secured metal poles along the verandah and then attached the sides of a large marquee to provide some shelter from the wind and rain. This was necessary because we needed to set up the afternoon tea outside under the verandah. The newly refurbished Emilie House was needed to allow maximum space for chairs for the expected crowd. We set up as many chairs as we could, although we thought there might not be the usual number of people.
We prepared a beautiful display of the PMA, along with a flower-and-candle rosary placed on tables, and a temporary altar for the Blessed Sacrament for our Benediction.
By 1.30pm, people started arriving, bringing their Pilgrim Mothers as well as lots of food. Everyone was cheerful and happy to be indoors. Our starting time was 2.30pm.
We welcomed around 120 people, and it was wonderful to hear everyone singing along with the choir. Fr Grant, the leaders of the decades of the rosary, our choir, and our readers all did a great job. We even had two young girls light our battery-operated candles as we prayed the decades of the rosary.
There were four new Coordinators accepted as Pilgrim Mother Coordinators (three ladies and one couple).
It was good to be indoors while the rain and wind continued outside.
Sr Lisette was even able to show a short video about the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Sisters of Mary. Sr Rebecca was pictured in it, so all the Pilgrim Mother people who remembered her were able to see her in the video. Before leaving, people were asked to ‘save the date’ for this anniversary celebration, which will take place on 22nd November.
Philomena Theseira
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