23 December 2024 · 2024-12 newsletter
On Saturday 2 November the Pilgrim Mother coordinators and members, 43 in total, gathered at Mulgoa for their Annual Retreat. The theme of the retreat was “With Mary – Pilgrims of Hope”. This was intended as a preparation for the Jubilee year 2025.
The program started with the Talk by Father Pawel Barszczewski OP. He gave a profound explanation of the Jubilee and the importance of the Jubilee Year. He pointed out that the Jubilee year is a time for conversion.
Father emphasised the importance of reconciliation as a source of healing and renewal and that without the Confession we cannot grow in faith. Father also explained to us the meaning of hope as a virtue. True hope is about eternal life, the source of happiness. True happiness comes from our relationship with God. Hope is to put God at the centre of our lives. Father added how Mary kept her faith and hope, even in the difficult times in her life. By loving Jesus as Mary did, we can go through life even in cross and suffering. He also thanked the Pilgrim Mother Coordinators and members for saying yes to the apostolate. They are the beacons of hope for many people!
After the talk there was a short break followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Silence and prayerful atmosphere filled the whole place. Father Pawel made himself available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation until 11.45am when we had Holy Mass. Since it was 2 November, the liturgy was the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed. The Holy Mass intention was especially offered for all deceased Pilgrim Mother Coordinators and members. The choir, led by Mary Rose from Holy Family Parish Ingleburn, made the celebration solemn.
A procession to the cemetery led by Father Pawel with Deacon Jerome followed the Mass. There we prayed together for our deceased family members and relatives and prayed the conditions to receive a plenary indulgence for our deceased.
Then it was time to return to the Family Hall for lunch. Generous PMA coordinators and members prepared food for all and we had a small celebration. Everybody enjoyed catching up with friends.
In the afternoon Sr Luisa Maria gave us information about the 75th Jubilee of the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate which will be celebrated in September next year in Santa Maria Brazil. She reminded us how the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate began in 1950 and how it spread to all continents. Sr Luisa Maria invited us to join the celebration in September next year! The day finished with a closing devotion and Benediction in the shrine. It was truly a blessed day. A heartfelt thank you to all organisers especially the Pilgrim Mother Apostolate Team.
Sr Luisa Maria
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