17 April 2024 · 2024-04 newsletter
Inspired by an article in the Catholic Weekly Newspaper four Sisters, Sr. Luisa Maria, Sr. M. Rebecca, Sr. M. Cristina and Sr. M. Rita went on the “Seven Church Pilgrimage” on Holy Thursday evening. We decided that we would include the House Chapel in Bethany and Province House and end in the Shrine. We began the pilgrimage visiting the first two tabernacles individually and at 7pm we attended the Holy Thursday Liturgy at our local parish in Luddenham (where we were also involved in the choir). After the liturgy we spent ten minutes in adoration at the altar of repose there. As we had to drive the sisters back home, we made a small, short stop at Mulgoa and then continued our pilgrimage.
We visited Padro Pio Parish at Glenmore Park. Initially we thought it might have been already closed as the front car park gates were locked, only to realise that adoration was actually in the garden. There was a small ‘altar’ set up under a tree where our Lord was lit up by a spotlight and candles all around. There was a very peaceful atmosphere, and many other adorers were either standing or kneeling in the surrounding area. A violinist played a few traditional adoration hymns – very beautiful.
The next church on this pilgrimage was Saint Nicholas of Myra in Penrith. There the altar of repose was in the parish meeting room beside the church. The altar of repose was beautifully decorated with material and fairy-lights. Soft instrumental music was playing in the background and all around the edges of the rooms were lots of candles. It was surprising to see how many young people were there in adoration.
The last church that we visited was St Joseph’s at Kingswood. The altar was set a little forward to the right of the altar. On either side of the Lord there were two large candle stands with multiple candles. Here the adoration was held in complete silence.
Our pilgrimage concluded in our Shrine. We prayed for our Sisters and for all who visit the Shrine and bring their intentions to Our Lord and our Mother and Queen. Following our pilgrimage the Shrine was cleared out. All the flowers and altar cloths etc. were removed and the Shrine was prepared for Good Friday.
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