18 July 2023 · 2023-07 newsletter
On June 11th, we commemorated the Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It was a glorious, crisp, and cloudless winter day. Our group of Schoenstatt pilgrims arrived in the city carrying our MTA banner and behind us the large MTA Pilgrim Shrine carried by two of the pilgrims.
We followed the Eucharistic procession as it progressed down Pitt Street through the beautiful city of Sydney and the towering buildings surrounding us. We prayed the Holy Rosary, Litany and Petition prayers and sang. We had come to pray for each other, for our families, the people of Sydney and the world. Fr McCaughan told the crowds, “We walk with Christ today because he is the way, he is the truth, he is the life, and he is the presence of God’s total, undivided, complete and utter love for us and for the world.” (Catholic Weekly 18June 2023). For us, we walked joyfully to proclaim and witness to our faith and give our ‘yes’ to Christ. It was a great way to deepen our encounter with Jesus.
When we arrived at the forecourt of St Marys Cathedral, the crowd kneeled and bowed down in reverent prayer. All was silence and adoration. It was such a great sight of proclamation and a feeling of closeness to God. In his homily Archbishop Fisher said, “Sometimes only words can communicate the message. Sometime actions speak louder.” He added …” truth, goodness and the beauty of the Gospel are told in silent adoration but also in actions like this Eucharistic procession.”
One pilgrim commented ‘I saw you carrying the banner together with the sisters from Mulgoa….It was amazing to see so many people from everywhere walking with Christ’.
Another reflection:” it was a beautiful experience, walking and at same time praying and reflecting on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, and singing. I was amazed at the thousands of people who joined the walk, young and old alike. I especially applaud those in wheelchairs and with walking frames and walking sticks who made it from Martin Place to St Mary’s Cathedral. “ The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction by Archbishop Fisher was a solemn end to the day. My friends and I didn’t mind our aching feet and legs as we all felt blessed. Looking forward to joining again next year.”
Edna Aldana.
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