Parish Pilgrimage 2004

Reflection by Fr Michael:
Thirty six pilgrims (all parishioners) enjoyed three weeks of prayer, laughter, singing (lots of singing) eating and travelling through Spain, France and Italy. At Madrid we planted our Parish Cross of sympathy for the bombing victims and the Spaniards were very grateful and thankful also that we did not cancel our visit. Prado Museum proved to be an amazing collection of Spanish and Italian masters. Toledo was splendid. Lourdes was the highlight for many. Visits to Avignon, Siena and Rome, with excellent guides, spoke of much of the history of the popes and we all decided to revisit our history books. We went to Paray-Le-Monial (where St Margaret Mary had visions of the Immaculate Heart of Jesus) and Ars (where St John Vianney had his church). We saw Taize (the place of youth and musicians) enjoyed by all. Assisi was wonderful - clear days followed by hot days in Rome. We attended a general audience of the Pope. We leapt to our feet when our parish name was called out and the Pope waved. With Angela McCarthy as a pilgrim our liturgical and bus singing were highlights. For me personally getting to know so well 35 parishioners and share so much with them was wonderful. I must do it again, soon!!!

The pilgrims were (in alphabetical order) - Blaise & Apollonia Braganza, Beverley Bucat, Anne Marie Burke, Bob & Beryl Bydder, Maria & Monica Chan (Lim), Brian & Wendy Ensell, Peter & Mary Golding, Irene Harrop, Andrew & Anna Kanga, Regina King, Paul Lim & Lucy Wong, Irene Majid, Max & Annie Mayes, Elizabeth Meyerkort, John and Angela McCarthy, Daisy & Barney Pereira, Pat & Marie Pickersgill, Tecla Pontre, Robert Robless, Gerard Ryan, Bruce & Deborah Talbot and Stephen & Serina Wong.

Thanks for all your prayers - all went very well.

Click here to view the photos