A day with Padre Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo

The pilgrims have gone their separate ways. Some to England, some home and Wendy and I have travelled by train across to San Giovanni Rotondo. Yesterday we fought rain, wind and a twisted ankle to arrive at Hotel Delle Paine. Our shoes, clothes and luggage were sodden. But after a warm greeting, a hot shower and a beautiful dinner we were on track again.

This morning - Thursday - we visited the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Crypt. It also included Padre Pio's cell, chapel where he said Mass and a museum with many of his garments and things he used - gloves, shoes and many other relics. I had known of Padre Pio for many years so was keen to visit this shrine. He was born in 1887, died in 1968 and was canonised 2002. He received the stigmata of Christ in 1918. Among his charisms was bilocation. He was a man whom you knew was a saint. It was just a formality when the Church declared him "Saint". 

Padre Pio's Shoes

We then went to the New Church of Padre Pio. The mosaics in this church are by the same artist that did the ones at the Irish College we visited in Rome, Marko I. Rupnik. This is an example - the Nativity of Christ 

Nativity of Christ by Marko I. Rupnik

What an amazing shrine honoring two holy monks - St Pio of Pietrelcina and St Francis of Assisi. The photo below does not do the shrine justice but it gives you an idea of the magnificence of the artwork.


Venerating the Tomb of Padre Pio

 We were also blessed to be see a Icona, an exhibition of Russian Icons in the New Church.

Madre de Dio, XIX, Russia

We went back to the hotel and joined the custom of the town and had a siesta. What a wonderful tradition - I could get used to it! We then went for a stroll up to Piazza Europa where we found the Church of St Joseph. We joined in the 6pm Mass, which was a gentle parish Mass attended by about 120 people. It was really nice to be in a parish church with the locals. The Icons in this Church were installed in the 1990's. Yet again they were truly beautiful. It is a feast of beauty everywhere you look in Italy.


Mosaic of Matthew at the Church of St Joseph, San Giovanni Rotondo

Derrick, I just wanted to show you a mechanics workshop in Rome:-

Alas they do not have the "Smart Car" in San Giovanni Rotondo as they do in Rome. In Rome they are everywhere and they can be parked in the tiniest little parking spots. I would love to pop one in my suitcase and take it home.

Reflections on an Awesome experience

Sr Kathy and Michael

"Spiritual adventure, pilgrimage and friendship." - Sr Kathy Hodge

"A once in a lifetime experience of faith, hope and love in celebration of an extraordinary woman."

"So much easier to pray with a group of like-minded pilgrims in such beautiful places." - Mark Oakley

Richard Caesar-Thwaytes, Herbie,
Fr Richard and Lynn after the Thanksgiving

"Here we were able to face some of the roots of our faith – renewing, spiritual and deeply touching. To be with Companions on the Journey was uplifting. Thank you to Bishop Mark for his relaxed sharing and leadership." - Lyn O’Flynn

Miranda and Kevin

 "What an unbelievable experience! And wonderful new friends. All unforgettable!" - Eileen Stack

"Singing Waltzing Matilda in an ancient Roman building with 8,000 rowdy Aussies. (And the 35 new friends I’ve made!)" - Charlotte King 

 "Fantastic experience that will never be forgotten. Wonderful people and great atmosphere. We from Trinity College have all had a wonderful and memorable time, full of adventure and pilgrimage."

Anne Maria and Stephania

"Anne & Peter’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil receives an 8-1/2 from a fair dinkum italiano expert. Wobbler Downs Olive Oil Rules. Available at Gundagai – Bulley Bell and Temora, Jugiong!!!!!" - Anne Maria  Skeinke

Caitlin, Charlotte, Mark, Heidi and Miranda
waiting proudly for the declaration Australia's new Saint

 "Sharing in the celebration of the Eucharist each day with so many people. The Thanksgiving Mass, celebrated in a foreign land, surrounded by Australian pilgrims, was breathtaking." - Stephanie Leonard

On the way back after morning Mass at the local parish church

"Swanky. The emotion and experience of the pilgrimage was beyond belief." - Mark Burke

Stephanie and Marguerite

"Today! Standing on top of St Peter’s, in the dome, knowing Mary MacKillop’s banner was underneath proudly displayed for all to see; an Australian …… down over Rome in prime spot." - Marguerite 

Wendy, Archbishop Mark and Mark

"The sense of community among the pilgrims. Shared prayer and shared prayerful experiences forged a bond between us; it feels like I will never “lose” my companions." - Wendy Fisher-Hudson

Cathy and Karen

"The Thanksgiving Mass. A truly Australian celebration as we take part with the great universal Church." - Colin Groves

 "The concert on Saturday evening brought me to tears. Seeing familiar faces in an unfamiliar place. Realising how great an impact the Srs of St Joseph had in my life."




We have had a wonderful experience together. 35 people came together from the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese to celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman. That woman has changed each of our lives, has brought us to a place where we have had a deeply meaningful experience of Church.

I found each day of the pilgrimage built on the one before. We were privileged to have access to some extraordinary places. We made beautiful friendships. We laughed, cried, sang, sheltered in the rain, queued, worshiped and ate gelato together. We prayed for our loved ones, were blessed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and we carry this blessing back to Australia.

We witnessed and celebrated the Canonisation of our first Australian Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross. We have done what we came to do and we are overjoyed. We thank the Good Lord for this marvellous opportunity and we thank you our family, loved ones and work colleagues for giving us this opportunity.

Our canonisation reflection

Click here to follow a link to the Archdiocese website and you'll be able to hear exactly what we all thought and felt after the Canonisation Mass through a short audio-visual reflection. It includes lots of photos from our trip, so check it out and see who you can spot.

Many Familiar Faces among the crowd of proud pilgrims

I met  Louis and Kate Seselja from Canberra in the foyer of the Hotel,
I am sure Louis will have many superb photos to share through the Catholic Voice



Bishop Brian Finnigan, previous General Secretary of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Auxiliary of Brisbane
and Herbie O'Flynn after the Thanksgiving Mass

 

Maureen Clancy and Karen Nixon



I rejoiced when I saw my friend
Archbishop Guiseppe Lazzarotto, the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia



It was a proud and joy-filled day for Archbishop Mark Coleridge and the Australian Bishops.
We have been truly blessed to have Bishop Mark with us during this journey, he has been inspirational.
Thanks Bishop Mark

A Saint for the Universal Church

The liturgy focused on the praise and thanksgiving for our Saint Mary of the Cross.

The first reading was from Colossians 3:12-17 encouraging us in all ways to be thankful and emphasizing Mary’s charism of teaching each other.

The Responsorial Psalm was sung lead by a magnificent female voice that filled  the Basilica.

Cardinal Pell said that St Mary was the first Aussie saint in 2000 years and we are delighted and grateful. St Mary encouraged the poor Catholics to exploit their opportunities  and encouraged reading, writing and arithmetic and God’s love and forgiveness.

He reminded us of her words – ‘little crosses of everyday life are harder than the thumping big one. Expect crosses and realize that we also give them’.  She made forgiveness her most remarkable attribute. ‘I have enemies but loved enemies.’

Pius 9^th recognized the hand of the Lord upon her and gave her support and encouragement.

The Cardinal also emphasized she is not just an Australian Saint but a Saint for the Universal Church.

Our Saint Mary's Celebration Dinner

Michael MacKillop wearing a MacKillop tartan scarf
presented to him by Archbishop Mark

Last evening we joined 650 Australians at the hotel dining room for a Celebration Dinner. We gathered with joy and pride as we shared the moments of the Canonisation Ceremony that touched us. We were entertained by Gary Pinto of Australian Idol fame, singing his song Saint Mary MacKillop.

We met with pilgrims from around Australia - from Perth, Deniliquin, Cairns and Bishop Michael Putney from Townsville with many companion travelers. Bishop Joe Grech was with pilgrims from his diocese, the Bishop from Dunedin had several fellow companions. Mons Tom Stack – Ellen’s cousin from Dublin – joined us to share the day. The Stack family has made the pilgrimage to honor their aunt, Sister Columbkille, who was recruited into the congregation by Saint Mary herself. Mother Mary of the Cross threw her mantle over her as a sign of acceptance and protection.

Two couples chose to celebrate their significant wedding anniversaries (50^th and 51^st) by attending the Canonisation. What a wonderful way to mark such a special occasion. Our Peter Stephens, from Grenfell, celebrated his birthday along with several others.
It was an assolutamente terrifico end to a magnificent day, bravo!

Herbie and Lynn O'Flynn

Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonisation of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop

This morning we went to the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls for the Mass of Thanksgiving, Canonisation of Saint Mary MacKillop. This is the place outside the walls of Rome that the body of the Apostle Paul was buried. Oh what a joyous occasion. Twenty-five bishops were present, over 150 priests, the Australian Parliamentary delegation and the Ambassador to the Holy See, His Excellency Tim Fischer the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and thousands of pilgrims. Cardinal George Pell was the main celebrant assisted by Deacon Boniface from Darwin.



Louise Jeffery was thrilled to have her moment with Kevin Rudd.
The Foreign Minister has been a wonderful presence and support throughtout the past days.
He was a hit especially with the young people - he has a gracious charm.  


As we all gathered the mood was high excitement and gratification. It was exciting to catch up with other friends and relatives as we all gathered.



Caitlin Nye was thrilled to have time to meet up with her cousin Senator Ursula Stephens, Tim Fischer and Sister Anne Derwin

There was a moving indigenous cleansing ceremony which lead the formal entrance procession, followed by many other ethnic groups. It was very inspiring to be part of an Australasian Liturgy in such an important Basilica in the heart of our Church. It was like we were a child coming of age.


Heidi Welsh carrying the Colours for the Bathurst Diocese.

 'The Australian Bishops preceded by the Sisters of St Joseph and various groups whose association with the spirit and charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop have profoundly influenced and shaped their lives as Christians.' Heidi Welsh carried the colours representing the Bathurst Diocese.

 

Cleansing Ceremony