A group of 43 pilgrims took part in the annual Newcastle West Pilgrimage under the very capable leadership of Elma Hanley along with Fr. Sean Harmon as Spiritual Director.
This year’s journey started with two days in Rome and included the incredible experience of a Papal Audience where the group came within 10 feet of Pope Francis. Without doubt this was the highlight of the pilgrimage. Not far behind that in the list of special experiences was the guided tour of the Irish College with its magnificent Chapel.
Next the group moved on to Assisi, home of St. Francis for two days, afforded the opportunity to visit a number of locations important in this saint’s life.
The last stop was San Giovanni Rotondo, home for many years of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and the resting place of his incorrupt body. Among the events there was a session with a fellow Friar and long-time friend of Padre Pio, where we got a very personal account of the Saint Pio’s life. The new Basilica there is beautiful beyond words.
On the final night of the pilgrimage, Fr. Harmon was chosen to lead a decade of the Rosary and Mary O’Riordan was a candle bearer for the Candlelight Procession in San Giovanni – two signal honours for the group.
Arriving back in Newcastle West very early on the 4th, all the pilgrims were re-invigorated and already looking forward to the 2017 Pilgrimage to Fatima!