SOUTH AFRICA, Sr. Anne-Marie. On the 24th September a group of almost 100 energetic pilgrims set out on a unique pilgrimage. The group was international with participants from South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Ireland and Kenya; there were 5 priests, some seminarians, three sisters, family branch members, mothers branch, youth branch, members of different parish youth groups and individuals willing to be ‘Sent from the Shrine and be apostles of hope and joy’ for many.
For some participants this was their first Shrine to Shrine pilgrimage, others have done it faithfully for more than 30 years. At 7.45am the pilgrims gathered in the Shrine in Constantia asking our Blessed Mother to guide them on their journey.
Young Catholics with smiles…
People were there for different reasons; one woman was walking the 25 km across our famous Table Mountain for a sick friend, another for a family member, another for the intentions of vocations, one young person just said she knew she had to do it for Our Lady!
The group left from the Constantia Nek a few kilometres away from the Constantia Shrine and their pilgrimage would take them along the mountain side all the way to our Villa Maria Shrine in Cape Town.
Our Mother Thrice Admirable was visible all the way as a she led us strapped to the back of a young pilgrim.
Thus, we could say Our Lady guided everyone safely over the mountain. On the way we encountered many other walkers who were out to enjoy the public holiday and the South African sun. Our large group of young Catholics with their smiles despite the tiredness made a positive impression on them.
Holy Mass on the mountain
Holy Mass was another highpoint as well as the four stops where we had some reflections /prayers prepared by different groups who prayed for intentions of young people, for families, for the local church and for priests.
At 12 noon Holy Mass was concelebrated on the mountain by 5 priests! The surroundings were magnificent and we were happy to be in ‘communion’ in God’s splendid nature!
Fr. David Rowles, the main celebrant at Holy Mass encouraged the young pilgrims to make use of the journey across the mountain and the silence to listen to God in their hearts and also to learn to appreciate the beautiful world that God has given us. After mass the pilgrims continued their journey taking the opportunity for personal prayer, a chat with a member of the group or admiring the nature that surrounded us during the day! One lady who came alone used the time to make new friends and share her faith.
Arrival in Villa Maria
Towards late afternoon, a happy tiredness set in as we neared our goal – our Villa Maria Shrine was within almost within reach! At around 4pm the first pilgrims began to arrive at Villa Maria and were welcomed by members of the family league with well earned refreshments before gathering in and around the Shrine for benediction and thanksgiving. Fr. Christopher a new curate from India gave the benediction.
