Champagnat Pilgrimage 2012
Saturday 21 April 2012
Thursday 19 April 2012
THE FINAL CHAPTER
Yesterday morning we left our accommodation at St Andrew’s in Kabgayi and headed to the Genocide Museum in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. The guided tour of the museum was a very sombering experience and it brought up many ‘unsettling’ feelings. It was a very tough hour and a half, learning about the background of the genocide and the events that led up to it, the horrific events that occurred during the genocide and the aftermath of what occurred. It left all of us pilgrims with many questions like how can this happen and why? It also left us in admiration of the proud Rwandan people and how they have begun working very hard to rebuild their beautiful country. Primary school enrolment has risen from 950,000 in 1994 to 1.67 million today and secondary places have increased five-fold to 200,000. The victims and the people of Rwanda, are very much in our thoughts and prayers.
The Rwandan people have been very welcoming and very happy with the fact that we chose their country as a place to visit. We left Rwanda, Brother Stratton and other hard-working Marist Brothers after being immersed in their culture for 3 days, with a great love of the people of Rwanda.
We then at 6:30pm caught a plane to Nairobi, had a brief stop there and then headed off on a 8.5 hour flight to our final destination, London. In London we are staying at St Giles Hotel, right near Oxford Street and many tourist destinations including the Thames River, Buckingham Palace and the Lords Museum.
This morning we also had our final official Pilgrimage meeting and said our final goodbyes, thankyous and prayers. Special thankyous were given to Br John McMahon, Marie Dorrington, Carol Wark, Br Tony Caddy and Mgr Peter Jeffrey for their hard work and dedication in their efforts to organise and guide us through the pilgrimage. It has been a ‘life-changingexperience’ for all of us. The Marist spirit is very much alive and well in all of us as we all go back to all parts of Australia, to love and serve God!
Looking forward to sharing our experiences with our friends and family.
God bless
Tuesday 17 April 2012
Tour of Marist schools in Rwanda
Monday 16th April
Another very busy day for the pilgrims as we were up for 8am breakfast before meeting Br Straton at 9.00am where he gave us a very informative outline of the history of the Marists' presence and work in Rwanda and all that is going on at present. He also spoke of the history of Rwanda and the changes in the political situation in recent decades. It was encouraging and inspiring to hear of the Marists' plans for another new school, this time in Kigali to give access to a catholic education to a growing number of middle class families who are looking for this service.
We departed at 9.30am for a very long day of travelling and visiting a range of Marist educational institutions well out into the countryside, about two hours plus away from Kigali.
Save: Community, Teacher Training College,Novitiate, Boarding School with enrolment
of 751, all boarders, middle class, Br Augustine is Principal.
Rwabuye: Community and Technical School which is disadvantaged; many ex-soldiers.
School run by the Brothers at the request of the government; owned by the government.
Gitarama/Byimana:
Large secondary school (upper class); school owned by the Brothers ; Br Stanislaus is
Principal.
Bukemero: Large Secondary and Primary
School at Bmimama for Disadvantaged.
The highlight for most of us was Bukemero, where we were able to visit some classes ranging from about Year 4 - Year 9 in Aussie terms. The local kids were thrilled to see us and after some initial shyness really opened up and answered questions, engaged in some activities and asked many questions about where we were from and what Australia is like. Such wonderful kids, all very keen to learn and especially develop their English. We received a great welcome from so many astonsihed pedestrians who were amazed to look up and see two busloads fowhilte folk driving by in their rurual neighbourhoods.
The Brothers are truly doing an outstanding job here and their pride in the very important services they are providing for individuals, community and country was wonderful to see.I must also note they are doing this great work in what we at home would consider primitive learning environments and while they do have some modern ICT equipment and internet it is fair to say they are under resourced.
Br Straton then organised and hosted a beautiful buffet lunch at a local restaurant, for which we were all very grateful. from there we journeyed on to a Rwandan history and culture museum where we were able to learn a great deal in a short time about Rwandan customs, culture, geography, history and politics.
Another fascinating ( but very tiring ) day on Central East Africa!
Another very busy day for the pilgrims as we were up for 8am breakfast before meeting Br Straton at 9.00am where he gave us a very informative outline of the history of the Marists' presence and work in Rwanda and all that is going on at present. He also spoke of the history of Rwanda and the changes in the political situation in recent decades. It was encouraging and inspiring to hear of the Marists' plans for another new school, this time in Kigali to give access to a catholic education to a growing number of middle class families who are looking for this service.
We departed at 9.30am for a very long day of travelling and visiting a range of Marist educational institutions well out into the countryside, about two hours plus away from Kigali.
Save: Community, Teacher Training College,Novitiate, Boarding School with enrolment
of 751, all boarders, middle class, Br Augustine is Principal.
Rwabuye: Community and Technical School which is disadvantaged; many ex-soldiers.
School run by the Brothers at the request of the government; owned by the government.
Gitarama/Byimana:
Large secondary school (upper class); school owned by the Brothers ; Br Stanislaus is
Principal.
Bukemero: Large Secondary and Primary
School at Bmimama for Disadvantaged.
The highlight for most of us was Bukemero, where we were able to visit some classes ranging from about Year 4 - Year 9 in Aussie terms. The local kids were thrilled to see us and after some initial shyness really opened up and answered questions, engaged in some activities and asked many questions about where we were from and what Australia is like. Such wonderful kids, all very keen to learn and especially develop their English. We received a great welcome from so many astonsihed pedestrians who were amazed to look up and see two busloads fowhilte folk driving by in their rurual neighbourhoods.
The Brothers are truly doing an outstanding job here and their pride in the very important services they are providing for individuals, community and country was wonderful to see.I must also note they are doing this great work in what we at home would consider primitive learning environments and while they do have some modern ICT equipment and internet it is fair to say they are under resourced.
Br Straton then organised and hosted a beautiful buffet lunch at a local restaurant, for which we were all very grateful. from there we journeyed on to a Rwandan history and culture museum where we were able to learn a great deal in a short time about Rwandan customs, culture, geography, history and politics.
Another fascinating ( but very tiring ) day on Central East Africa!
FROM KENYA INTO RWANDA
Sunday 15th April 2012
Today was out final day in Kenya and we began by farewelling the lovely Sisters of Mercy who had looked after us wonderfully during our three days at the House of Spirituality. Our first stop was a return to Marist International College for Mass with the Brothers and many members of the local Kenyan community.It was a truly memorable celebration of the Eucharist which included a new member of the Catholic community being baptised, confirmed and receiving his first Holy Communion during the Mass. The highlight was certainly the very talented local musicians as the band, comprised largely of young Marist Brothers delivered magnificent liturgical music and fantastic harmonies in their enthusiastic rendition of some traditional hymns and local Kenyan hymns. A memorable Mass indeed, during which we were formally welcomed by the celebrating priest.
After Mass we joined several Brothers for morning tea to say thank you and farewell and make a presentation. The Brothers at MIC have developed a memorial park for Br Charles Howard and the next step was to pursue funding for some seating for visitors to sit quietly, reflect or talk, especially of their memories of Br Charles who did so much for establishment of the Marists in Kenya. The Brothers were thrilled to receive a combined donation from our Pilgrimage party which would finance the first stage of their planned seating.
From there we moved to a local shopping centre for lunch and final Kenyan gift/souvenir purchases before travelling to the airport. After a long delay we finally departed for Rwanda where were were met by Br Straton. Another hour's travelling by bus took us to St Andrew centre, where a hot meal awaited and finally - bed!
Today was out final day in Kenya and we began by farewelling the lovely Sisters of Mercy who had looked after us wonderfully during our three days at the House of Spirituality. Our first stop was a return to Marist International College for Mass with the Brothers and many members of the local Kenyan community.It was a truly memorable celebration of the Eucharist which included a new member of the Catholic community being baptised, confirmed and receiving his first Holy Communion during the Mass. The highlight was certainly the very talented local musicians as the band, comprised largely of young Marist Brothers delivered magnificent liturgical music and fantastic harmonies in their enthusiastic rendition of some traditional hymns and local Kenyan hymns. A memorable Mass indeed, during which we were formally welcomed by the celebrating priest.
After Mass we joined several Brothers for morning tea to say thank you and farewell and make a presentation. The Brothers at MIC have developed a memorial park for Br Charles Howard and the next step was to pursue funding for some seating for visitors to sit quietly, reflect or talk, especially of their memories of Br Charles who did so much for establishment of the Marists in Kenya. The Brothers were thrilled to receive a combined donation from our Pilgrimage party which would finance the first stage of their planned seating.
From there we moved to a local shopping centre for lunch and final Kenyan gift/souvenir purchases before travelling to the airport. After a long delay we finally departed for Rwanda where were were met by Br Straton. Another hour's travelling by bus took us to St Andrew centre, where a hot meal awaited and finally - bed!
Sunday 15 April 2012
Jambo and Karibu from Africa
Jambo and Karibu
(Hello and Welcome…),
Today, our
second day in Africa was an opportunity for us to witness the presence of the
Marist Brothers in the Africa Central East province.
Brother
Valentin, province leader of the African Central East, spoke to the pilgrimage
group regarding the history, impact and current day challenges for the Marists
within Central Africa. The presence of over one hundred Marist Brothers in
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African
Republic was evident in the province leadership, teaching in schools, and the formation
of young Africans. Br. Valentin spoke of
the province being young and full of hope for the future, which we as pilgrims
were now a part. African province assemblies in the past eleven years have
placed a focus on the continuing development between the brothers and lay
people to have a presence in the lives of others and to plan for the future.
In gaining
an understanding of each of the Marist venues across the province, each had
provided care and support for those in the communities by being a presence.
Many of the places no longer exist, have been reopened, or were newly
established after the brothers had undergone atrocities and challenges due to
war and civil unrest. The inhumane stories regarding the treatment towards the
brothers within the Democratic Republic of Congo, as were those from Rwanda,
were difficult to comprehend considering they were there to help support the
communities. The room fell silent as we remembered and prayed for those Marist
Brothers from our family that had passed due to the horrible choices of others
during the Rwandan genocide.
Thank you
Brother Valentin for the information provided regarding the Central East Africa
province and the role of the Marists.
Morning tea
and lunch, thanks to the wonderful hospitality of the Dimesse Sisters, was a
time to reflect and informally celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in their
short time in Central East Africa.
The
afternoon involved a short drive to the Marist International College (MIC)
where we were greeted by the brothers. The MIC tour enabled us to appreciate
the work of the brothers in creating a centre for Marist formation, and
recently a university that focusses on the development of teachers. The College
also has a key responsibility in providing education for the poorer students
with aspirations by assisting them financially.
A highlight
of the experience at MIC was the privilege to plant a tree in small groups in
the Br Charles Howard Memorial Garden. The tree was our contribution to
remember an inspirational Australian Marist Brother who has influenced the
African people, in particular his commitment to the development of the Marist
International College in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. It was great to see the
Australian and African brothers together for a photograph with the memorial
garden sign. The group looks forward to reacquainting themselves with the
brothers who are doing their formation training at the College at the mass
tomorrow.
Following
our tour of the MIC, the pilgrims participated in a safari at the Nairobi
Safari Reserve. In two buses we travelled through the reserve to witness an
abundant amount of wildlife including lions, buffalo, rhinoceros, zebra,
giraffes, impala, kudu, crocodile and baboons. “Wow, look at the beautiful
lions!” The gasps of excitement and the camera clicking end a great day in
beautiful Africa.
Tomorrow we
travel to Rwanda to experience the children in the Marist schools which the
pilgrims are much anticipating.
The
Champagnat Pilgrims wish to extend our prayers to our fellow pilgrim Br John
McMahon.
Habari za
usiku (Good night)
Mark and
Jenny Ashmore
Saturday 14 April 2012
Jambo and Karibu to Africa!
Friday 13th
April
Jambo and Karibu
to Africa! (Hello and Welcome…)
The
proposed time in Kenya was rescheduled prior to the pilgrimage beginning and
upon arrival at the Fulcimino Airport in Rome the flight was further delayed. A
significant time was spent at the airport eating sandwiches and viewing various
shops to see in the early morning of the delayed flight on Kenyan Airways to
Nairobi.
Despite
fears of a Kenyan Airways flight on Friday 13th seemed daunting for
many of the pilgrims due to safety the service was well received. The views
during the flight over northern Africa were spectacular of the plains, lakes
and mountain ranges for those that were awake. The flight into Nairobi revealed
that there had been recent rain. Tired and weary the pilgrims disembarked and
were met by a friendly Br Kiko at Nairobi airport.
Travelling
from the airport to the Dimesse Sisters complex in Karen revealed African life
in a variety of ways. Commercialism with new structures lining the road and huge
billboards advertising products in English were easily visible. People observed
from their vantage points beside the road of locals driving, riding and
walking, not to mention the mzungas (white
people) in two buses looking back at them with interest.
A short cut
due to a traffic jam provided insight into the poverty of people in Nairobi.
People living in galvanized roofed houses, walking with bare feet, climbing “unsafe”
wooden scaffolding on building sites, and scavenging through rubbish were just
some of the images that will stay at the forefront of the pilgrims mind in time
to come. The view of Kibera, Nairobi’s largest ‘slum’, was confronting both in
enormity and the poverty experienced by those living in these compacted galvanized
dwellings.
Upon arriving
at the Dimesse sisters complex and then banking and eating in the nukkmart galleria one could be excused
for being in Australia and not in Africa on pilgrimage due to the niceties that
was experienced. The difference was the security measures taken upon entering
the shopping centre.
Br Kiko
took the pilgrims to the Nairobi City Market to experience Nairobi life. People
observed, talked and mingled with the local Nairobi shop owners as they sought
a bargain of wooden sculptures, paintings, clothing and jewelry. “Jambo Australian, kangaroo” rang around
the aisles of the market. Papa, meaning
father, was also mentioned much to Peter and Paul’s lack of amusement. The excitement
afterwards in the bus to dinner confirmed that most were happy with their ‘bargains’.
The view of the meat section of the market was met with reservation. The
markets were challenging, confronting and intimidating for many in the group,
whilst others relished the opportunity to be with the African people.
An extravagant
dinner at ‘Carnivore’, the beast of a feast, was a gastronomical affair of
soups, potato, spinach…in extreme moderation. The main menu consisted of MEAT,
MEAT and more MEAT! Chicken, Beef, Pork, Turkey and the interesting meat of Ostrich
and Crocodile were delicious as the waiters cut the meat from stakes using
large butcher knives until one could eat no more. One pilgrim mentioned, “How
dangerous this knife is over my shoulder whilst it is cutting the meat”. Some
pilgrims even ate ox balls and ostrich meat balls, African delicacies. Tusker
beer washed down the meat as stories and laughter about the day echoed across
the table. Happy Birthday to Carole, who due to some quick thinking by Magdy, organized
a cake and the African waiters to sing in Swahili, all to the delight of
pilgrims and restaurant guests alike.
The birthday wishes were much to her surprise!
It was a
challenging and exhausting day as seen by the very weary pilgrims having ‘micro
sleeps’ at dinner and on the bus. Despite the exhaustion it was a wonderful and
enriching experience in beautiful ‘slow paced’ Africa.
Habari za
usiku (Good night)
Mark and
Jenny Ashmore
Marcellin College, Bulleen
Thursday 12 April 2012
'WHEN IN ROME'
Yesterday morning we woke up to a
beautiful European sunny day. Once again in groups of 4-6 we set off
to discover and learn more about the history and culture of Rome. We
aimed to cram as much into the morning as possible with the aim of
meeting back at our accommodation at 1:45pm for a meeting.
At 3pm yesterday we had the privilege
of meeting the Marist Brothers Superior General, Brother Emili Turu.
Brother Emili, along with Vicar General, Brother Joe McKee and
Brother Michael De Waas from the General Council, spoke to us about
the missions of the Marist Brothers, the work that they do today,
their vision for the future and the importance of building
‘Inclusive’ cultures throughout the world. The Brothers also
stressed the importance of the role of Lay Marists in continuing the
Marist charism. It was a very informative meeting and one in which we
did get time to ask many questions. Having that opportunity to speak
openly with the Brothers was a tremendous privilege.
Brother Michael then took us on a tour
of the General House before Monsignor Peter Jeffery presided at Mass
in the General Council Chapel. Monsignor Peter spoke about the
interactions that occurred during Pentecost, being able to
communicate with people from all walks of life and how we can relate
the Pentecost messages to the work of Marists today.
This morning, were up and about early
to brave the cold and overcast weather conditions as we set off to
the St Peter's Basilica where we were members of the Papal audience
in St Peter's square. The whole group was excited and eager to hear
what Pope Benedict XVI had to say. The gospel reading was the Emmaus
story and it was read in many different languages including Italian,
French, English, Spanish, German, Portugese and Polish among others.
It was amazing to see the huge number
of young people who flocked to the square to receive a Papal
blessing. We were lucky to get great 'viewing' seats after an
advanced party of 13 left our accommodation at 6:45am to line up at
the gates of St Peter's Square and save the rest of the group some
seats. The latter party arrived just in the nick of time as there was
growing pressure from members of the public to obtain the seats. All
ended well and when the group 'Marist Pilgrims from Australia' was
welcomed to the Vatican, there was large and enthusiastic cheer from
our group. All in all, it was an experience that none of us could
forget.
Brother John and other members of the
Marist family back home, you are all still very much in our thoughts
and prayers.
God bless,
Tim Kelly
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