Wednesday April 4 6.00 p.m - Messages from Paris

Have now spent 2 and 1/2 days in Paris, part of our time walking in the steps of Marcellin, while other times we are just walking between the architectural beauties of this famous city.

We have all been working hard trying to remember names of all in group. With 38 this is a bit of a challenge, especially for those of us who don’t have a good head for names. The bigger challenge will be to ensure we take the opportunity to spend some quality time with as many in the group as possible to find out their story and to learn from them within this three weeks of shared experience. John McMahon provided what appeared sound advice prior to our departure from Melbourne which was to ensure that we spent time listening. Important for our interactions within the group and for those whom we encounter on the way to ensure we develop the richness of the experience.

So in short some highlights to now:

·         The architecture, everywhere you look just another magnificent structure.

·         The Louvre. The opulence and the obvious historical wealth and excess which led to such a place is difficult to comprehend.

·         Br Neville Solomon’s sharing of his wisdom and insights into Marcellin Champagnat and bringing him to life so richly in Marcellin’s homeland.

·         St. Sulpice, Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur. What magnificent celebrations of the richness of our Catholic traditions and how Jesus Christ can inspire such creativity, craftship and care. They are breath taking.

·         Mons. Jeffrey’s leading us with humility and great insight in a wonderful shared mass this morning at the Seminary of the Foreign Missions. A place where Marcellin lived and worked in 1838 while unwell but determined to work through the politics of the day to have the work of the Brothers approved by the government. Thanks Mons. for a service we are so appreciative to be a part of and thankful you are with us.

The group is all going well. Some tired legs and a few blisters. Our thoughts and prayers are ever present for John McMahon. As after three or so days it is so difficult to describe how fortunate, privileged and blessed we feel for the gift that John has provided to us through his work in establishing and maintaining the pilgrimage.

I know others will also place posts on the blog for this part of the trip, with some photos to follow. All the best to those back home.

John Geary

Catholic College Bendigo