Paris to Lyon...let's go back a few days

4th -5th of April (the days before Le Puy)

The morning we left Paris, it was clear blue skies and brisk air (the weather has and continues to be very kind to us). From what was three jam-packed days of sight seeing and initiation of our spiritual quest, we knew we were now heading to the rock...Marcellin country!! The confusion of the metro (mastered by some) was to be completely juxtaposed against the TGV (the very, very, very fast train to Lyon...300 kph). What took us two hours ...(all in relative silence mind you)...would probably have taken Marcellin Champagnat, weeks. How technology has changed the world we live in...in the past 200 years.

We were greeted by an awaiting bus and what transpired, was a one hour trip from Lyons to L'Hermitage. In France, there has always been a constant surprise around the corner, whether that had been the Eiffel Tower, the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral...and what was magnificent in regards to the Hermitage... it was the fact that it is a peaceful majestic building that lies in the middle of a valley at the end of a secluded, quiet, still road where a creek meanders through the middle of the property. Please look at the photos attached...words are only one way of expressing the majestic beauty which is the Hermitage...and for many of us, it was like coming home.

Our tour of the Hermitage started with Brother Neville who took us to the statue of Marcellin which in itself is not deemed with many features...very non-descript...but he asked us to stare at the statue...and we were asked to be centred in the moment...and from there we walked through to the chapel and we were introduced to Marcellin's house of prayer: the chapel built in his name. We were then lead through his story depicted in the lead light windows and we were again called to be centred in standing around the reliquee (the remains of Marcellin Champagnat).  For us as a pilgrimage group, it was the beginning of our immersion into his life, his passion and his mission. From this experience it was striking to understand that what had started 200 years ago, has grown and it remains...and it is still so relevant...and it is the heartbeat for both religious and lay Marists today.

Before dinner (which by the way is a four course meal every night: soup, entree size meal, cheese...everyone needs cholesterol checks when we get back...and fruit) we were then taken on a tour through the display which details glimpses of Marcellin's life, the Marist order, as well as the development of the building of the Hermitage. It was simple...but meaningful and informative and very much prepared us for the next part of the tour: the Chapter room and Marcellin's bedroom. The Chapter room is now adorned with alfresco paintings, symbolic in their design and message but was originally the room in which the founding Marist Brothers would meet and deliberate and plan...and this room was significant to us as a pilgrimage group but it was walking into Marcellin's bedroom (the place of his life with the Marist Brothers and death) that was especially significant and meaningful. Here was a man that had created a vision...the physical creation of this was the building of the Hermitage itself, but more importantly was that he had formed a group of young men to educate the young. We came to understand that even on his death bed, he still engendered the intellectual power and respect of the Brothers and from this they were inspired to be a driving force and to live and bear witness to his story.

The end of the day had us remembering that we had sat in silence as a group in his bedroom, in silence...through the open window we had listened to the water flow over the rocks...we had been present with Marcellin Champagnat.

Brian Fenaughty and Tracey Dorian

L’Hermitage:  April 6^th

Le Puys: It’s amazing to think that today we were at the same Cathedral that Marcellin Champagnat would have prayed at...and more specifically he would have prayed to the Black Madonna (situated in the Cathedral) for guidance and help.  The Black Madonna is a petite statue but one that holds immense importance for the Catholic faithful worldwide and also our Marist Brothers. To sit in quiet meditation, where we all had the chance to pray for our own intentions and then sing the Salve Regina, was both moving and humbling. Today, the fact that it is Good Friday, there was an inherent stillness and serenity...it fell upon the complete gathering and we were transported to another time and place...and in this Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Puys, with its majestic interior but more importantly spiritual history (miracles have been performed here), there was no wonder why.

The much revered healing stone within this Cathedral (a slate slab)...lay adjacent to the Black Madonna and here pilgrims from across the world can touch or lie on the stone and absorb its healing properties...and that is exactly what we did. Individually we lay on the healing, asking God for his healing, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual...it was a moment of immense power.

Moving to the next part of our pilgrimage, we traced the steps of many others (over 300 up a steep cliff) to the chapel of St Michael d’Aighuille. Our heart goes out to the Parish Priest who must climb these stairs daily for mass in the chapel. This chapel was like a cave perched upon a rock...sparsely lit by small  stained glass windows...primitive but still inspiring in its prayerful atmosphere.

Lunch...well, we pretty much found a little cafe/restaurant in the main square of Le Puys...salmon salads, crepes or baguettes with a glass of red, cafe au lait or beer were the choice of the epicurists’  day. On the return to the bus, some pilgrims fell prey to the numerous delights of leather handbags, jackets...and considering it is Easter...the chocolatier (as if anyone needed an excuse).

Our Good Friday ceremony this evening was one of Christianity at its simple best. With 45 of us present within the Hermitage Chapel, we venerated the cross and reflected on our own brokenness (a beautiful song reflecting this was playing during this part of the ceremony). This ceremony was jointly celebrated by our two priests, Monsignor Peter Jefferies and Father John Craddock...their masses with us have been meani ngful, simplistic and fitting for our spiritual exploration and today was no exception.

We finished our night with time of personal reflection and sharing within the revered rooms of the Marist Brothers meeting room, which adjoins Marcellin’s bedroom (the room in which he also passed away). There could not have been a better way to complete  Good Friday at the Hermitage.

There is still so much to share...stay tuned for an entry on what it was like entering the Hermitage and our day at Fouviere!! Brother John...you are still very much in our prayers!

Brian Fenaughty and Tracey Dorian

Taking off and in Paris

Firstly, every member of the 2012 Champagnat Pilgrimage group has been thinking of everyone back home; you have been in our prayers and thoughts!! The blog entry you are about to read was initially set up as a breakdown of what happened each day, but due to the fact that last night was the first time we were able to upload any information, I have decided to condense it down to a rough snapshot of what has already been a very moving and memorable experience of walking in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat.

The beginning of our journey, has already been one of surprises. Those initial feelings of nervous anticipation and contained excitement have quickly dissipated within our first few days here in Paris. Having visited the magnificent Saint Sulpice Basilica where Marcellin must have prayed and maybe even said mass and also having stood in the courtyard of Missions Etrangers where Marcellin stayed whilst in Paris (both resting and recuperating)...you can understand that Marcellin found some peace and contentment whilst spending time in Paris...there is a sense of escaping the world and you can get lost in the beauty that lies hidden behind so many corners. 

Here is just a snapshot of what it was like getting from Australia to Paris:

We basically all arrived in Singapore having had about a 7.5 hour flight. It was a movie marathon session with The Descendants and The Artist seeming to be the main movies of choice. Disembarking the plane, the pilgrims from across Australia finally met and what was (for example) a group of 8 from Adelaide became a group of 38 from Australia...the Marist Pilgrimage group of 2012.

The next leg of our journey was the 13.5 hour flight from Singapore to London...mega movie marathon for those that couldn’t sleep!! Huge cudos to Marie, Carole and Brother Tony (our fearless and tireless leaders) who managed to negotiate such a large group through the various airport terminals to see us connect with our flight from London to Paris (not as smooth as one would imagine...security section nearly had a couple of people miss their flight).  Needless to say, God was working with us...and the third leg of our journey saw us negotiating our way out of the baggage carousel in Paris into a ground swell of people...and yes, we did find each other and our pink bus. With a sigh of relief (and that was from many of our swollen ankles), we sat back and allowed our bus driver to driect us to our place of residence for the next few days: Hotel Magendie, Rue Corvisert, Paris.

I believe you can tell the fundamental cohesiveness of a group when they are hit with a mild sniff of adversity...we had ours when discovering that after 24+ hours in planes and airports and somewhat in need of freshening up and putting on our best visage for Paris...that our rooms were not going to be ready until 2pm. Our response to that: we dumped our bags in a few rooms and went out to greet Paris...the sun was shining, the sky was blue...not a moment was to be wasted!  

From the tourist perspective, the group has definitely made the most of every prominent site across this spectacular landscape. Each day has seen us crisscross the terrain and every morning over breakfast, the banquet of what was devoured the day before has been shared: Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, Le Louvre, Tomb of Napoleon I, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre...and who could forget...the Eiffel Tower (both by day and night, unbelievably spectacular..and it is that reality check that  you are actually in Paris...it is no longer surreal)!  And the food...well, all I can say is...creme brulee!!

It’s been more than just  site seeing though (and gaining a few blisters along the way)...it’s been about absorbing an historical perspective of Marcellin...not only where he walked and what he would have seen but also, through the sharings of Brother Neville, we have gained an awareness of what was happening in his world at the same time. Napoleon and the Revolution, the changes within the Church...Marcellin’s own vision for his order...I know we have only scratched the surface and there is so much to still discover. Paris was enchanting, mesmerising and the memories...especially shared with this groupd of people, will stay with me for my lifetime...but what is even more exciting is that the Hermitage awaits!!

Brother John McMahon...we know that you have been with us in spirit...and our prayers are with you!!

Tracey Dorian

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

Up, up and away!

Nearly forty pilgrims left Australia today for the commencement of the 2012 Champagnat Pilgrimage. Pilgrims flew from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Airports and will assemble in Singapore this evening prior to their flight together to London and then on to Paris tomorrow morning.  All seem to be looking forward to sharing their experiences together and to gaining a deeper insight into the spirituality and mission of Marcellin Champagnat.  We wish them bon voyage!

John McMahon

Pilgrims leaving from Melbourne being farewelled by a few supporters

Learning about Africa

Br Rod Thomson has pointed us to this very valuable presentation about the importance of understanding context when we meet a new people.  The video takes about 18 minutes and will help us prepare for our time away, particularly our time in Africa.  The video can be viewed here: Learning about Africa

John McMahon