the final moments of our pilgrimage
The transition back to tourist
Today I am no longer on pilgrimage, but I am a tourist. Exploring the sites of Vienna, eating good food, making plans. It all seems a little strange really. After spending nearly 3 weeks with the JPII pilgrimage, I bid my crew farewell on Friday morning and now I have a week to explore a couple of things in Austria before returning to my ‘normal’ life.
The WYD retreat in Wisla was just what we all needed. A chance to stop moving and to reflect on the 2 weeks we had been together. I did washing (wooo hooo), talked with fellow pilgrims and found some time to rest and enjoy the amazing place we found ourselves in. During this time we were challenged to think about where we had come from and where we were going post wyd. Whilst we weren't rushing around anyone, this week was emotionally draining. Lots of thinking and lots of processing.
Highlights of these few days included some great talks, sleeping and praying (sometimes at the same time), watching two of the sisters let their hair down (one carving it up on the dance floor) and the amazing buffet!
However, the greatest highlight was watching the JPII group cement their friendships and celebrate each other. At one point on the pilgrimage, it was suggested that we do some warm fuzzies. So, we found enough notebooks for each pilgrim, wrote their names on them and set them up in the main room. We then suggested that each pilgrim write something in each book, for each pilgrim. I was so moved to see how seriously this was taken. Every time I went into the room pilgrims were diligently working their way through the books. Early in the morning, late at night and during free time. The commitment was evidence of how our group had formed such a solid bond. These books are beautiful and I will treasure mine.
At the end of the retreat we travelled to Vienna where the group parted ways on Friday morning. The bit of sharing we did on the bus was very moving. Of course I shed a few tears. Pilgrims shared their love for their new friends, spoke about the unforgettable experiences they had and shared their highlights.
At this point, I would love to express my gratitude to everyone I travelled with on this pilgrimage. I feel so blessed to have been surrounded by such amazing people who were so willing to give of themselves and share their gifts and talents. When he sent us to the final mass, Bishop Terry quoted St Augustine, something about ‘I happened upon myself’. I really relate to this at this time. Going on a pilgrimage, being challenged, facing adversity and being surrounded by beautiful people gives you the opportunity to see your true self.
Who knows what I will be doing in 3 years time when WYD heads to Panama, but I know that the young church is in good hands when I look around the pilgrims from the JPII trail.
Today I am no longer on pilgrimage, but I am a tourist. Exploring the sites of Vienna, eating good food, making plans. It all seems a little strange really. After spending nearly 3 weeks with the JPII pilgrimage, I bid my crew farewell on Friday morning and now I have a week to explore a couple of things in Austria before returning to my ‘normal’ life.
The WYD retreat in Wisla was just what we all needed. A chance to stop moving and to reflect on the 2 weeks we had been together. I did washing (wooo hooo), talked with fellow pilgrims and found some time to rest and enjoy the amazing place we found ourselves in. During this time we were challenged to think about where we had come from and where we were going post wyd. Whilst we weren't rushing around anyone, this week was emotionally draining. Lots of thinking and lots of processing.
Highlights of these few days included some great talks, sleeping and praying (sometimes at the same time), watching two of the sisters let their hair down (one carving it up on the dance floor) and the amazing buffet!
However, the greatest highlight was watching the JPII group cement their friendships and celebrate each other. At one point on the pilgrimage, it was suggested that we do some warm fuzzies. So, we found enough notebooks for each pilgrim, wrote their names on them and set them up in the main room. We then suggested that each pilgrim write something in each book, for each pilgrim. I was so moved to see how seriously this was taken. Every time I went into the room pilgrims were diligently working their way through the books. Early in the morning, late at night and during free time. The commitment was evidence of how our group had formed such a solid bond. These books are beautiful and I will treasure mine.
At the end of the retreat we travelled to Vienna where the group parted ways on Friday morning. The bit of sharing we did on the bus was very moving. Of course I shed a few tears. Pilgrims shared their love for their new friends, spoke about the unforgettable experiences they had and shared their highlights.
At this point, I would love to express my gratitude to everyone I travelled with on this pilgrimage. I feel so blessed to have been surrounded by such amazing people who were so willing to give of themselves and share their gifts and talents. When he sent us to the final mass, Bishop Terry quoted St Augustine, something about ‘I happened upon myself’. I really relate to this at this time. Going on a pilgrimage, being challenged, facing adversity and being surrounded by beautiful people gives you the opportunity to see your true self.
Who knows what I will be doing in 3 years time when WYD heads to Panama, but I know that the young church is in good hands when I look around the pilgrims from the JPII trail.