Twenty eight of us from across Australia, Samoa and Timor Leste met in Athens on March 31 to begin the Marist 2025 Pilgrimage.

We followed the footsteps of St Paul, visiting key sites in Greece: Ancient Corinth, Thessaloniki, Philippi and Kavala before flying to Turkey to visit Instanbul, Kusadsi and Ephesus. Our journey with St Paul finished in Rome.

Immersing oneself in these historical settings has been an incredible and moving experience. Significant moments were: gathering together under the trees in Ancient Corinth for Mass, and renewing our baptismal promises by the River Zygaktis, where St Paul baptised Lydia. In Rome we experienced the hospitality of the Brothers at the General House. We were privileged to be accompanied by the newly appointed ambassador to the Holy See to celebrate Mass as a group in the prime crypt above St Peter’s tomb in the Basilica, at the Vatican, before moving round to view the statue of our founder.

There have been daily memorable experiences which, as they touch the heart, are difficult to convey in words. But, now… we are home at l’Hermitage - a place of welcome, hospitality, peace - a place for reflection and contemplation. Here we will physically and spiritually walk in the footsteps of St Marcellin Champgnat.

Julia Lederwasch
Deputy Leader, Association Council
and Pilgrim