Grateful for the shared journey
The table that Marcellin Champagnat built, at La Valla, France.
“Who are you becoming?” was the question that was posed to our group of pilgrims by Br David Hall, as we commenced the 2026 Marist Pilgrimage in Rome. A question which didn’t demand an immediate answer, but one which we were invited to revisit as we undertook the rich experiences over our two-week journey together.
Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, Rome.
The first half of our pilgrimage journey provided the opportunity to look beyond the historical significance and grandeur of the places visited throughout Italy, to the deep spiritual traditions foundational to the ongoing life of the Catholic Church. Beginning with the Petrine, Pauline, Marian and Johannine spiritualities of the early Christian communities and connected to the four Papal Basilicas in Rome. Through to Saint Benedict at Subiaco, exploring contemplation and living as community, and then taking this out of the monasteries and into the world with Saint Francis at Assisi.
There was also a connection with the expression of the contemporary Church in Rome, with San Egidio and a shrine to modern day martyrs, the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops and, of course, our global Marist family through the warm welcome received in our visit to the Marist General House.
These experiences, masterly animated and guided by Br David Hall, laid the foundations for our pilgrims to look at the story of our own Marist spirituality, as we journeyed to France.
The beauty of the Gier River, flowing near l’Hermitage, France.
Arriving in Lyon our pilgrimage group was wrapped in anticipation as we ventured closer to the Hermitage, awaiting a first glimpse. There we were met with a simple message from our guide and leader for the next week, Br Michael Green, “Welcome home”.
We could not have been accompanied by a better guide to explore Champagnat country. At our first gathering, Br Michael urged that if we had come there to find Champagnat we would leave disappointed, but rather that our time would be better spent seeking what Saint Marcellin and his first companions found.
The following days did not disappoint. Venturing to the places so familiar in our story, La Valla, Le Rosey, Marlhes, Le Puy, Fourvière, to name a few. Treks through the hill country that brought to life our Marist spiritual texts and documents. The quiet moments of prayer, reflection and daily Mass, inviting each pilgrim to consider the significance for our own lives.
A moment that was particularly moving for me was at the house at La Valla, when we had gathered to celebrate Mass around Saint Marcellin’s table. As I sat directly facing the doorway and entrance to the room, I was struck by the fact that I was more taken by the old door frame in front of me than the La Valla table in the room to my left. My eyes continued to be drawn to the exposed wooden lintel above the doorway, the beam that keeps the opening from collapsing under the weight of the wall above. I began to ponder the countless number of Marists that had walked through that doorway over the years, invited in, to gather around the same table. It made me consider the incredible generosity of the Brothers, who have held this door open for others over many years, welcoming us into a story, spirituality and shared mission to make Jesus known and loved. I was struck by the great privilege that we have, living together today as one family in our Marist Association, and was moved with a deep sense of gratitude for all the Marists who have shaped my journey.
The 2026 Marist Pilgrimage group at l’Hermitage, France.
A few weeks after returning from pilgrimage and returning to Br David’s question, ‘Who are you becoming?’, I am not sure I am closer to answering the question. After all, ‘life is a mystery that is revealed as it unfolds’ (Water from the Rock, 44). I do, however, come away with a much deeper sense of whose footsteps I want to follow and those who I want to share the journey with.
Michael Neylan
Marist Mission and Life Formation Team
Marist Spirituality Hub
