Congregational Pilgrimage

July 25, 2022

Seven of us from India were fortunate to make the Congregational Pilgrimage from April 19^th to May 9^th 2022 after waiting two years due to Covid restrictions. We are grateful to the Congregation and to our Provinces for this renewal opportunity to experience our charism and spirit in the lived realities of the then times of Saint Julie, Sister Maria Aloysia and Sister Maria Ignatia by visiting our roots in Germany and Belgium.

We were the first pilgrim group that enjoyed the warm hospitality and accommodation in the International Emmaus House. Visiting our former Provincial Centers in Vechta, Mülhausen, the sisters in the Netherlands and special moments in Coesfeld added much joy and inspiration for being in mission. Our visits to Namur and detailed study of our Heritage Center, Coesfeld, and prayerful time with the Coesfeld Cross inspired us to incarnate the love of our good and provident God wherever we are missioned.

Revived by a new spirit in Germany, we were delightfully welcomed by Sister Mary Kristin and the Casa Madre community in Rome. True to our internationality and interculturality, the Sisters took turns to accompany us to significant sites and holy places especially where Saints Peter and Paul witnessed Christ until death. Their martyrdom and zeal for Christ spiritually empowered us to be courageous and grounded in Christ to face the current challenges in living faith in India.

We were also privileged to join the Mother House Community in their outing to Florence. This was a surprise for us and we enjoyed every moment visiting the cultural and holy places of Florence. We spent quality time integrating our daily experiences and journaling the pilgrimage. Our sharing with the General Government was very enriching and it expanded our sense of belonging to our Congregation. We thank you, dear Sisters in Germany and in Rome, for meticulously planning our pilgrimage and doing all the needful on our behalf from processing visas until the departure moment in Rome. We will cherish our pilgrimage memories and live our charism and spirit to the full.

Indian Pilgrims Sisters Mary Veena, Sushmita, Sunita A, Mallika, Nirupa, Suchita and Priya