Well-Lit Pilgrimage 2023
Day One
Rome, Italy
The Pilgrims arrived in Rome and travelled to La Verna Franciscan Sanctuary, 18 pilgrims met in the afternoon at the Fiumicino Airport to travel by coach to LaVerna to begin the Franciscan leg of the communio of charisms Well-lit Path Pilgrimage.
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Day Two
Rome, Italy
The Pilgrims travelled from La Verna to Assisi. They awoke in the peaceful, secluded and phenomenal setting of the La Verna Sanctuary – a very special place where the pilgrimage on the path of St Francis begins. After spending time walking around the Sanctuary they then travelled to Assisi – the afternoon was an opportunity to wander the lanes and cobblestone streets of the city St Francis and St Clare were born.
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Day Three
Rome, Italy
On day three, the Pilgrims walked in the footsteps of St Clare and St Francis. They visited ten Churches, including a walk down the hill to the Papal Basilica, Mary of the Angels, which has the church inside the church – the Portiuncula.
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Day Four
Rome, Italy
On day four, the Pilgrims visited San Damiano – where St Francis received his call to ‘rebuild the Church’ and where the Poor Clares established their Franciscan mission – a beautiful and spiritual experience.
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Day Five
Rome, Italy / Dublin and Cork, Ireland
The Pilgrims farewelled Assisi and arrived in Dublin. They then drove to Cork, via Callan, where they visited the Sisters of Mercy and were surprised with the most amazing hospitality and joyous welcome. They arrived at Cork in the evening and enjoyed fish and chips after a big day of travel.
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Day Six
Cork, Ireland
Walking Nano Nagle’s Well-Lit Path in Cork – somewhat defeated in the end by the weather but they shared a lovely reflection at Nano’s grave, a visit to the St Marie of the Isles Mercy Convent and of course the tragedy of the Rugby.
Day Seven
Ballygriffin, Ireland
On day seven, the Pilgrims went to Ballygriffin – Nano Nagle’s Birthplace. They were met by Presentation Sisters Lois and Selma. They walked along the Blackwater River and followed the cosmic walk. They then travelled to Mass Rock and the Famine Walk, spent the afternoon at Cobh and enjoyed the serenity of the seaside.
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Day Eight
Dublin, Ireland
On day eight, the Pilgrims left Cork and travelled to Dublin. Along the way they visited Cashel and Port Laoise and stopped for lunch at Mount St Anne’s Retreat and Conference Centre. They then visited the “Hearts Aflame” exhibit where Sr Elizabeth and Sr Catherine shared the story of Nano Nagle. The Pilgrims then spent time at Brigid’s Well to pray and connect with the sacred site. Their next stop was Coolock house where they were met by Sr Kay and Sr Rose – visiting the home in which Catherine McAuley lived with the Callaghans was a wonderful introduction to the Mercy story. Their final stop of the day was Mercy International and dinner at O’Connell House – the home of the celebrated early 19th century Irish Catholic political leader – known as the Liberator.
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Day Nine
Dublin, Ireland
Day nine was spent in Catherine McAuley’s House of Mercy. The Pilgrims were welcomed by Mercy International’s CEO Sr Patricia O’Donovan rsm and Sr Mary Reynolds rsm and Professor Deirdre Raftery were their guest speakers. The Pilgrims were enriched by the Sisters vast knowledge and inspired by their unpacking of the mission and work undertaken by Catherine McAuley and Nano Nagle respectively. The Pilgrims toured Catherine’s House and sat in the spaces she once occupied. They prayed at her grave and sang the Suspice together. The House of Mercy staff offered the Pilgrims wonderful hospitality and many a comfortable cup of tea.
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Day Ten
Dublin, Ireland
On day ten, the Pilgrims walked the streets of Dublin to see where Catherine attended Church and built schools, where Catherine’s father worked and to learn more about the history of Dublin.
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Day Eleven
Dublin, Ireland
On day eleven, the Pilgrims began with Mass in the Mercy International Chapel to celebrate the birthday of Catherine McAuley. Afterwards they walked through the area Catherine lived with her mother at the Conway home and then visited George’s Hill Presentation Convent where Catherine made her religious profession. They then finished the walk at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral.
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Day Twelve
Glendalough, Ireland
The Pilgrims’ final day. They spent our time in Glendalough taking in the majesty of creation and the spiritual history that makes Glendalough one of Ireland’s most beloved sacred pilgrimage sites where the sense of “thin place” is palatable for those with a seeking heart. They travelled far, they lived, learned and laughed together and followed in the paths of those who have come before us. They have a part to play in paving the way of the future in the Franciscan, Presentation and Mercy ministries and communities in which we work and serve.
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