The pilgrimage involved a surprisingly large spread of age groups, from preschool to some in their 8th decade and all happily engaged with the day’s activities. The history of the Redemptoris Mater House and the Cathedral was presented in an entertaining manner and the additional information about some of the lesser known signs and symbols was particularly interesting and fascinating. Time went too fast and I would have liked the day to go on so that I could have learnt more. The opportunity to put names to faces for many parishioners and get to know them a little better was a great pleasure and enlightening. It was a pilgrimage like no other I have attended and I look forward to the next one. A great day out!
Tim
Our pilgrimage to Westminster was blessed with sunshine and when we were all finally gathered at the Redemptoris Mater House of Formation our group, 28 pilgrims reflected our vibrant parish community. Fr Marco had kindly arranged for a display of material to deepen our understanding of the NeoCatechumenal Way, along with pictures of founders, gatherings, and ordinations where we spotted the faces of those who’ve spent time in BS such as Fr Antonio Ritaccio, Fr Carlos, Fr Fortunato and of course Fr Marco himself.
He spoke of his faith journey but also of the long struggle for religious equality in the UK which resulted in The Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829. We learned more about how this struggle impacted priests training but also actual church buildings when Fr Slawomir Witoń, the Administrator of Westminster Cathedral, later gave us a guided tour. He explained how the design had been constrained by funding, hence the use of red brick which reflected the local architecture but also the desire not to compete with the Gothic grandeur of Westminster Abbey (and the fact of being dedicated to the Most Holy Blood of Christ). It was fascinating to learn how the piazza has changed the view and presence of the Cathedral, which originally had been far more hidden. He encouraged us to try and ‘read’ any church building and highlighted the similarity to Hagia Sophia which, despite many previous visits, I’d never noticed before!
Our celebration of Mass followed a visit to the site of the tree at Tyburn on which martyrs such as St John Southworth were hung, drawn and quartered so it was a poignant reminder of the English Martyrs to see his body in a casket in the central aisle of the
Cathedral, in preparation for the two imminent ordinations. From Tyburn we walked through Hyde Park towards Westminster, reciting the Rosary while attracting interested and bemused looks from passers by and while it might have taken some of us out of our comfort zone perhaps that’s what a pilgrimage is meant to do. There was plenty to reflect on, both internally and more broadly, but definitely a most welcome opportunity that was enriching in more ways than expected. So many thanks indeed Fr Marco.
Alison
The Pilgrimage was an amazing day in which we shared the same faith and love for our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Our world, more than ever, needs to see more and more these wonderful initiatives. We have been praying the Rosary as we walked through Hyde Park towards our Mother Church, Westminster Cathedral. We were amazingly blessed by the Holy Spirit.
The Badhans
I had never imagined myself walking through Hyde Park on a Saturday afternoon with a lovely group of people reciting the Rosary! It was a wonderful experience.
Heather