The final pilgrim"s meeting taking place in LA Airport USA
The final meeting for the Pilgrims took place in LA Airport shortly before boarding the plane for Melbourne. It was a great opportunity to tie everything together and to round off an exceptional three weeks. John thanked and congratulated the Pilgrims on the manner in which they had entered into the whole experience, the sense of togetherness and community that had developed, the personal care shown to all (especially when a number became sick in the last few days), the manner in which everyone accepted each other irrespective of their different personalities and for the manner in which the Pilgrims allowed John and Marie to lead them. John also thanked Marie for the personal care that she showed to all and for picking up all of the left over pieces.
John further commented on what the Pilgrimage experience had reinforced for him and his comments included references to: Our future as followers of Champagnat involves Lay Marists and Brothers together, our character is international, our spirituality is about living our lives like Mary and that immersion is a great formative experience.
Adrian Drane thanked John and Marie on behalf of the group for the opportunity of participating in the Pilgrimage, for all of the work that they had undertaken and for their very personal care and consultative leadership shown throughout the last three weeks.
The Pilgrims then broke into their small groups in the airport lounge for a final sharing and prayer prior to departing.
Rob