The end of September saw Team MSC journey to Fatima on our annual pilgrimage, led by Spiritual Director Fr Joe McGee MSC, and accompanied by fellow MSCs Fr Giacomo Gelardi and Fr Gerry Thornton.
More than 30 pilgrims journeyed from all over Ireland, on a pilgrimage of prayer, contemplation, and reflection from September 22nd to 26th. New friendships blossomed and flourished over the five days, and a group that met as strangers went home as friends, sharing a very unique bond and memories to last a lifetime.
This year’s pilgrimage was a truly special journey for all involved, all the more so for the beautiful music provided throughout the trip by Phil and Elaine, founders of the Island of Ireland Peace Choir. “Honoured to lead the music on our pilgrimage to Fatima with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart,” they wrote on their Facebook page for Celtic Ways Ireland. “A journey of a difference for us that gave us more than we could have ever imagined”.
With ample opportunity for prayer and spiritual renewal in this blessed space, the pilgrimage also offered plenty of chances to explore local pathways, enjoy fresh food, and make the most of fun, sunshine, and song with like-minded pilgrims and friends.
The stunning local landscape provided a perfect backdrop to prayer, reflection, and good conversation, while the group took in several sacred sites, including the Basilica of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the Way of the Cross, and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared to the Children of Fatima, the three little shepherds, in August 1917. The candlelight procession was also a highlight of the trip, as was a special Mass led by our MSCs at the Shrine of Fatima, where our group prayed for their personal intentions and our mission friends across the world.
Our pilgrims returned home replenished in body and spirit after a truly wonderful trip where new friendships were made, and old and enduring bonds were strengthened. Heartfelt thanks to all involved for a triumphant pilgrimage journey!