Today is the culmination of our prayer pilgrimage. Having walked in the footsteps of St Ignatius and breathed his spirit and wisdom, we now reach his destination of Montserrat where before the Madonna of Montserrat, he laid aside his sword and armour, put on the clothes of a beggar, and spent the night in prayer.
As we walk our prayer focus is "the Contemplation of the Love of God" as given by Ignatius in the exercises. First and foremost, love ought show itself in deeds over and above words. Secondly, that very love consists in a mutual sharing of goods. As David Fleming SJ writes in his book, Draw me into your Friendship - The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius: a literal translation and a contempory reading, "as a lover one gives and shares with the beloved something of one’s own personal gifts or some possession which one has or is able to give; so, too, the beloved shares in a similar way with the lover. In this way, one who has knowledge shares it with the one who does not, and this is true for honors, riches and so on. In love, one always wants to give to the other."
So it is I pray for the gift of an intimate knowledge of all the goods which God lovingly shares with me. Filled with gratitude, I want to be empowered to respond just as totally in my love and service.
We set out with great anticipation on the challenging and most important of days being farewell end by some of the children on the way to school.
I and others are carrying the prayers of our own school children as well as parishioners who are on pilgrimage with us. Later on we will deposit these prayers at the Sanctuary of Montserrat before the Black Madonna.
Initially it is a long and hard ascent from the valley of Igualada to Montserrat: life calls us to make such ascents if we are to travel the spiritual path.
Jesuit, Michael Smith proudly before the Ignation Camino indicator!
Many such shepherds' huts are passed along the way. It was to shepherd children that Our Lady appeared in the 9thC which event led to the establishment of the Shrine at Montserrat and later in the 11thC, the monastery.
Our first glimpse of the mountains where Montserrat is to be reached on the other side.
Paddy nearing our destination after a long and fruitful pilgrimage.
Fitzy and Tracy from Hong Kong who are full of anticipation.
The Ballarat diocese crew: Vin and Sandra, and John.
Lunch break with Helen, John and Tracy surveying the valley below.
Looking back on the village of our lunch break.
Climbing the heights to our destination.
Looking back to Igualada in the distance, where we've come from today.
Still smiling!
Higher and closer each step!
Husband and wife sharing an amazing journey of love!
Crossing the saddle, it's a steep descent to the other side of the mountains.
On the road to Montserrat, with the other sign indicating our journey to Manressa tomorrow.
The beauty of these wild, craggy mountains is breathtaking: our hearts beat with excitement and wonder as we walk in this wondrous garden of God's creation.
Not alone are we in the challenge we have undertaken: rock climbers also scale the heights risking all!
High atop this stark peak flies the Catalan flag: who and how did they place it there? Catalonian sentiment is very strong!
St Cecelia's 10th C church is one of the many churches, hermitages, and convents that dot this range of mountains and valleys.
St Benedict's below is a secondary school.
Daily, 000’s of pilgrims travel to Montserrat, such as in this train, or buses, cars or chairlifts, etc. they come from all over Spain, indeed the world to honour the Virgin.
Welcome to the Sanctuary of Montserrat.
Within this envelope are the written intentions/prayers of St Mary's parishioners and school children, not only carried on the pilgrimage but prayed with and for each day: Lord, that I may see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly.
Fr Joe Taylor, Shepparton, presenting his parishioners prayer intentions before the Virgin of Montserrat.
Fr John Fitzgerald, Warrnambool, doing likewise.
And myself, so honoured and privileged to carry the prayers and heart desires of St Mary's, Hamilton, parishioners placing them before the Black Madonna.
Descending from the visit to the Black Madonna, there are thousands of candles from countless pilgrims lit as a symbol of the light that prayer creates and the ongoing pray of our heavenly mother for us all.
The spirit of St Ignatius and his mystical experience in this sanctuary lives on powerfully in the history of Montserrat.
We joined in Evening Vespers with the Benedictine community presided over by the abbot, who spiritual leadership has played a significant role in Catalan and national politics.
The Benedictine community at Vespers numbered about 40, with younger faces evident.
Following Vespers, the resident boy's choir sang a number of cantatas.
An evening of thanksgiving and celebration. 2 of our number leave in the morning, thus tonight was a time to give thanks for and honour each of our pilgrim community. This was appropriately led by Vin and John with incisive comments on characteristics and gifts displayed by each pilgrim during our journey together. The humour in the stories recounted, especially by John, was memorable: a great night of celebration.
Awards were presented to each pilgrim with a humorous twist!
Patrick vied for Pilgrim of the Year!
But was pipped at the post ny Larry! No hard feelings! So terminated a wonderful day. Manressa tomorrow completes our pilgrimage.
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