Inaugural Pilgrimage for Catholic Educators

By Sister Mary Rachel Capets, O.P., Ph.D., Director of the Pilgrimage Program

Each day, Catholic educators impart to their students the treasures of the faith, whether in religion class, math, science, literature, or extracurricular activities. These faithful servants who pour themselves out in our nation’s classrooms need periodic opportunities to be refreshed and revived, to allow the encounter with Christ’s love to re-enkindle their own love and zeal. From June 2-12, 30 Catholic educators from around the United States did just that, spending ten days on pilgrimage through France and Italy to re-encounter the truths of the faith and to experience anew the pilgrim journey with other faithful Catholic educators.

The pilgrimage began in Lourdes, France, where the pilgrims were able to dedicate their time of travel to the Blessed Mother and to learn of her miraculous healings from her first appearance to St. Bernadette in 1858 down through the years. From this first leg of the pilgrimage a community of faith and life was established and continued to grow in the coming days. Next, we traveled to significant sights in the life of Saint Dominic: Prouilhe, the first monastery of the Dominican Order, Fanjeaux where Dominic received the vision of the preaching mission, and the walled city of Carcassone where Dominic experienced failure in preaching and yet persevered in his desire for the salvation of souls.

The pilgrims then walked one of the most ancient pilgrim ways to the cave of Saint Mary Magdalene in Sainte Boume. Eighteen kings and 8 Roman pontiffs have made this pilgrimage asking for the intercession of the great “Apostle to the Apostles.” It was a steep climb which challenged our physical stamina and allowed us to rely more heavily upon the strength of the Lord. It was as if Saint Mary Magdalene herself drew near and gave strength and dignity to each one as needed.

The last part of the pilgrimage took place in Rome, Italy where the group was able to participate in the graces of the Jubilee of Hope by walking through the holy doors of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Carrying the pilgrims’ cross as we crossed the threshold, we interceded for the needs of the world, and in particular for our families, school communities, and parish communities. We intentionally called to mind our baptism, and what we wanted to leave behind, so that we might walk in the newness of life.

As if the pilgrimage could not get any better, our grace-filled time together culminated with the blessing of attending the Wednesday audience of Pope Leo XIV. His very presence evoked peace in the crowd. He even approached close enough to receive our spiritual bouquet of prayers and cards made by students which read “Best Pope Ever”! The pilgrims’ hearts were full and revived as we returned home to our families and school communities with many ideas of how to share the graces. Each one, I think could testify to some grace of new knowledge, insight, healing, or strength from a deepened relationship with Jesus and His Church, found in the traveling companions, the holy sights of the saints, and life together. Each felt anew his or her place and mission in the heart of the Church.