PN diocesan pilgrimage travels to Hiruhārama-Jerusalem

On March 8, 35 pilgrims travelled from across the diocese to make the pilgrimage. Led by Ignatian spiritual director Murray Adams, the journey began at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North, where pilgrims boarded a bus.

Pilgrims from New Plymouth joined the bus at St Mary’s Church in Whanganui, and the group continued along the scenic River Road. Sites visited included the Aramoana Summit, Kaiwhaiki Marae, the first Catholic mission on the Whanganui River, and Rānana, a settlement with strong Marist influences and a Catholic church.

After a winding 66-kilometre drive, the pilgrims finally arrived at Hiruhārama, which is noted for its links with the Venerable Suzanne Aubert. The spiritual highlight of the day was Mass at St Joseph’s Church, with Bishop John Adams celebrating Mass at the sacred site for the first time.

The pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Compassion Sisters Sr Lusiana and Sr Litia. The sisters sang a moving rendition of With Our Mother Aubert, a song of prayer written by Father Chris Skinner SM. It incorporates Mother Aubert’s poem of gratitude to God: “Thanks be to God for all he has done and is doing for us.”

Following the Mass, Sr Litia encouraged the pilgrims to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Hiruhārama, saying, “I can’t say anything about this place – it’s up to you to catch it.”

Pilgrim Angela Coleman said it was “great to meet with various people from across the diocese, and to be reminded just how diverse a church we are”.

“As always, I found Hiruhārama to be a peaceful and deeply spiritual place,” she said.

FULL STORY

Pilgrimage to Hiruhārama | A Journey of Faith and Reflection – Tūmanako (Tūmanako/Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)

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