Sunday, June 15, 2014

Blessing for Pilgrims

Last night, the Mission Trip group meet at their respective parishes for 5:00 pm Mass, Blessing for Pilgrimage, to pack the donations and finally for dinner. 

The group from St. Matthias is: Sabrina Harper, Claire Scannell, Siena Falzon, Carrie Fulton, Mark Bobich, and Travis Bender. And from St. Pius is: Maria Cornell, Laurel Naylor, Ella Naylor, Maya Woodbury, Ryan Chang, and Coby Locsin. 

Each person was given a prayer card which lists the qualities that they expressed an interest in living out on the trip plus a wooden crucifix necklace to wear on the trip to remind us that Jesus is central to our mission and pilgrimage. (Here's my card and necklace...)

Fr. Coleman blessed the group at St. Pius and Fr. Craig Forner blessed the group at St. Matthias using the following prayer from the Catholic Book of Blessings.

Brothers and sisters, as we set out, we should remind ourselves of the reasons for our resolve to go on this holy pilgrimage. The place we intend to visit is a monument to the devotion of the people of God. They have gone there in great numbers to be strengthened in the Christian way of life and to become more determined to devote themselves to the works of charity. We must also try to bring something to the faithful who live there: our example of faith, hope, and love. In this way both they and we will be enriched by the help we give each other.


All-powerful God, you always show mercy toward those who love you and you are never far away for those who seek you. Remain with your servants on this holy pilgrimage and guide their way in accord with your will. Shelter them with your protection by day, give them the light of your grace by night, and, as their companion on the journey, bring them to their destination in safety.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
We will gather at SFO this Thursday morning at 4:15 am, please pray for our safe journey and continue to pray that our eyes are opened to the realities we see, our hearts are open to the love we'll feel and our ears are open to learning and trying new things. 

No comments:

Post a Comment