33 French citizens, aged from 18-88, including 8 married couples, completed their fortnight's pilgrimage in the North Island on 15 July. The pilgrimage was led by Cardinal Barbarin of Lyons and Bishop Riocreux, who had arranged for the return of Bishop Pompallier's remains.

Two days before leaving NZ, two pilgrims spoke to John Craddock sm and said, "Father, every day there is more life". His reply "Non fatigue?” "Oh non, mon pere, every day there is more life and more exciting."

The pilgrimage began with visiting the resting place of New Zealand's first Bishop, Jean Baptiste Pompallier. They then traced the footsteps of Lyonnaise, Suzanne Aubert who came to NZ with Bishop Pompallier in 1868. After time in Auckland and Hawke's Bay, Mother Aubert founded the Sisters of Compassion at Jerusalem, Whanganui.

Highlights of the pilgrimage were visiting Meeanee and Pakipaki, a jet boat trip up the Whanganui River to visit the mission at Jerusalem, seeing the Homes of Compassion in Wanganui, Wellington and Heretaunga, the Soup kitchen and the visit to pray at Suzanne's grave.

Photo: Some of the 33 French Pilgrims jet-boating up the Wanganui River to visit Jerusalem. Four jet boats were charted to circumnavigate the road blockages caused by heavy rain. It turned that day of the pilgrimage into an adventure. The pilgrims were graciously received locally. With thanks to John Archer. To see more of his pictures of the French pilgrimage, Click here to go to his site

Other highlights of the Suzanne Aubert part of the pilgrimage were a reception at St Joseph Maori Girls College where the group stayed; the 6 p.m. Deanery supported packed Mass at St Mary’s Church; the dinner following with 200 present in the College dinning room; visiting the former Marist seminary and Mission Cellars; Puketapu cemetery where thirteen French Marist Priests and Brothers lie; and then to old Meeanne and the Pakipaki Marae. Suzanne ministered in Hawkes Bay for over twelve years from 1871-1883

The last function organised for the Pilgrims was attending the French Ambassador's Evening Reception on Bastille Day. Held at the Boat Shed on the Waterfront, it proved a fitting venue to celebrate French National Day. In the building, amidst the multiple tricoleurs, the champagne and crêpes, one pilgrim confessed to no longer feeling a stranger or a pilgrim, but at citizen at home.

At midday, Archbishop Dew led the concelebration of Mass in the Cathedral which was well supported by many people, including a large group of youth who were preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation under the guidance of Challenge 2000.

The rest of the day was spent in visiting the Aubert Chapel at St Joseph’s Mount Victoria, the Soup Kitchen in Tory Street, the Marist and Mission Sisters Archives, the Home of Compassion at Silverstream and buying little souvenirs to take home.

Fr Craddock considered the pilgrimage a great success, The travel agent in Paris said on their return the pilgrims raved about it.

It is hoped that it lends support for the beatification of Mother Suzanne Aubert, respected citizen of France and New Zealand. The positive welcoming response from so many people throughout NZ has been heartening as well.

Additional Note:

Cardinal Barbarin in Lyon is a neighbour to the Sisters of the Missions, so he took particular interest in the Mission Sisters schools in Hamilton, Napier and Lower Hutt. All five schools will have representatives visiting Lyon and Fourviere in September 2006 to renew ties with their founders home-city.

To many, two years out may seem a long time to be planning in detail Catholic World Youth Day in Sydney, July 2008.

Not so the French Bishops visiting Sydney and New Zealand. While visiting the dioceses of Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Wellington (including Nelson and Blenheim), Cardinal Philippe Barbarin and Bishop Jean Yves Riocreux many times expressed interest and the hope that the expected thousands of French Youth would be able to visit NZ prior to the July event in Sydney. (Maybe this will be extended to Christchurch as well with Akaroa being a French colony from 1840 on).

Having French Youth in NZ, particularly those from the Archdioceses of Lyon and Paris, as guests of the dioceses is an opportunity for local youth to be inspired by the faith and hope of others, refresh the foundational links of Faith between the countries, re-enkindle missionary spirit among the young generation and provide a bond between people of differing nationalities.

Photo: Fr Soane Lomu sm, educated at Greenemeadows, is one of two Tongan Marist priests serving the 5000 people of Futuna. This photo was taken on Assumption Day at the outdoor Mass beside the Church of the Assumption.

Nine Marists, two Australians: Brother Des Murphy FMS with a strong track record of ministry in Melanesia, and Tom Smyth, assistant director of Champagnat Education, Victoria; Two Tongans: Savou Halifihi, conductor of the Tongan Third Order of Mary Choir in Auckland and Sister Colette DOLC; Tokelauan Kalolo Perez, a leader in the Samoan Third Order in Wellington; Ms Joanne Oliver, secretary of the Marist Messenger and co-founder of the Magnificat Community; Sr Aquin SMSM, congregational archivist in Auckland, Fr Yvan Sergy, a Swiss Fidei Donum priest in the Diocese of Hamilton whose patron is St Peter Chanel, and John Craddock SM, connected with 12 Marist Laity from New Caledoneia, 12-19 August. It was a profound experience, one which we will try and describe in another issue. JCsm

It was set up in response to the growing needs of refugees and asylum seekers, especially those released from detention. After fleeing violence and persecution and traumatised by their experience, many have been retraumatised in our detention centres especially those who have spent years on Nauru as part of our "Pacific Solution". They come to us broken and crushed suffering from profound depression and anxiety holding Temporary Humanitarian visas- which deny them for another three or five years, reunion with their families and full integration into the Australian community.

The House of Welcome particularly assists refugees on Temporary Protection and Temporary Humanitarian Visas. Refugees and asylum seekers are in a vulnerable position with an insecure future. This is especially so for those on Bridging Visas for whom all services are denied: no Medicare, no access to Centrelink, no work rights, no study rights.

The House of Welcome helps connect people with relevant Government and welfare agencies. It is also currently housing 22 people and assists in finding permanent accommodation. Through its volunteers it offers various forms of support for individuals and families, including respite holidays with volunteer families. Assistance is also given to those who are seeking employment.

The name 'House of Welcome' has a real Marist feel about it. So too does the compassionate, respectful service it provides to those it accompanies. Fr Jim Carty SM is the co-ordinator of the work and two Marist Sisters, Grace & Gail are also employed there and Therese is a regular volunteer.

Sr Gail Reneker SM (abridged)

For more information and photos Click here

Sr Marie Challacombe SM in Belley, France, informs us of a new web page to be officially inaugurated and blessed on the 8th December this year. It is the work of the Inter-branch Spirituality Committee of the Marist General Councils.

She invites reflections on the first theme:

Called to be Marist – what does this mean for me?

Contributions may take the form of a deep personal experience, a poem, a meditation, a simple testimony of daily living, or a reflection emanating from substantial research.

She invites you to send them to her at: mfwp@aliceads.fr