Journeying on a pilgrimage removes us from many of the aspects of our daily lives that help to shape our identity to include our family, friends, work and other endeavors. This stepping away invites us to center ourselves as we enter into a unique experience as seekers on a spiritual journey.
Nine of us had an extraordinary opportunity to participate in a pilgrimage to Le Puy-en-Velay, France accompanied by two remarkable Sisters of St Joseph of Orange. As the Sisters describe it, "This pilgrimage is in response to a “Call to the More, the more of God” as the charism of the congregation is “to bring all people into union with God and one another. The Mission of Jesus we serve: That all may be one.” Our journey was embarked upon for the purpose of expanding our understanding of spiritual precepts and to learn about the lives of the men and women who first visioned the foundation of "the community of the great love of God." A retreat that included guided presentations, sharing of the heart, reflection, prayer, journaling, exploring sacred sites. Opening a window into a transformational experience, pointing the way to living life with deeper meaning and purpose.
Le Puy is a beautiful town in south central France with narrow cobblestone streets and stones houses that reflect a reverence for its history and a spiritual energy that permeates the atmosphere. The culture is relaxed with a slower pace that encourages enjoyment of being and living within a lovely sense of community. Le Puy is known as the starting gateway to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail as well as its lace making. It is home to a 12th-century Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral with its gorgeous frescoes and a cloister. Perched on a volcanic rock, is the magnificent St-Michel d’Aiguilhe chapel that dates back to the 10th century. Nearby, upon another volcanic pinnacle is an 1860 statue of Mother Mary who radiates peace as a beloved protector of the town. I love the fact that she was sculpted from melted down cannons.
To experience this pilgrimage in a small group allowed for a more intimate setting. The sharing of each persons varied perceptions was tremendously enriching in an environment of mutual unconditional regard that was truly life affirming as we shared our stories, experiences, faith, laughter, tears, wisdom, insights with deep gratitude for being there together and most especially deep gratitude for the Sister's who made this all possible.
Liz Sorensen Wessel
photos by ~liz
Note: The photo of St-Michel d’ Aiguilhe chapel in the evening and the unusual opening or window through the clouds was quite beautiful to behold and perhaps a metaphor for our journey. (The photo was not altered in any way.)
