Pilgrims ‘harken to the call’

April 13, 2010 in General, News

pilgrimage_01Donal Neary SJ, parish priest of Gardiner St Church, and historian Fergus O’Donoghue SJ led 28 men and women, aged 25-85, on a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St Ignatius, visiting Loyola, Javier, Manresa and Montserrat. There was guided reflection on Ignatian history and spirituality over the five days and, according to Donal Neary, people were surprised at the impact the life of St Ignatius could have 464 years after his death. “Though the words may be dated, the spirit of singing ‘Ó Thou who harkened to the call’ will remain as echoes in the mind and soul ” he added. Music enlivened the journey, as did the historical input of Fergus O’Donoghue. According to Donal Neary the pilgrimage was “an uplifiting few days in bad Irish times, guiding us to where real renewal in church and faith will happen – in communal celebration and expressions of faith.”