St. Mary’s Convent, Handsworth was designated as a special place of Pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy. The Community at St. Mary’s decided to have an afternoon each month for anyone who wished to come for a Pilgrimage. Eight of these pilgrimages have taken place with between seven and fourteen people attending.
“After the March pilgrimage Angela and Brian wrote: “We both enjoyed the afternoon of the Pilgrimage of Mercy – it was like an oasis of peace and calm in this busy, noisy world. The music and readings were very soothing and restful – it was lovely to take ‘time out’ and think spiritual thoughts.”
Four young women, members of the Sion Community for Evangelisation made a Five Day Retreat at St. Mary’s. During their time here they experienced the Mercy Pilgrimage. Here are their comments:
“It was a real privilege to be able to walk through the door of Mercy at the Convent. I led our group through the door. We were all journeying into the heart of a merciful God.” (Morgan Mitchell)
“The most powerful part for me was sitting in Blessed Dominic Barberi’s Chair where he heard lots of confessions. I was touched and brought my own burdens to God in the same way these people did”. (Milagros Perez)
“My experience of the pilgrimage was made so much more prayerful when sitting in Blessed Dominic’s Chair. I had a real sense of the Heart of God which uplifted me”.
(Sarune Daugerdaite)
“Walking through the door of mercy really made me aware of leaving my burdens behind to walk into the presence of God as we slowly went through the pilgrimage stations. I was constantly reminded of how God welcomes us closer to Him without carrying our burdens.” (Anicka Schnurmacher)
“After the March pilgrimage Angela and Brian wrote: “We both enjoyed the afternoon of the Pilgrimage of Mercy – it was like an oasis of peace and calm in this busy, noisy world. The music and readings were very soothing and restful – it was lovely to take ‘time out’ and think spiritual thoughts.”
Four young women, members of the Sion Community for Evangelisation made a Five Day Retreat at St. Mary’s. During their time here they experienced the Mercy Pilgrimage. Here are their comments:
“It was a real privilege to be able to walk through the door of Mercy at the Convent. I led our group through the door. We were all journeying into the heart of a merciful God.” (Morgan Mitchell)
“The most powerful part for me was sitting in Blessed Dominic Barberi’s Chair where he heard lots of confessions. I was touched and brought my own burdens to God in the same way these people did”. (Milagros Perez)
“My experience of the pilgrimage was made so much more prayerful when sitting in Blessed Dominic’s Chair. I had a real sense of the Heart of God which uplifted me”.
(Sarune Daugerdaite)
“Walking through the door of mercy really made me aware of leaving my burdens behind to walk into the presence of God as we slowly went through the pilgrimage stations. I was constantly reminded of how God welcomes us closer to Him without carrying our burdens.” (Anicka Schnurmacher)
PILGRIMAGE GROUP – BIRMINGHAM COUNCIL OF FAITHS - UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE PHOTOGRAPH BY DR. PETER ROOKES & MRS JEAN ROOKES
 ANNUAL PAST PUPILS’ REUNION DAY JUNE 2016  SCHOOL GROUPS Children from St. Clare’s School, Handsworth visited class by class to experience the pilgrimage. St. John Wall Secondary School brought mixed age groups. For the Sisters here and for the pupils it was a moving experience and the children were very responsive. Comments from St. Clare’s School:- “Thank you sisters for giving me the honour of taking the pilgrimage of Mercy and Door of Mercy including the Chair of Mercy which all made me open my heart out. I will never forget this pilgrimage”. “When I sat on the Chair of Mercy, I really felt that I was talking to Jesus and I felt I was cleansed.” “Thank you for having us at your home. I was a new person and I felt better when I came out.” “When I came out of the Convent I felt Golden” When I sat on the Chair of Mercy I felt I had Jesus in my heart and when I prayed all my worries disappeared”. Ann Marie Owen RE Leader at St. Clare's wrote: "At St. Clare's School in Handsworth, we are fortunate to be close enough to walk to the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy and have been able to take some of our children there for the pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy. It has been an enlightening and spiritual experience that has been enjoyed by both children and staff alike. The Sisters have been extremely welcoming and accommodating. They have helped to make the Year of Mercy personal and meaningful to our children. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work in serving God and our community." Dear Sisters, Thank you for inviting Class 5NY and myself to the convent last Friday for the Pilgrimage of Mercy. I was overwhelmed by my pupils' responses to it. They were prayerful throughout and when we left they were really excited by it. Many children asked if they could 'do it again' and when we returned to school, they asked to say the prayer again. I genuinely felt the Holy Spirit was with us on Friday. Thank you so much. God bless you. Nora Young (St. Clare's Class Teacher 5NY) |
Noreen Cullen rsm
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