Sacred Heart Pilgrimage
to Dominica
19 - 23 August 2004
 |
A large contingent of Sacred Heart Confraternity from St. Lucia on pilgrimage to Dominica |
Letter To The Pilgrims
My dear Brothers and Sisters
With a heart full of joy I write to say thanks to all of you!
I pray that the Good Lord will give us the grace to continue to share the love, joy and unity which embraced us in Dominica.
As was said before, the pilgrimage is ended, but our spirit-filled family has just begun.
Let us therefore go forward together and share that love from the open Heart of Jesus with our brothers and sisters.
May the love and peace of The Sacred Heart of Jesus be always with us.
Telita Samuel
President, Sacred Heart Confraternity Cathedral
We the Mon Repos Pilgrims feel blessed to have been on that pilgrimage. We know it was The Lord’s Will. Thanks and Praise to Him!
First Pilgrim:
We were blessed with fine weather, good hospitality and warm relationship among pilgrims.
The tranquility of the Holy Redeemer Retreat House filled me with awe; a sense of being on Holy Ground; therefore I felt the longing to communicate with God more often. The address by Msgr. John Lewis was an inspiration. His explanation of The Heart of Jesus called for some serious soul-searching. He reaffirmed the fact that to be a member of the Sacred Heart is not just to participate in rituals, but rather it is a way of life.
We are called to imitate that Heart of Jesus; to care; to be compassionate; to forgive; to love every day and every one. We are called to reflect that Heart of Jesus so that others may find Jesus through us.
Bishop Malzaire’s homily on”Walking Through The Narrow Door” was an extension of Msgr. Lewis’ address, since we encounter these narrow doors in dealing with others around us. I realize that to achieve this, calls for deep rooted faith which can only be sustained by a fervent prayer life.
A seed was planted not only in Dominica but also in me. I know that I need to nurture it and make it grow.
Second Pilgrim:
I experienced great joy, inner peace and comfort. A clearer
and deeper insight of the true meaning of the Sacred Heart and what it means to be a member of the Confraternity. The explanation of the Flame in the Heart of Jesus, the power of His Love for us left me with a better understanding of His Great Second Commandment.
The entire experience on the pilgrimage has rekindled a flame of love in my heart for the Sacred Heart and a burning desire to promote love and devotion for Him particularly through my way of life.
Third Pilgrim:
(emotionally)
I know God brought me to that pilgrimage! On that pilgrimage He touched my heart in a special way. Where there was pain and hurt, I received healing. It was hard for me to let go, now I have an open heart; a heart that enables me to reach out; to make the first move; to forgive and let go.
On my return I made that first move! Now I feel free! I feel light.
I have a great love for the Sacred Heart. Thanks to The Sacred Heart! I am so happy to be a member.
Fourth Pilgrim:
Oh! Oh! Oh! I am so happy, so happy to have been one of the pilgrims.
I feel so blessed, so much happier; I am living a life that is much happier with my family.
Thank God and thank you Mrs. Samuel. May God bless you and grant you the physical healing you presently need.
After months of preparation the day had finally arrived for the Sacred Heart confraternity to fulfill its pledge to visit Dominica as promised to Father Vincent Esprit when he visited us 2003.
Our full contingent consisted of fifty three members from every parish in St. Lucia. We traveled on the 19 August and 20 August respectively with thirty members on the first day and 23 members on the second day. Unfortunately our Spiritual Director could not accompany us. He did however see us off and wished us God speed.
The first group was headed by the President, Mrs. Telita Samuel and the second group by Benignus Henry. It was quite a joyful and impressive spectacle to see the groups proceed to the aircraft - the uniforms, the regalia etc. left no doubt in spectators minds as to what was happening.
, Father Vincent Esprit personally welcomed all of us. We proceeded to have lunch prior to visiting our Dominican counterparts at St. Gerald’s Hall- the local Pastoral Centre.
At 2:00 p.m. we arrived at our destination and were met and welcomed by the members of the Dominican delegation. Father Esprit made the necessary introductions. Our President Telita Samuel was invited to outline the history of the Sacred Heart in St. Lucia. She did an excellent job of it. She made it clear that the pilgrims represented all the parishes in St. Lucia. After her very educational dissertation on the confraternity which created much applause, other members were invited to speak about the confraternity’s activities in their parish. It was clear that they did a good job from the applause generated.
The Dominican delegation proceeded to outline their history for our benefit. At the conclusion it was obvious that they were not happy with the status quo. This
may have motivated Father Esprit to extend the invitation to visit them. At this point our President advised them, wished them well and invited them to visit St. Lucia next year.
There was a short break and the St. Lucia pilgrims performed a skit on the life of Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque. It was a resounding success. It is my opinion that if anything was missing to motivate our host then the skit certainly did.
Refreshments were served and pictures were taken. At 6:00 p.m. we departed for the Holy Redeemer Retreat House where we had dinner, prayed and retired for the night.
The following day we gathered at the chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Succor, and said our morning prayers. After this, Father Cuffie, C.S.S.R., celebrated Holy Mass for the group. After the celebration of the Eucharist we had breakfast. At 9:00 a. m. we traveled through scenic and mountainous territory to the village of La Roche where we attended mass and had the pleasure of being addressed by Monsignor In. Lewis who gave an excellent homily on the Sacred Heart and how members should conduct themselves. From there we visited a new development, Jungle Bay Hotel, which was due to be opened shortly. We had lunch there, learnt about the new venture and left for White River where some of the members took the opportunity to bathe and have fun. On our way back to the Holy Redeemer Retreat House we visited a factory specializing in the extraction of bay leaf oil. The equipment and the processes were explained. We returned to the Holy Redeemer Retreat House prayed, had dinner and retired.
We started Sunday with the usual morning prayers before traveling to the Roseau Cathedral to attend Mass at at which His Lordship Bishop Gabriel Malzaire was the chief celebrant. He was very happy to see us. We understood that he had adjusted his leave schedule to accommodate us. He delivered a soul searching homily to members of the Sacred Heart confraternity and explained what going through the narrow doors meant or should mean to us. He explained what was expected of members and the role they were expected to play in spreading the love of Jesus to mankind. He indicated how impressed he was with our effort and said that it should not stop there but encompass the entire Caribbean. After the service we returned to the Holy Redeemer Retreat House for lunch and a short relaxation before returning to the cathedral for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. On our return we were addressed by His Lordship Bishop Gabriel Malzaire. We prayed the rosary, had the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and then Benediction. The session ended at 4:00 p. m. with the formal closing of the pilgrimage. His Lordship spent some moments with members and we all returned to the Holy Redeemer Retreat House.
Before retiring the President finalized traveling plans with members.
At 5:45 the next morning we all said our usual office and morning prayers, after which Father Mark said mass for us. Shortly after that the first group of pilgrims boarded the buses and headed for the airport. At 2:00 p.m. the second group left for the airport as well. We all arrived safely. All good things must come to an end and so the pilgrims hugged each other and headed for their various destinations. All in all this was a very deeply spiritual pilgrimage cherished by all the participants. We take the opportunity to thank the host country for its hospitality and the generosity of its people. Our thanks to His Lordship Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, Father Vincent Esprit and his team for the successful outcome of the pilgrimage.
Click below to view
Photo Gallery
The Pilgrims’ Experiences
by Eugenia Albert
Bexon
The Sacred Heart Pilgrimage to Dominica was a great spiritual experience for me. We left St. Lucia on the morning of Thursday 19th August, and arrived in Dominica to an enthusiastic group of Sacred heart members of Dominica, who welcomed us with a warm heart.
The journey to the Redemptorist Retreat House lasted about two hours, and the scenic view was one I will not forget. The greenery, seemed like untouched vegetation. We were also given a warm welcome at the retreat house on arrival, by the priest and staff of the premises.
During the four days stay in Dominica, we celebrated mass everyday. But on the Sunday we celebrated mass at the Cathedral in Roseau, with Bishop Malzaire, who was very excited to see the St. Lucian contingent at mass and we were well represented.
All the sessions planned by our host were well co-ordinated. The activities started on Friday afternoon with sacred heart leaders of Dominica informing us of the status of their groups around the island. With the St. Lucia branch of the Sacred heart Confraternity we were proud to say that there is an organized group in all parishes on the island. Persons gave testimonies which were heartfelt. Some of the speakers spoke of miracles and how they became members of the organization. This session was followed by socializing and snacks were offered and finally a group photo was taken.
Saturday’s session began with a long drive to the south and there another welcoming party awaited us. There was a talk by Monsignor John Lewis followed by lunch and bathing at White river.
The weekend ended on Sunday with morning Mass and benediction at 3:00 in the afternoon at the Cathedral. The afternoon session was conducted by Bishop Gabriel Malzaire.
We left Dominica on Monday morning. It was a well co-ordinated weekend. The participants became one large family, caring for each others needs Everything went well and I would like to thank God and others for the opportunity for being a part of the pilgrimage.
We, the St. Lucian pilgrims are looking forward to receiving the Dominican contingent next year at our annual Rally.
by Helena St. Martin
Micoud Parish
Devotions to The Sacred Heart of Jesus consists first and foremost the essential act of love. (Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik S.V.D.)
I experienced this love during our weekend visit to Dominica (August 19-23, 2004).
This weekend visit was in response to an invitation by Fr. Vincent Esprit who was the guest speaker at the Sacred Heart rally at Marchand in 2003.
A group of fifty-three Sacred Heart members from various parishes traveled to Dominica. We were hosted at The Holy Redeemer Retreat House. Our stay at the House was great. Our hosts made us feel very welcome. We felt the love, the joy and warmth in their hearts as they ensured that we felt at home. We could not have asked for anything more.
The love, joy and warmth was also shared among us as we prayed, worshipped and discussed together.
Our weekend was not only one of prayer and devotion, but we also had the time to vis it some of the interesting spots in that nature Isle of the Caribbean.
The celebration of The Holy Eucharist at the Cathedral on Sunday was indeed the most enjoyable part for me. The celebrant was Bishop Gabriel Malzaire.
I give thanks and praise to God that I was able to make this trip to Dominica to be at this celebration, since I was unable to make it to Bishop Malzaire’s ordination.
Indeed it was a great experience for me, since this was my first trip out of my homeland, St. Lucia.
Thanks to my sisters who encouraged and supported me for this pilgrimage. May The Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to be our fountain of life and holiness.
by Monica Yarde
Sacred Heart Parish Marchand
When I left St. Lucia for Dominica on Friday 20th August 2004, with 23 other pilgrims from various parishes around the island to join 30 other pilgrims who had travelled the previous day, I knew that it would be a weekend of prayer, meeting people, making new friends and sharing. However, it was much more than that.
I experienced that deep feeling of Love emanating from everyone. I experienced a deeper sharing within the few Sacred Heart members of Dominica when we dramatised the play on Our Lord Jesus Christ appearance to Sister Margaret Mary and His 12 promises to those devoted to His Sacred Heart.
The response of the Dominicans was overwhelming. I knew at that moment that Our Lord was pleased with us as that play was an “Eye opener” to all of us and it emphasized our commitment to the devotion of the Sacred Heart.
At our meetings with Bishop Malzaire, Monsignor John Lewis, Fathers Esprit, Cuffie and Mark, we were constantly being reminded that the Sacred Heart of Jesus represents love.
Love flowing from His Heart to us. As members of His Sacred Heart, we should extend this love to all our brothers and sisters in sharing our God given gifts with them at all times.
It was a real blessing for us all
by Bernadette Pamphile
Gros Islet Parish
It was the last meeting before going to our Pilgrimage to Dominica.
Sitting at the meeting, only one from my Community Gros Islet, not knowing anyone by name except Sister Samuel among fifty-three people.
Sister Samuel said, “In Dominica it will be two persons to one room. These names have already been paired and the lists are already in Dominica; so when your name is called and you meet your partner, do not complain but accept each other with opened arms”.
When this was said, there was a lady sitting next to me and she said in a soft voice, ‘I wish that you would be my partner’. I turned to her and gave a little smile, but saying to myself whoever my partner is will be alright with me.
Friday the 20th August, twenty-three of us traveled to Dominica, she was one of the seven last persons to reach the Airport. I greeted her and I did not see her again until we arrived in Dominica.
When Sister Samuel called out the names to our rooms, I was most amazed to hear Bernadette Pamphile (myself) and Octavia Marius. When I looked at my partner, she was the same person who had said at the meeting that she wished that I would be her partner. I said to her, ‘let us go; your wish has come true’! We went to our room and there we prayed together and made a feast over the occasion!
She is now part of my family, and we keep close contact with each other. I look forward to the day when she will come to my home and I will go to hers.
This is a family given to me by The Sacred Heart Of Jesus through the Dominica Pilgrimage.
by Sophia Lamontagne and Hermina St. Hill
Soufriere Parish
The time spent in Dominica was both spiritual and recreational.
Every day started with morning prayers at the Chapel of the Retreat House, followed by Holy Mass.
The size of the Chapel and the full participation of the pilgrims made these sessions Spirit-filled and inspirational.
Father John Lewis’ talk on the love of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, and our expected response to that great Love, caused much soul-searching. It also strengthened our resolve to mirror that Love in our imperfect human way, by loving one another, especially the disadvantaged.
Holy Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fair Haven was officiated by Bishop Gabriel Malzaire. He reminded us that everyone has a narrow door in life, and challenged us to recognize that door and squeeze through it.
This service was certainly the highlight of our pilgrimage.
On Friday 20th August and Saturday 21st August we basked in the warm welcome of the local members of The Sacred Heart.
The social reception and presentation on Friday were followed on Saturday by a visit to Jungle Bay Resort, and a visit to White River.
Several members of our group enjoyed a refreshing and invigorating river bath.
We thank God for the privilege of participating in this pilgrimage.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 5
Archbishop | Caritas Antilles | Calendar | Catholic Chronicle
Chancery Departments | Education | Events | History | Institutions
Links | Mass and other Services | Monastery | Parishes
Seminary | Schools | Suffragans | The Bible | The Holy Mass
Home
Copyright ©2004 Archdiocese of Castries
|
