Via Aurelia pilgrims’ way of the cross
a journey of prayer and communion
To respect their Lenten observances, religious members of Via Aurelia Pilgrims in Rome, from near and far, as well as neighbours, friends, and visitors, joined in the way of the Cross. Among them were the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (the convener), the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Apparition, Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Marist Sisters, the Missionaries of Africa, etc. As pilgrims, we were united with the universal Church on a journey of prayer and communion.
Seven stations guided our prayer and meditation. Our reflections were derived from well-chosen biblical passages and Laudato Si’ §§ 2, 66, 99, 100 and 205. They focused on creation, incarnation, the cry of the Earth, Golgotha and a return to the Father. We also asked our Mother Mary to intercede for us as we recited a decade of rosary. It was not only prayer and communion; it was also a time to contemplate the beauty of nature – trees, flowers, singing birds, sunshine – which reminded us of our responsibility to care for the Earth.
Furthermore, the host community offered snacks and drinks to the pilgrims. It was an opportunity to journey together, be in communion, nourish our faith, foster ecological conversion, and live synodal journey towards Easter.
Prosper HARELIMANA, M. Afr.
