A Simple Instrument: Holy Cross Goes to Montreal!

Holy Cross pilgrims, St. Joseph's Oratory Gardens

The following reflection was written by Bro. Carlos Parrilla, CSC the Vocation Director for our Midwest Province of Brothers, South Bend, Indiana --

2010 Pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal

A total of sixteen students and eleven adults from our various Midwest Province, Eastern Province of Brothers, and the South-West Province schools made the tenth annual pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal from July 19 to July 23. The pilgrims were representatives from Holy Cross High School in Flushing, NY; Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, CT; Holy Cross High School in San Antonio, TX; Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, OH; as well as the vocation directors from the Midwest, the South-West, and the Eastern Province of Brothers. The pilgrims roomed and took most of their meals at the nearby Collège Jean de Brébeuf, about half a mile from the Oratory.

The pilgrimage began with arrival on Monday evening, during which time the participants welcomed each other and were given a run-down on the meaning of pilgrimage. They were also asked to reflect on their hopes and expectations. On Tuesday, the focus was the St. Joseph’s Oratory itself. This day began with Morning Prayer and with a guided tour, followed by the English Mass in the crypt church, during which Brother Nick Perez, South-West Province, renewed his annual vows for the third year. On that evening, the group walked the Stations of the Cross in the beautiful Via Crucis gardens of the Oratory.

Beginning with a period of morning reflections, Wednesday afternoon of was reserved for a walking tour of the three other basilicas of Montreal. Marie-Reine-du-Monde (Mary, Queen of the World), the first one visited, is the cathedral of the Cardinal-Archbishop of Montreal. The pilgrims were impressed with this beautiful church, which is a scaled-down replica of St. Peter Basilica in Rome. St. Patrick, the second basilica visited, is the church for the English-speaking Montreal Catholic community. The pilgrims were graciously received by the rector who welcomed them with the celebration of the Eucharist. After a leisurely lunch in the nearby area, the group came together to visit the inspiring Basilique de Notre-Dame de Montréal. Originally serving as the diocesan cathedral of Montreal, this basilica is noted for its intricate woodwork and the place of frequent religious and cultural presentations. After supper that evening, the group returned to the Oratory for Evening Prayer celebrated on the terrace overlooking the City of Montréal.

Thursday began with the usual Morning Prayer and followed with an intensive group reflection on life’s issues. After lunch the group was given various options for afternoon activities. Most went back to Montreal to re-visit the basilicas or simply to see other sites. Some opted to stay around the Oratory, while others took bicycle rides around the area. Some chose to stay behind and reflect on what all they had experienced. That evening, the pilgrims gathered at nearby Restaurant St-Hubert for an exquisite dinner taken in one of its private areas, and where all competed to order the most elaborate dessert.

Following the delightful meal, the group returned to Collège Jean de Brébeuf for wrap-up and evaluation. It was also the time to bid farewell and to reflect on “how to take home what had been gathered through this experience at the Oratoire Saint-Joseph.”

Photo credit: Bro. Nich Perez, CSC
San Antonio, Texas