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Reflections from the back of the Bus - En route to Athens
20th June, 2009 - Posted by Ursula Stephens -
We’re a motley group of pilgrims. Meeting for the first time in Sydney international terminal, tentative smiles and nods, acknowledging the distinctive carry on bags that identified us all. Some of us had met at the briefing meeting- others were meeting for the first time. As we nudged forward in the check-in queue I saw a hand waving a long way down the line - it was Fr Francise, shepherding the Canberra group.
We met again in the departure lounge- Fr Francise resplendent in a green and gold Australia bucket hat, Archbishop Francis moving gingerly onto the plane and the long journey to Athens. We’re off!
“Love and move inwards, discover your will. Shed heart’s invasions and the mind’s harsh control” Pope John Paul II.
We have a pilgrim journal and to reflect on the import of each day takes discipline as we move in the footsteps of St Paul.
18th June
We are here! Flying in low over Athens our first view is the sparkling water as the sun rises and the ancient metropolis stretching below.
Athens is sparse, barren and chaotic- new suburbs spread out in a tumble-jumble of new houses and apartment blocks. Sprawling spaces, crawling traffic - Athens is a teeming mass of people going about their business.
As are your weary pilgrims! We assemble for the first time as a group outside the customs area at Athens airport. Our cheerful and charming guide is Gianni - he whisks us away through the city to the hotel. We have just 30 minutes before Gianni steps us out into the already searing morning heat fur our walking tour of the centre of Athens.
What would St Paul think of Attica today?
We’re joined by Neil and Mary. We gathered in the foyer of the hotel - the first time we have all been together. Gianni has told us we’re off for a walking tour of the city. Its already very hot (about 35) and we have Elizabeth a spritely and veteran pilgrim - she looks as fragile as a bird, but nothing fazes her. Bishop Francis is pale, but glad to be moving and in the fresh air. Ted looks determined to keep up, and we all head off after the effervescent Gianni who leads us into the crazy Athens sunshine.
In my head I’m singing “Be still and know that I am God” - how to find stillness in this pace will be our challenge.
We are standing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - the traditionally dressed guards in their tunics, woolen stockings and pompommed shoes perform their half-hourly ritual- I’m reminded of John Cleese and “The Ministry of Silly Walks” !
As we head off into the narrow streets towards Plaka for lunch we’ve lost some our number. Bishop Francis has gone back with Neil to the hotel to rest. We recite the prayer in the pilgrim’s journal to aid his recovery.
After a wonderful communal lunch where we’ve had the chance to compare a few stories and motivations, its back to the hotel for a rest before our first Mass together.
We gather as pilgrims embarking on a long journey. Archbishop Mark has arrived from Rome via Budapest! Sometimes our journey will have many twists and turns before we reach our destination.
Our first Mass together is full of anticipation - this beautiful church is the perfect setting…… Be still my soul!
Mass at the Greek cathedral
We gather as pilgrims embarking on a long journey. Archbishop Mark has arrived from Rome via Budapest! Sometimes our journey will have many twists and turns before we reach our destination.
Our first Mass together is full of anticipation - this beautiful church is the perfect setting…… Be still my soul!
Next Morning
What is the difference between a tour and a pilgrimage? Archbishop Mark poses this question when we set off on the bus this morning.
The answer of course is intention! Our intention is to immerse ourselves in the journey of, and the teachings of St Paul in this Pauline year..
The Pilgrim journal, the bible and our guides bring the history and context alive. We feel we have handed over our hearts and minds to the Lord, through Archbishop Mark, who coaxes and chides us to focus on the import of the journey.
Today we have a wonderful and scholarly guide - Paul. He and Archbishop Mark bounce off each other as we see the wonderful archeological sites of Athens.
We begin with morning prayers to focus our mind on our journey- each of us seeking to shake off some preconceptions and opening our minds and our hearts to the lessons ahead.
Archbishop Mark speaks with his hands - such powerful gestures and symbolic of the great philosophers. His hands are mesmerising - he draws your attention to him by pointing to you, making eye contact and embracing you in his smile.
His hands remind me of Dad’s hands - not the same - Dad had huge hands - honest hands from decades of hard work and tender care. And Archbishop Francis’ hands are warm and embracing- wise hands! Mary has healing hands I notice - and I’ve just discovered she is a doctor. Elizabeth sits quietly in the bus, her hands are gnarled and a little arthritic. She is amazing - full of grace and peaceful in her demeanour - and I think full of mischief!
Our visit to the Acropolis is stunning- Paul describes its history, civilisation after civilisation. Layers and layers of history, ideology and religion. The restoration of the Parthenon is quite extraordinary and of course incredibly ambitious.
Archbishop Mark leads us up the ancient steps to the Aeropagus where Paul gave his sermon in Acts 17:15-34 about the Identity of ‘the Unknown God.”
As we head to Corinth, Paul and Archbishop Mark paint the geographic and historical landscape for us. We take the opportunity to say the Angelus and take time for quiet reflection and prayer.
A few heads are nodding - it’s been a hot tough start in the footsteps of St Paul.
Contributing pilgrim blogger, Senator Ursula Stephens
Tags: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, footsteps of saint paul, pilgrimage, st paul
Posted on: June 20, 2009
Filed under: Reflections from the Back of the Bus
3 Comments
bernice Marris
June 21st, 2009 at 7:54 am
That is a great quote from John Paul ll, Ursula - not only for you pilgrims on your challenging journey - but also for all seeking to follow more closely Christ and His Saints in our daily lives.
Safe travel Pilgrims!
Louise Parsons
June 21st, 2009 at 9:29 am
As the wintery rain drizzles here in Newcastle it is difficult to imagine the heat you have referred to over there. I paused in delight this morning as I watched about 20 brave souls take a swim at Bar Beach. Life is certainly a wonderful adventure. St.Paul must have also felt the same as he discovered all those places that you are now describing.
Louise Wakefield
June 21st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
You are a great blogger Mum - I almost feel like I am there as I am reading your post!
Despite a rough day and night with the boys, I have to thank God for the glorious day here in Goulburn. A contrast to the cool Sunday. Even Our Lady of Fatima was chilly yesterday! I offered up the Mass for you and Dad and the other pilgrims and hope you are all having a wonderful experience.
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