Why the journey?

28 animators of the Marist camps of Canada and two accompaniers, Brother Bernard Beaudin and Véronique Dumais, enjoyed a great and beautiful adventure on the Marist pilgrimage to Notre Dame de   L’Hermitage from 11 to 19 August. After a year of meetings for preparation and study, we were able to follow the footsteps of Champagnat with: why the journey? as our theme.

We received an exceptional welcome at the Hermitage, due, among other things, to our two marvellous accompaniers, Martha from Mexico and Colette, from France. During our stay, we shared some marvellous moments. Although a large part of a pilgrimage is interior and personal, we were enriched by the group. And what an exceptional group! Persons of different ages and origins, open, respectful, authentic and daily living the Marist values. Although the countryside was impressive by its naturalness and distribution, the most important thing was to discover and live with others. There were so many marvelous people on this pilgrimage…

We all felt the inspiring and paternal presence of the Founder. He protected us throughout the journey.