As
part of the Year of Grace, the Church in Australia has organised a pilgrimage
of a relic of Saint Francis Xavier, a former patron saint of Australia during
mission times. Saint Francis Xavier was a student of Ignatius of Loyola
and one of the first seven Jesuits. He is arguably the greatest missionary
of the Church since Saint Paul. “It’s very rare for the relic
of the arm of Saint Francis Xavier to ever leave the Gesu Church in Rome,
but we thought it would be good as part of a special Year of Grace that
Australia is having, that we might have the arm of Saint Francis Xavier
make a pilgrimage around the country,” said Bishop Peter Comensoli.
During the next two months, the treasured relic will make its way all around
Australia.
The relic was in the Wollongong Diocese from 23 September to 25 September. |
 |
Fr.
Richard Shortall SJ giving a talk on the life of St. Francis Xavier. The
church as packed to capacity for the Mass that followed.
The main celebrant was Bishop Peter Ingham with Fr. Jarek, Fr. Richard Green,
Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Richard Shortall SJ assisting. |
 |
| The
beautiful reliquary made by a fellow in Sydney to fit the relic's travel
case. |
 |
| A
close up of St. Francis' right forearm. |
 |
| Members
of the "Friends of St. Francis - Berrima" (John D'arcy, Kevin
Harrison, Bob Strode and Brian Wilson) acting as pall bearers taking the
relic outside for transport to the next venue. |
 |
| The
reliquary is placed into the hearse. |
 |
| The
relic of St. Francis is farewelled by Bishop Peter, Fr. Jarek, Fr. Richard
and parishioners. |
 |
| The
relic departs for the next stage of its journey - Port Kembla. |
|
Links
to look up the Journey of the relic and the life of St. Francis Xavier:
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/events/pilgrimageofgrace/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Xavier
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06233b.htm
http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2012/2012914_141.shtml
|
| Return
to the Berrima Church page |