DEA INAUGURAL PILGRIMAGE – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST DOMINIC

At the beginning of April, 22 pilgrims set off on the inaugural DEA pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St Dominic.

Pilgrims came from a variety of ministries within the Dominican Family in both Australia and the Solomon Islands. Some of these ministries included, Cabra Dominican College, Santa Sabina College, St Lucy’s School, Blackfriars Priory School Adelaide and DEA staff. The pilgrimage was led by Eileen Young (DEA Trustee Chair 2019-2025, Rob Napoli (DEA, CEO) and Sr Julianna Drobik OP (DEA Trustee).

The pilgrimage provided the opportunity for pilgrims to explore European culture, history and Dominican sacred sites as a way to grow in understanding of St Dominic and his context. Significant experiences during the pilgrimage included celebrating Palm Sunday Mass with the Dominican Sisters and local community at Prouilhe – the place St Dominic first instituted the order of nuns for women in 1206; staying in Caleruega, the place of Dominic’s birth and early years and celebrating Mass at Peter Seilhan’s house in Toulouse – the residence of the first community of Dominican Friars.

The pilgrims entered wholeheartedly into the Spirit of the pilgrimage embracing times of personal reflection, community prayer with the daily scripture, small group sharing and celebration of the Eucharist. Throughout the pilgrimage, the pilgrims were encouraged to reflect on how the story of St Dominic could be brought to life in their own contexts and ministries.

You can read more about the Pilgrimage Itinerary