Guild Board Members Make the Pilgrimage
They walk in the footsteps of Mother Mary Lange and the early Sisters.
By Sister Virginie Fish, OSP
It was an abbreviated pilgrimage. It was only three hours, but the breath of the Spirit was palpable. Assembling in the Oblate Sisters of Providence Motherhouse chapel, Guild Board members were warned: This is a prayer experience…We will walk (O.K., ride…), pray, do penance, and reflect. In turn, receive unexpected blessings.
Leaving Mt. Providence, the pilgrimage led to:
* Paca Street - Chapelle Basse…Holy Ground- A return to the roots…
* St. Mary’s Court…Where it all began…
* 610 George Street… A Congregation is born…
* Commemorative monument erected by the city in recognition of more than a century and a half of service by the Oblate Sisters of Providence…
* 41 Richmond Street (Now “Read Street”) St. Frances of Rome Academy, Boys’ School, 41 years of service at this site…
* 501 E. Chase Street- St. Frances Convent, Academy, Orphanage, Historical Landmark of educational religious and social services for 90 years; at this site the OSP grow to maturity.
* New Cathedral Cemetery--Mother Lange’s grave--”Here lie the mortal remains of Elizabeth Clarisse Lange a.k.a. Mother Mary Lange, O.S.P.…”
* 701Gun Road-- A return to “the Mount”: OSP Headquarters, Novitiate, Retirement, Archives, Retreat Facility, Day Care & Tutorial Programs.
As the pilgrims journeyed from place to place in prayer, reflection and penance, their faith expanded. There was a heightened sense of mystery. Vibrations of the history prevalent in that era, the ministries of the Sisters, experiences, disappointments, successes, joys, sorrows, trials and tribulations became vivid. There was a heightened awareness of witnessing the human condition—then and now. Touched by the Spirit, realization dawned that the same loving faithfulness and providential care God lavished on Mother Lange and the early sisters is available to each pilgrim--just for the asking. Through it all, the presence of God--a vital part of the faith experience is God’s gift for faithfulness not only for the Mary Langes who do his will, but offered to all--good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing…(Luke 6:38).
It was only three hours, but the one could sense the Spirit. Pilgrims felt blessed; pilgrims were blessed.