The Shrine to Shrine Pilgrimage is an annual event organized by the Schoenstatt Movement in Cape Town.
Started in 1977 as a prayer for an end to apartheid in South Africa, each year up to a 100 people gather on Heritage Day (24 September) each year to walk in prayer for reconciliation in and conversion of hearts in our country.
The 2015 edition was no different. At 7.30am on a beautiful spring morning a large group gathered in front of the Schoenstatt shrine in Constantia to bring their intentions for this pilgrimage before our Blessed Mother and Jesus. In addition to the private intentions of each pilgrim, the group also prayed for greater unity and peace in South Africa, for refugee families who are forced to leave their homes and live in a strange land, and for the upcoming year of mercy that Pope Francis has called, starting on 8 December this year, that each person can become a witness of mercy in their own lives.
The group then made their way by car to Constantia Nek for the start of the pilgrimage over Table Mountain into Tamboerskloof and then on to the Schoenstatt Shrine at Villa Maria in the heart of the city of Cape Town.
This is what some of the pilgrims had to say:
“The Shrine to Shrine Pilgrimage is an awakening of all God’s senses that we are blessed with. Every year it gets harder and harder but drawing strength through prayer and Holy Mass on the mountain and very good company makes every step worthwhile and enriching. Love it. Love it. Let’s keep doing it till eternity!” — Kathleen
“The Shrine to Shrine was really magical for me, like all journeys through life, it had it tough moments as well as the breath taking ones. Even though my calves ached for days afterwards, I still have flash backs of our gorgeous city.” — Andrea
“It was a day blessed with good weather, fantastic views and a wonderful group of pilgrims. It was a great time for personal reflection away from the interruptions of daily life and an opportunity to pray for special intentions.” — Stephen
“As a first time shrine to shrine pilgrim, I had no idea what the experience would entail. I enthusiastically jumped out of bed that morning excited to start the pilgrimage…little did I know that I would be crawling out of bed the next day, muscles cramping in protest! The highlight of the day for me was mass in Newlands Forest, I felt so at peace surrounded by nature and listening to Fr. Christopher. Another one of the many things I enjoyed was how welcomed I felt by all the Schoenstatters, from grumbles of pain to words of encouragement we kept each other going right to the end. It was an incredible bunch of people to surround myself with for a day and I hope to see everyone walking next year!” — Maxine
