The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Savannah welcomed well over 1,200 faithful from all corners of the diocese for an official Year of Mercy Pilgrimage. Responding to the call of Pope Francis to go on pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year, Bishop Hartmayer invited all the faithful of the diocese to an afternoon of prayer and mercy at the diocesan mother church.
Pilgrims had an opportunity to enter the cathedral through the Holy Door which was beautifully decorated. Some arrived early to have a tour of the cathedral, others to save a seat. The afternoon began at 2pm with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Daytime Prayer sung by the cathedral choir. The cathedral was standing room only. One of our diocesan priests, Father Tim McKeown, who has been commissioned as a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis, preached a beautiful reflection on God’s infinite mercy.
Bishop Hartmayer welcomed the pilgrims visibly moved by their number and diversity. “We have come from every corner of the diocese to seek and experience the mercy of God. The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in this Holy Year, because it represents the journey each of us makes in this life. Life itself is a pilgrimage and each of us is a pilgrim travelling along the road, making our way to our desired destination. May today’s pilgrimage be an impetus to conversion. By crossing the threshold of the Holy Door we will find the strength to embrace God’s mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with others as the Father has been with us.”
After Bishop Hartmayer’s words, Father Mariusz Fuks sung the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Over twenty priests were then available to hear confessions in English, Vietnamese and Spanish at different areas of the cathedral campus.
During the time of eucharistic adoration, four choirs of different cultural backgrounds sung. The choir from Saint Benedict the Moor, Savannah sung traditional Gospel songs. The choir from Sacred Heart, Savannah offered eucharistic songs in Spanish. Parishioners from Saints Peter and Paul, Savannah sung in Vietnamese, and finally, the Filipino community from Sacred Heart, Warner Robins sung and prayed.
The afternoon concluded with Benediction at 4:30. Many pilgrims remained for the Vigil Mass, celebrated by the Bishop at 5:30. Others quickly returned home since they had a long journey back home. The parish farthest away from the cathedral is well over five hours away.
It was a joyful, grace-filled event that will be remembered by all for years to come. Mostly importantly, I am certain that the fruits of this time of pilgrimage will continue to grow and mature as weeks and months continue. God’s mercy was certainly at work among the pilgrims. It was powerful to gather as a diocesan church for a time of prayer. It was wonderful to recognize faces from so many parishes, all together under one roof, praying in the presence of Jesus Christ, in union with our bishop.
Below, a video that was produced inviting pilgrims to the pilgrimage.
These pictures belong to me and Astrid Soto, all rights reserved.
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