News - September 11, 2010
On Pilrimage...
By Mary Thelwell CSJP-A.
For several reasons the day of our visit coincided with a period of significant anniversaries. The actual date..’9/11’..carries vivid poignant memories alongside the need for tolerance and forgiveness. We also remembered the massacre which occurred in September 1982 at the Sabra and Shatilia refugee camps in Beirut when between 800 – 3.500 Palestinian and Lebanese civilians were killed.
November 2010 will see the 70th anniversary of the night the city of Coventry suffered total devastation and the Cathedral burned leaving only a blackened shell. Three nails from the medieval roof timbers were taken and formed into the shape 
of a cross. The Coventry Cross of Nails has been developed into a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation, inspiring centres of peace and reconciliation throughout the world.
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes the message of forgiveness, peace and resurrection is embodied in the magnificent architecture of the new Cathedral. It is a statement of hope and new life.
As we spent time looking around we were mindful of the relevance which our charism holds for today’s world. The inscriptions on the stone tablets, the symbolism in the artefacts and the stained glass windows reflecting our life’s journey as human beings. Within the Cathedral are individual chapels each dedicated to different aspects of conflict and reconciliation. In particular the Chapel of Christ in Gethsemane was very moving, calling to mind the sufferings which Jesus experienced in the garden and which are replicated for the people living in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. 
Standing around the Altar of Reconciliation in the ruins of the old Cathedral we held a special service for peace and forgiveness. We offered our prayers and petitions in quiet contemplation for all the members of our Congregation, our families and for all who requested our prayers. Before leaving we recited the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation
The short journey to Leamington Spa Cemetery brought us to the simple hidden memorial to Margaret Anna Cusack. The prayer service around her graveside was one of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the gift of her life, together with her vision, courage and fortitude in founding the Congregation. We offered thanks for her legacy of peace with justice which has resonated down the years through the commitment of all the sisters drawn to that charism.
As Sisters and Associates we prayed for the strength to continue 
her vision in today’s changing world.
In the Congregation’s spirit of friendship and hospitality our day concluded with a meal at Jack Spratt’s restaurant. Sitting at the long table prepared for us was a reminder of the Last Supper when Jesus sat down with friends before the journey to Calvary. Our day had been a very different kind of journey but one which had been spiritually uplifting and perhaps above all strengthened our commitment to non violence.
Our congratulations and appreciation were offered to Kathleen Mc Bride CSJP and Mary Fortey CSJP-A for arranging a most thoughtful and reflective day. We included Brendan Campbell whose patience and good humour in handling a temperamental vehicle ensured we arrived safely back to Rearsby.