by Associates Elly Pick, Karen Anderson, and Kay Brown
Visiting the lands of St. Dominic was the experience of a lifetime! In June, we pilgrims embraced the Spirit of Dominic as we walked and prayed in historic areas of southern France. What a blessing for us!
We were a group of 31 Sisters, Associates, and several staff employed by Dominican institutions. Rick Peddicord, OP, said our Masses and gave detailed descriptions of prominent Dominicans. Others who led us through liturgy, rituals, and highly informative presentations included Mary Ellen Grady, OP, and Jeanne Goyette, OP. Additionally, Sinsinawa Dominican Anita Smisek, OP, joined three Sinsinawa Dominican Associates—Karen Anderson, Kay Brown, and Elly Pick.
Staying in a renovated monastery in Carcassonne was a unique experience. One of these features was no screens with no bugs or bites! The meals prepared by an excellent chef at the monastery were more than ample and very delicious! The group was very convivial and appreciative of the traditional French dining experience that often included salad and cheeses at the conclusion of the meal rather than at the start.
Following in St. Dominic’s footsteps of the early 13th century, the pilgrims walked from Fanjeaux where he lived with several friars to Prouilhe where he established the first Order of Dominican Sisters who numbered nine courageous, devout women. Stopping at the Assassin’s Cross where St. Dominic was confronted by those who wished him dead because of his radical teachings was riveting as we learned about the trials and tribulations of those wishing to stay independent, away from patronage to the French monarchy and affiliated Roman Catholic Church.
Reflecting on her experience, Karen Anderson shared that the walk from Fanjeaux to Prouilhe was most impactful for her. “As we trod the path alongside wheat fields, we felt the history of each step. Walking the same path St. Dominic walked while developing his ministry, I felt that we were not only walking historical steps, but also walking steps of the future—steps of the future of Dominican life wrapped in history and the sandal straps of all those who have walked this same road before us.”
For Kay Brown, the walk between Fanjeaux to Prouilhe was also the most memorable—surrounded by wheat fields and vineyards. “I felt the beautiful art and countryside, and the way the liturgy and rituals were paced very much added to this rich experience.”
Finally, Elly Pick offered that in a first gathering, participants were asked what each hoped to be revealed to them on the pilgrimage. “I said that I wanted to be more useful through deepening my Dominican spirituality. Originally, my focus was on how to preach. However, each day of study, hearing about and embracing others’ life experiences, led me to the realization that being a witness through my actions and deeds, particularly those in social justice, is what I am called to do.”
Our lives have been transformed and deepened by this wonderful experience!
