Domus Australia supports Notre Dame pilgrimage to Rome

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 27-7-2012

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame Australia

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

Domus Australia has thanked The University of Notre Dame Australia for its benefaction by offering its staff and students the opportunity to make a two-week pilgrimage to Rome and stay in its facilities, to experience the ancient city that is the epicentre of the Catholic Church.

The pilgrimage was led by Notre Dame Chaplain Fr Lam Vu and Chaplaincy Convenor Jessica Langrell. Four students were chosen to make the journey; Madeleine Vella, Alison Collet, Adrian Falleiro and Marta Lubomski.

"These students were selected for their ongoing passionate support for, and dedication to, the Chaplaincy's mission in encouraging, promoting and celebrating the University's Catholic faith and values," Ms Langrell said.

"We asked them to accompany the Chaplaincy team on this rare pilgrimage in thanks for volunteering their time for us and also to provide an opportunity for them to deepen their faith and understanding of the Universal Church."

Second year Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery student Marta Lubomski, said she was deeply grateful to the Chaplaincy team for the opportunity to travel as part of the Notre Dame pilgrim group.

"It was an absolute privilege to attended daily masses in the heart of the Vatican," Miss Lubomski said.

"Looking back, it was like walking in the footsteps of our greatest saints – it doesn't get any better than that! The trip provided me with an amazing opportunity for reflection and an unwavering sense of optimism for the future."

The Notre Dame pilgrims visited the many basilicas, saintly relics and historical and holy sites essential on a pilgrim's tour of Rome, but the group said the highlight of the trip was the feasts of Saints Peter and Paul. They attended the Vatican on the feast day, where two Australian archbishops received the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI.

"At the Vatican, we crossed paths with Aussie bishops, priests and seminarians who were working, studying or visiting in Rome," Ms Langrell said.

"The young seminarians reminded us of the joy in following Christ and the fulfilment it offers when we choose him. We are a group of future doctors, teachers and theologians, but these seminarians reminded us through their own witness that firstly, we are Christians. Beyond the work we do and the vocations we choose to live out, we are firstly followers of Christ. They instilled in us a sense of hope and utter excitement for the future of our Church."

For further information please contact: Communications Officer, Elizabeth Fenech

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney Campus

T: 02 8204 4407

E: elizabeth.fenech@nd.edu.au

W: www.nd.edu.au/

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