Stations of the Cross 31,5km Pilgrimage to Schoenstatt Shrine

by Admin · March 24, 2023

The Stations of the Cross pilgrimage from Kommetjie Priory to Schoenstatt shrine in Constantia, Cape Town was held after a pandemic-forced three-year break.

This pilgrimage is a yearly event under the care of the Norbertine Fathers from Kommetjie after Fr Subeesh Kalappurackal started the tradition in 2017.

This Lent saw parishioners from the surrounding six churches — St Joseph’s in Kommetjie, Bl Isidore’s in Masiphumelele, St Andrew’s in Oceanview, St Brendan’s in Sunvalley, St John’s in Fish Hoek and St Philip’s in Strandfontein — joining in, and even some neighbours from St James parish.

Unlike previous occasions, the traffic department refused permission for the usual route over Ou Kaapse Weg. This extended the distance of the pilgrimage to a challenging 31,5km. Neither that nor the light rains in the morning dissuaded the pilgrims.

Together with Norbertine Fathers Sebastian Pettapuzha, Fr Subeesh Kalappurackal, Fr Galal John and Fr Jinto Mundackal, around 50 people made the pilgrimage, many walking the full 14 stations.

A support vehicle offered some refreshments and lifts for some when necessary.

After over eight hours on the road, the weary pilgrims finally arrived at the Schoenstatt Shrine in Constantia, where they prayed the closing prayers, reverenced the cross and received blessings.