Just Over One Week To Go

It's Thursday and just over a week before we leave. Last night as I was going to bed I got a call from Rachelle who said she had some good news - well, in fact, it was brilliant news.
Some time back I had sent an email to the Scavi Office in Rome hoping that we might be able to do the tour of the catacombs beneath St Peter's but got a response saying it wasn't possible.
Marla Giacon, one of the pilgrims, suggested that her aunt in Rome might be able to help so Rachelle sent off another email and yesterday got another negative response then last night got another email saying that we can actually get in on the Thursday afternoon (11th) we were hoping for - I think the three tours (12, 13 & 12) are actually after the normal hours as the first group is at 4pm, then 4.15 and 4.30 and the office closes 5.00pm. Each tour lasts 90 minutes so it looks like Marla's aunt has helped us tremendously.
Now I need to hear back from the Chaplain at Melbourne Airport telling me he has found a room for us to celebrate Mass on Saturday, 6th before we head out of Australia.

Southern Pilgrims

There are just 13 days to go - this time in 13 days we will be sitting in the international lounge waiting for our Emirates flight to Rome and the start of our Pilgrimage. All of the southern pilgrims were there so it was good to catch up again and to get a little closer to knowing everyone - trouble will be when they look different on the day. Everyone now has their tickets and most have just realised that our flight from Rome to Brussels leaves at 6.45am so that will mean an early morning start. Still a few things to get done but little that can't be done easily.

Evening with the Barrett's

Went to Launceston today and managed to see my friend Graham who I missed seeing last Monday.
Then tonight I headed off to see Gabby and Caitlin and their family for a meal - it is two weeks before we have our last sleep before the pilgrimage starts so tonight was a good night to catch up with the family.

Further Update

The next gathering of the Tassie Pilgrims is going to be in Hobart on Sunday when we will distributing the tickets and final information to the Southern Pilgrims. The gathering in Launceston last Sunday went well with only one couple not able to be there - Chris and Mercedes were in Hobart but they will not miss out. We shared some of the stories of the past few weeks as things either come together or slight hiccups occur. We also got the sad news that Georgia Nunn will not be able to make the trip because of a bad back - but when she joined us later in the session we assured her that she will be very much a part of what is happening and will be remembered by us all.

Prayer Supporters Posters

I have finished the four Prayer Supporters Posters and have placed three around the Parish - the fourth will go to  Zeehan this Sunday. I have included a photo of the Pilgrim Group, a map of our Pilgrimage as well as the days on which people have offered to remember us in prayer - I will have the same list in my diary so that I can keep in contact with them along the way.

North & North West Gathering - Launceston

Just arrived into Launceston for the final gathering of the Northern Pilgrims before we head off in less than 3 weeks.
Today we will get plane tickets, check out a few of the extra details concerning the trip and ensure that we have phone numbers etc of all the Pilgrims.
Will give an update after the gathering.

26 Sleeps

This past week has seen quite a few changes to plans as the weather turned difficult.
At various times the roads have been restricted to 4WD's so getting in and out has been difficult - missed one meeting because I headed back to Queenstown early. Am supposed to be in Hobart on Wednesday, back Thursday but will see what happens.
Have almost finalized plans for Mass at Melbourne Airport on the 6th, waiting for confirmation from the Airport Chaplain.
Details of where we will be celebrating Mass on the other days will be finalized in the next few days.
Also, I will have the list of prayer supporters with dates and places ready this week so that will be here by the weekend.