On May 23, Centre Le Pèlerin (the Pilgrim Centre) concluded its 25^th anniversary celebrations with a Mass of thanksgiving in the Crypt of Saint Joseph's Oratory, presided over by Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal, before a large gathering of the faithful assembled to honour this milestone in the centre's mission.

In his homily, Archbishop Lépine reflected on the image of the spiritual journey. On one side stood thirst, the desert and the trials of human life; on the other, the Source, Living Water, the Holy Spirit and the life God offers. Between them lies the path: a path of faith, of relationship, of surrender and of accompaniment.

He recalled that the very vocation of Centre Le Pèlerin is to accompany people along their human and spiritual journey. God himself, the Archbishop noted, is the first companion. Through his Word and through the presence of Christ, God comes to meet each person where they are. Jesus walks with us along our own path before inviting us to follow him.

Archbishop Lépine also spoke of the Holy Spirit, who works within the human heart and draws each person toward Christ. This call is deeply personal: all are called to holiness and to love freely, in the image of God.

He further reflected on human fragility and limitation. Difficult as these can be to accept, they become occasions for drawing closer to God and entrusting oneself to him. Through the power of the Resurrection, Christ can transform fragility itself into a source of life and holiness.

In closing, Archbishop Lépine affirmed the enduring importance of the spiritual accompaniment that Centre Le Pèlerin offers. For people of every generation still searching for their way, Centre Le Pèlerin remains a place of listening, discernment and hope, guiding each person toward the One who alone can lead to life in its fullness: God.

Maribel Mayorga
Press Officer, Archbishop's Office and
Director, Communications and Media relations
Archdiocese of Montreal