C-YEG and GGI Pilgrimage lecture and BBQ

Some Round Singing:

On Sunday, May 17th, Gregory the Great Institute joined C-YEG, the Catholic young adults group of Edmonton, for a joyful evening. The purpose of the evening was threefold: first, to announce the exciting collaboration of both GGI and C-YEG towards a joint August 1st pilgrimage; secondly, a lecture from Dr. Topping on the role of pilgrimage in the Church; third and finally, the purpose was to equip Christians to renew culture, specifically by serving some of the excellent young adults in the Archdiocese of Edmonton through the learning of traditional rounds sung for pilgrimages.

Although rain was in the forecast, it did not stop the over 60 young adults who came out for fellowship and to receive formation in their faith. The C-YEG Mass ended at around 5:15 pm, right when the rain started to drizzle. Although it appeared as though it might become a heavy downpour, all worked out in providence, and that drizzle soon fizzled out into nothing, and the sun peeped out just as Dr. Topping finished his lecture.

Dr. Topping shared three modes of life to consider: the mode of being prey, the mode of being a predator, and the mode of being a pilgrim. He discussed how many in life follow the claim of Thrasymachus in the Republic, that justice is only the advantage of the stronger. While others posit their victimhood as a form of pride, arguing that they are owed justice by virtue of their victimhood in life. The pilgrim rejects the view of morality as merely the advantage of the stronger, as well as the view that justice and morality must be determined by the weaker. The pilgrim instead abides by what C.S. Lewis once called the Tao or the natural moral law, considering justice in the eyes of the Church and living as a dual citizen, recognizing his citizenship is momentarily twofold: earthly and heavenly, but his life must be a means of preparing for the transition to one citizenship and loyalty to one kingdom: the Kingdom of God.

Fr. Roger jumped in to add that during a pilgrimage, a central condition of travel is sacrifice and transformation. On a pilgrimage, the pilgrim must undergo an interior transformation to become more like Christ and to undergo the renewal necessary to live better as a Christian. Fr. Roger noted how every pilgrimage carries with it its sufferings; indeed, a day-long pilgrimage is meant to reflect the pilgrimage of life.

Following both talks, young adults gathered with the Institute's interns, who led the group in various rounds, which are short songs that can be easily sung as a group and then broken into parts to make various beautiful harmonies. They are perfect for pilgrimages, as they can be sung while walking and lift the spirits of many during the tougher parts.

We are grateful to everyone who participated in this event, and look forward to announcing more details of our August 1st pilgrimage in the coming weeks. For those who may want copies of the music sung, please email info@gregorythegreat.ca for more information.

Until the August 1st pilgrimage, and we pray all may be successful in reaching the pilgrim's ultimate destination, heaven. Thank you, Fr. Roger, and C-YEG for this collaboration.