Faith and Hospitality: A gift from Lydia

The Marist pilgrimage groups of 2024 and 2025 were blessed in many ways! One of these blessings was being pilgrims in the footsteps of St Paul, travelling to places in modern day Greece and Türkiye, and savouring places, people and experiences that shaped the foundations of modern Christianity and contemporary Marist life.

One especially memorable aspect of the pilgrimage was the renewal of our Baptismal vows, at the same sight, Lydia, the first European Christian, was baptized. The Mass readings for last week, May 11 (Monday of the 6th Week of Easter) proclaimed this text and focused especially on Lydia:

‘The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.  When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.’ (Acts 16: 14-15)

2024 Pilgrims renew their Baptismal vows in the Zygaktis River Today, the exact location is marked by the Holy Shrine - Baptistery of Saint Lydia of Thyatira.

This strong connection of faith and hospitality was to the fore, as May 15 saw our second Heritage Pilgrimage day. The day, ably and generously lead by Michael Neylan and Br Mick Flanagan, traversed and spent time at and in the important legacy and heritage places for the Australian Marist project generally, and Marist180 specifically: Surry Hills, Church Hill/The Rocks, and Westmead, all foundational among these.

Staff were able to, in a contemplative and relaxed mode, hear and engage stories and savour the generous, faith-filled lives and choices of those who have gone before us-with gratitude and appreciation. Two staff pilgrims offered the following:

‘The Marist Heritage Pilgrimage provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the dedication and convictions of the early Marist Brothers, whose commitment significantly improved the lives of vulnerable young people in Sydney around the time of Federation and beyond.

Exploring this history highlighted the continuity of their mission and helped me better understand how those original values continue to shape the work of Marist180 today. It was especially striking to consider the courage of those who came to an unfamiliar country, driven by a strong sense of purpose despite the challenges they faced.

In the context of ongoing reconciliation efforts, and the therapeutic work we are engaged in today, this experience reinforced for me the importance of staying grounded in our origins while adapting to contemporary needs. It underscored the responsibility we share in preserving the core mission while continuing to evolve in how we serve young people.’

And

‘Participating in the Hermitage pilgrimage offered a rare and meaningful opportunity to slow down and engage more deeply with both history and my own professional practice.

Beginning at Central Station, I was particularly struck by the significance of Platform One and the nearby Mortuary Station. These were places I had passed countless times over the years without ever pausing to reflect on their history and purpose. Learning about their role as spaces attached to special services and moments of transition gave them a new weight and meaning. It was a powerful reminder of how easily history can sit unnoticed in our everyday environments, and how valuable it is to intentionally stop and engage with it.

Spending time in reflection with Brother Mick was a highlight of the pilgrimage. His presence brought a living connection to the traditions and stories we were exploring. There was something grounding about hearing firsthand accounts from someone who has lived experience of these spaces and practices. It also carried a sense of sadness in recognising that these living links will not always be available to us. It emphasised the importance of capturing and honouring these stories while we still can.

One anecdote that stayed with me was his observation that when a boy was given responsibility for caring for a horse, he was far less likely to run away. This simple yet powerful insight speaks to the importance of responsibility, connection, and purpose in creating stability for young people.’

Like Lydia, Brothers Ludovic, Jarlath, Augustine and Peter opened their heart to Paul/Christ/Marcellin’s message, and made the voyage to the antipodes, to found St Patrick’s, Church Hill. Like Lydia, as believers, they extended ‘educational’ hospitality, they persuaded the children of The Rocks and surrounds to ‘come stay’ with them. Within two decades, a group of generous Vincentians, lead by Patrick Minahan, likewise opened their hearts, in faith and hospitality, joining forces with Brothers Francis, Berchmans and Xavier…. to found St Vincent’s Boys Home, Westmead. Marist180 continues this legacy today.