The Patrician Brothers began in Tullow,
Ireland, on the 2nd February, 1808: 2008 is our bicentenary year.
To celebrate this there will be several events over the year.
Publications and memorabilia will be available.
Indian Immersion Experience PURPOSE  To provide students
in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2008, recent ex-students, and staff of
affiliated schools with an experience of life and culture in a
developing country while linking with Indian Patrician Brothers in the
places where they live and work.This is a pilgrimage, not a tour! The hope is that members will get a good experience of life in India and witness some Catholic Social Justice and Outreach programs, meeting with students in a diversity of settings along the way. When & Where?  The pilgrimage will be held in the first two weeks of January 2008. The setting will be in the South of India, mainly in the states of Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka. The route will correspond approximately to places where the Patrician Brothers live and work in schools. Stopovers and visits will include the following centres and districts: arrive Chennai (Madras); Pondicherry; Trichy; Angamaly; Dindigul, Coonoor; Wyanad; Mysore; Bangalore; then back to Chennai for departure to Sydney. ACCOMMODATION Overnight accommodation will be in booked hotels or good quality hostels. COST  An approximate
figure only is possible at this stage….$4,000.00 per person. This
includes air travel to and from India, accommodation, one main meal per
day, transport within India.Each person is responsible for his/her own cost. However, schools may opt to conduct fund-raising initiatives to raise awareness of the pilgrimage, to contribute towards student and teacher sponsorship, and to make available a cash pool for small donations to deserving projects. Additional costs may be incurred in medical precautions to be taken before travel and medicines to be procured. Preparation It is envisaged that the pilgrimage group consisting of students and accompanying teachers will be about 24. A participation commitment will be required by the end of Term 1 2007. Once the participants are known, a number of meetings will be arranged, including one for parents, to discuss all the issues involved and to inaugurate a preparation phase. REMOTE PREPARATION Schools are now invited (December 2006) to nominate a contact teacher who is willing to help in the promotion and planning of this Bicentenary initiative. The hope is also that some teachers may be willing to participate in the pilgrimage themselves.  For further clarification: Each Patrician'linked school has a pilgrimage co-ordinator, students and staff should contact this person. Otherwise: Garry Williams Principal, Holy Cross College Phone: 9808.1033 email:principal@hcc.ryde.syd.catholic.edu.au Bro Aengus Kavanagh fsp Provincial Phone: 9808.6794 email: immersion@patricianbrothers.com  Centenary Eucharist This will be held on St Patrick's Day (17th March) at the Homebush Bay Sports Centre. It will mainly involve students and staff from the Patrician-linked schools of Sydney. Bishop David Cremin will be the chief celebrant. Centenary Concert To be held on the evening of Wednesday the 30th April at the ACER Stadium, in the Homebush Bay Olympic complex. It will involve present and past students of the Patrician-linked schools in Sydney.  Irish PilgrimageClick here for complete brochure (400K) Click here for booking form (160k) In 2008 the Patrician Brothers around the world will be celebrating 200 years since their foundation in Tullow, Ireland, on the 2nd February, 1808. There will be several events occuring in 2008 to celebrate the bicentenary. One of these will be a pilgrimage to Ireland, leaving Sydney on the 30th June and arriving back on the 14th July. The journey is fully organised to take in many of the major locations in the southern half of Ireland. Transport is by deluxe coach with three-star accommodation in six different locations along the way. Breakfasts and evening meals supplied. Opportunities will be taken to connect with the Irish Patricians, especially in Galway, Tullow, and Newbridge, the highlight being participating in the Bicentenary Eucharist and Concert at Tullow. Members of the pilgrimage will be accompanied by several of the Brothers of the Australian and Papua New Guinean Province. Intinerary Snapshots  1/2
July Dublin Enjoy the sights and
atmosphere of Dublin with its many attraction for all tastes.3/4 July Galway Travel across Ireland to the throbbing city of Galway on the fringes of the stony landscape of scenic Connemara. Day trip to the Marian shrine of Knock and visit Croagh Patrick, the sacred mountain of St Patrick overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the social life of Galway on a Friday night in the city where many of the Patrician Brothers attended university and where the Brothers administered schools for years.  5/6
July Killarney Enjoy the sights of
Clare and Limerick as you journey south to Killarney your base for two
days to sample the rugged scenery and quaint ways in the Ring of Kerry.7 July Clonmel This is a large town in Tipperary situated in beautiful farmland, popularly known as Ireland’s Golden Vale. Day trip to the Cistercian Monastery at Mt Melleray in the county of Waterford...maybe into Waterford City to visit the crystal factory. 8/9 July Kilkenny Again, in Ireland’s rural heartland in the lively city of Kilkenny. Visit the Celtic craft workshops adjacent to the historic Kilkenny Castle. One hour coach trip to Tullow in Co. Carlow, birthplace of the Patrician Brothers’ Congregation in 1808. Join with the Brothers and friends in the Bicentenary Mass of Thanksgiving and a concert.  10/11
July Kildare Stay in the town of
Kildare, close to the heart of the Irish horse racing and breeding.
Visit the national stud, home to Melbourne Cup winner Vintage Crop.
Visit two famous monastic settings: Clonmacnoise in Co. Offaly, and
Glenndalough in Co. Wicklow. Touch base with Patrician connections in
nearby Newbridge, residence of the Superior General, Br Jerome Ellens. 12 July Dublin Leave Ireland from Dublin airport on Saturday 12th at 10.10pm. Back in Sydney at 7.15am Monday the 14th. Cost At the moment (Nov., 2006) the cost is estimated at around $5,300 per person. This will change according to the number who travel and the usual international economic influences. The cost is based on Lufthansa German Airlines economy air travel and on hotel twin share, but single rooms are available at an extra cost. Pilgrims may negotiate to commence their homeward trip at a time of their choice, after 12 July. Contact Enquiries regarding the pilgrimage can be addressed to Harvest Pilgrimages direct on 1800 819 156. (Polding Centre, Level 11, 133 Liverpool St, Sydney.) Or you can contact the brothers on pilgrimage2008@patricianbrothers.c om Centenary Dinner 18th October at the Liverpool Catholic Club. Bookings required. |
