Once again, the contributions of the speakers and the exchange with the other pilgrim guides on the day of further education in the Collegium Josefinum in Leoben were inspiring and informative. After the morning impulse, Thair Abud’s life story touched us. His sister’s cancer diagnosis prompted his (first) pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Run away from the fear. 3250 km from Graz to Finisterre. A Muslim on the way to Christian destinations. This was followed in 2014/2015 by the footpath from Graz to Mecca, incredible 8,150 km! The numerous sometimes adventurous experiences can be found in Thair Abud’s blog. In the afternoon we were able to stay active and awake, even after the lunch break, thanks to physical exercises led by Mrs. Mag. Anna Sallinger. A walking meditation, a body prayer and the deliberate dealing with prayer gestures were content. The Hawaiian song “E malama” (sung by Anne Tscharmann on the CD Earth & Sky, for example) still sounds in me. Finally, Secretary-General Thomas Bäckenberger told us about the extensive program in the jubilee year 800 years Diocese of Graz-Seckau. There will also be a stage with numerous events in Feldbach from 21 to 27 May 2018. Among other things, the opening of the bible exhibition in the parish church Feldbach and a pilgrimage from Eichkögl via Edelsbach and Gniebing mountain to the “Long Night of the churches” in Feldbach.
