The delegation of 36 pilgrims led by Father Mongelard arrived safely in Jordan on Thursday 12 October 2023, at around 2.15pm (Mauritius time) yesterday. These parishioners from Sainte Hélène church in Curepipe began their pilgrimage on 28 September.
Following an itinerary carefully prepared by their travel agency, the pilgrims boarded the bus this morning at 6am for Jordan. The border crossing was marked by a long wait and visa checks.
Father Mongelard confides his relief: “It’s been a long journey, but fortunately we’ve arrived safely and we’ve been made very welcome. We’re tired but relieved”.
The pilgrims will take off from Ankara airport in Turkey for Istanbul at 3am.
The pilgrims will then return to Mauritius in two groups:
The first group – made up of 15 people – will leave Istanbul at 01:50 on 14 October 2023 and arrive in Mauritius at 12:35 on the same day.
The second group – made up of 21 people – will leave Istanbul at 01:50 on 16 October 2023 and arrive in Mauritius at 12:35 the same day.
Father Mongelard will be part of the last group to return.
As for the group of 17 people who first made the Umrah, a religious pilgrimage, in Saudi Arabia before going on to Bethlehem, they are already in Turkey.
