Recently, our 38 pilgrims from the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle returned from an unforgettable 18-day international pilgrimage through Greece, Turkey, and Italy – a journey that brought the Scriptures vividly to life during the Church’s Jubilee Year. 

Travelling in the footsteps of St Paul and other revered saints, the group visited sacred sites including Ancient Corinth, the Areopagus in Athens, the monasteries of Meteora, and the holy grounds of Ephesus. They celebrated outdoor Mass at Berea’s “Bema” monument and renewed their baptismal vows beside the River Zygaktis in Philippi, before journeying to Patmos – where St John received his Revelation — and the House of the Virgin Mary in Turkey. 

The pilgrimage culminated in Rome, where pilgrims walked through the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica, marking a powerful moment of faith and renewal. 

One of the pilgrims, Ryan Gato, Head of Religious Education and Spirituality, said the experience was transformative. 

“Walking in the footsteps of the apostles and saints was truly lifechanging. It deepened our understanding of faith and reminded each of us of the power of pilgrimage – to step away from the everyday and allow God to speak in new and unexpected ways.” 

The journey left pilgrims inspired, strengthened in faith, and united in spirit as they returned home to share the joy of their experience.

The pilgrimage was a journey of faith, friendship and renewal, one that will be remembered for years to come.