There is something amazing about a gathering of a hundred or so people who willingly, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, choose to walk with each other and to share their personal stories of hope, faith, and possibility.

On Sunday 6 April, people from across our Diocese, gathered on the grounds of St Joseph’s, Toronto, to walk the Way of the Cross and reflect on the words of Pope Francis from his letter, “Hope does not disappoint.” Accompanied by Bishop Michael, the faithful community listened to the Gospel proclaimed at each station and Francis’ words on hope and the potential for transformation in our own lives and the communities in which we live. Between stations, pilgrims shared their own stories with each other, responding to questions like, “What gives my life meaning?” “How might we work together for the transformation of our local community?” and “What does it mean to belong to God’s family?”

It was an afternoon of genuine encounters as participants delighted in the opportunity to linger after the event over cakes and cuppas to continue sharing and meeting new people. As part of our Diocesan offerings for the Jubilee Year, this pilgrimage experience continued the message of hope and renewal that began at our Launch in early March.

Kevin, a parishioner from St Brigid’s Raymond Terrace, attending the Way of the Cross for the first time, shared “There’s a blessing that seems to come with being a part of doing something as a church… I can go away and I’ll be smiling still tonight.”

Another first-time participant, Gilienne from St Joseph’s Toronto, appreciated “the spirituality of the occasion, connecting with people from other parishes, as well as the beautiful surroundings.”

In his reflection at Station 12, ‘Jesus dies on the Cross,’ Bishop Michael spoke into the realities of everyday hardships, and encouraged participants to understand our own trials in light of the profound love of Jesus revealed on the cross – a love that sustains hope even in the darkest of life’s experiences. It is this hope that we are called to share with the world around us.

There are more opportunities to engage with Jubilee Year activities across our Diocese. On the weekend of 17-19 May, you are invited to take part in the Local Churches Pilgrimage. On 31 May, come and see the Jubilee Art Exhibition at San Clemente Catholic College. For more information and to register for these events, visit our new Diocesan website: https://mn.catholic.org.au/about/jubilee-year-2025/