Q: What first inspired you to take part in this pilgrimage, and what were you hoping to discover spiritually, personally, or even just within yourself?

A: I was inspired not only by my own desire to grow closer to God but also by the stories shared by previous pilgrims. They spoke so passionately about how life-changing the experience was, the sacred places they visited, the moments of prayer, and the friendships formed along the way. Hearing how deeply they were touched made me want to experience that for myself. I hoped to discover a renewed sense of faith and peace, to encounter God in a very real way, and to learn from the people I would meet. Personally, I wanted to step away from the busyness of life and allow myself to be present in the moment, to listen, reflect, and be transformed. I was also excited about getting to know other members of our Diocese and building those faith-filled connections that would continue to inspire and support me long after the pilgrimage ended.

Q: How did you prepare for the journey before setting out?

A: Before we departed, we had two formation days with Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle, and these were such an important part of the experience. They gave us the chance to meet one another, share what we were hoping to gain from the pilgrimage, and begin forming those connections that would carry us through the journey. The sessions were also deeply reflective as we paused to pray, explore Scripture, and consider what it truly means to be a pilgrim, especially during this Jubilee Year. There was a sense of anticipation and unity as we learned about the holy places we would visit and why they are so significant. These days helped us prepare not just practically, but spiritually and mentally. They allowed us to step into the right mindset, ready to journey together.

Q: What were your first impressions as the pilgrimage began? Did anything surprise you about the group dynamic or the tone of the journey?

A: From the very beginning, I was struck by the sense of openness and joy within the group. Everyone came with their own hopes and intentions, yet there was an immediate feeling of unity and shared purpose. The formation days had helped us connect, but being together on the journey brought that to life and we supported one another, prayed together, and shared so many meaningful reflective conversations throughout the journey.

Q: Standing in Athens and Corinth, where St. Paul once preached, what struck you most about being in those places connected to the early Church?

A: Visiting Athens and Ancient Corinth on our very first day set the tone for the whole pilgrimage. Standing in Corinth and celebrating Mass where St. Paul once preached was incredibly emotional. As we sang hymns, I felt the weight of history and faith come together and when other travellers that were also at the site just started to join us for Mass, it was so moving to see that sense of shared belief. Later, exploring the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum was equally captivating. Learning how these ancient cities operated and then reflecting on Paul’s letters to the Corinthians made Scripture feel alive.

Q: What moment along the way made Scripture feel most “alive” for you?

A: For me, it was in Ancient Philippi on October 1st. We read from the Acts of the Apostles about St. Paul being imprisoned there and then walked through the excavation site where he was held and where many early Christians were baptised. Standing in those places made the passage come alive in a way I’ll never forget. Later that day, we renewed our baptismal vows at Lydia’s Baptistery, which was incredibly moving especially when we stood in the water and had a moment of silence. In that moment, Scripture wasn’t just words it was very real, connected to the land and the lives that shaped our faith.

Q: How did it feel to travel with a group of fellow pilgrims? Were there any friendships or conversations that particularly deepened your experience?

A: Traveling with a group of fellow pilgrims was one of the most enriching parts of the journey. From the very beginning, there was a sense of openness and shared purpose. We prayed together, supported each other, and shared countless conversations that made the experience so much deeper. Some of my most meaningful moments were during quiet reflections or while walking side by side, sharing stories about our faith journeys or what we were enjoying most about the trip. Those friendships and conversations reminded me that pilgrimage isn’t just about the places we visit, it’s about the people we got to experience it with.

Q: Was there a place that moved you more deeply than you expected i.e. perhaps a quiet chapel, a view, or a moment of prayer?

A: One moment that really surprised me was when we stopped at the Vima Apostolou Pavlou on our way to Thessaloniki and celebrated an outdoor Mass. We were sitting next to a school, and as we prayed, children came out to the fence to talk to us. Seeing their joy and curiosity was so special and it reminded me of the beauty of simple human connection. That Mass, led by Deacon Vince, was deeply moving. His words touched us all, and I found myself imagining that this could have been how St. Paul once preached in this very place. After a day of travel, to pause and pray in such a historic setting felt profound and it was one of those unexpected moments of grace that made the pilgrimage unforgettable.

Q: Did you experience any challenges along the way and how did they shape your journey?

A: The long travel days, early mornings, and the physical demands of walking through ancient sites. At times, fatigue set in, but those moments reminded me why pilgrimage is different from a holiday. It’s meant to stretch us and take us out of our comfort zones so we can grow. Another challenge was managing expectations. Sometimes I anticipated feeling something deeply spiritual at a particular site but instead felt underwhelmed. I learned not to put pressure on those moments and to simply embrace the journey as it unfolded. Often, the most profound experiences came when I least expected them, during quiet reflection, shared prayer, or conversations with fellow pilgrims.

Q: The pilgrimage included visits to both ancient ruins and sacred sites. How did the contrast between history and faith come alive for you?

A: Walking through ancient ruins and sacred sites made the story of our faith come alive. In the ruins, I felt the weight of history; in the holy places, that history was filled with meaning and presence. As a History and Religion teacher, standing in places like the Colosseum was surreal. Now I can share what it felt like to be there, the courage of those who came before us and the resilience of faith. It gave me a deeper appreciation for how faith and history are intertwined and how the early Church’s struggles still inspire us today. I feel blessed to bring that experience back to my students.

Q: Meteora is known for its monasteries perched high above the earth. What thoughts or prayers came to you in that space?

A: Meteora was one of my favourite places we visited, it truly took my breath away. The landscape felt like heaven touching earth, and being surrounded by those towering cliffs filled me with wonder and awe at God’s creation. We celebrated an outdoor Mass overlooking the cliffs, and it was so peaceful. In that moment, I felt incredibly blessed to be there. After exploring two of the monasteries still open, I was captivated by the monks’ way of life and their stunning artwork and how they used to teach the stories of the Bible. Later, I sat quietly to journal and reflect. That stillness brought me the calm I had hoped for on this pilgrimage and a chance to pause, pray, and simply be present with God.

Q: How did the visit to Ephesus influence your understanding of faith today?

A: Visiting Ephesus was incredible and walking the ancient streets where early Christians lived made Scripture come alive. One of the most powerful moments was at the House of the Virgin Mary. In that quiet, sacred space, I felt a deep connection to Mary not just as the Mother of Jesus, but as a woman of faith who faced immense challenges with courage and trust. We celebrated Mass near her house, and afterwards we journaled in the stillness. Looking down the streets toward the Library of Celsus was surreal. I thought of the letters to the Ephesians, written to communities who once walked those same streets. Their faith wasn’t abstract; it was lived in uncertainty and struggle. That experience reminded me that faith today still calls for the same resilience and hope.

Q: Arriving in Rome during the Jubilee Year must have felt momentous. How did it feel to pass through the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica?

A: Passing through the Holy Door at St Peter’s was the highlight of the entire pilgrimage. The day before, we had the incredible privilege of being addressed by Pope Leo XIV, which made the experience even more surreal. I remember walking side by side with my colleague Emily, praying the Rosary as we stepped through the door. It was such a powerful moment and a symbol of grace, renewal, and God’s mercy. Surrounded by pilgrims from all over the world, I felt part of something so much bigger. It was humbling, awe-inspiring, and filled me with gratitude to be able to be able to walk through the Holy Door that only opens every 25 years.

Q: Were there any moments when you felt especially connected to God, perhaps in unexpected ways?

A: There were so many moments where I felt connected to God, especially during Mass whether in a grand Basilica, a quiet chapel, a hotel conference room, or outdoors. It wasn’t about the location, but about being together as a group in prayer, travelling together. One moment that stands out was our first night in Rome. We gathered for dinner, and there was such a joyful and happy atmosphere as we had finally made it to the Holy City! We prayed Grace before the meal, shared laughter and stories, and despite the weariness and even sickness some were feeling, we were truly present with one another. In that moment, I felt God in the faces and hearts of my fellow pilgrims. It was a reminder that His presence is often found in community and in the simple moments when we slow down.

Q: What did you learn about yourself during these 18 days? 

A: I learned that I need to slow down and create space for stillness. Pilgrimage taught me that the most meaningful moments often happen when you let go of expectations and simply embrace the journey. At times, I expected to feel something monumental at certain sites and felt underwhelmed, but those experiences reminded me that faith isn’t about chasing big emotions. It’s about openness, trust, and being present. It also reminded me how lucky I am to be a part of the Maitland Newcastle community. Traveling with fellow pilgrims showed me the incredible passion and dedication of parishioners, high school and primary school teachers in our Diocese. There is such a strong commitment to education and to walking alongside young people on faith-filled journeys. Witnessing that reminded me how blessed I am to be part of this community and how important it is to support one another in our shared mission.

Q: Looking back now, what does “pilgrimage” mean to you and how will this experience shape your faith going forward?

A: Also going forward, I would recommend to anyone to go on a pilgrimage if you have the chance, it is truly life changing and will open your eyes to a whole other lens of faith.