Last weekend, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle came alive with prayer, reflection, and joyful community as pilgrims gathered for a special three-day Diocesan Local Pilgrimage Experience from Friday 16 May to Sunday 18 May. The event formed a highlight of the Jubilee Year, offering a unique opportunity for people to connect with their faith, each other, and the rich spiritual heritage of our region.

Organised by the Mission and Evangelisation team, the pilgrimage offered a rich blend of Masses, prayer, confession, and hospitality, enabling participants to engage deeply with their faith. Each church welcomed visitors with warmth and reverence, offering opportunities to pause, pray, and reflect on their spiritual journey.

The pilgrimage commenced on Friday at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Taree, with the Sacrament of Penance, Mass, and morning tea. Saturday’s journey included five significant stops: Sacred Heart Cathedral, St Mary’s Star of the Sea, St Brigid’s and St Patrick’s, Cooranbong, St John the Baptist Shrine, and St Joseph’s, East Maitland.

On Sunday, pilgrims visited Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Church in Scone, before arriving at the final destination – St Joseph’s, Murrurundi, where they were warmly welcomed by the community and treated to a remarkable celebration of life and faith.

The pilgrimage covered over 850 kilometres, and while many pilgrims only visited a few of the eight sites, someparticipated over the whole three days.

For Karli Chenery, Education Officer in Religious Education and Spirituality for Catholic Schools, the three-day weekend was a time of profound personal renewal.

“The Diocesan pilgrimage was a deeply spiritual experience for me. I was drawn to participate as a way of slowing down, reconnecting with my faith, and being present with others on a similar journey,” she said.

“The beautiful Masses, shared Rosary, and moments of quiet reflection were truly a wonderful experience.

“One of the most memorable moments for me was the final destination, Murrurundi… to be blessed with two baptisms during the Mass – there could have been no more fitting end to our pilgrimage than celebrating the welcoming of these two children into the family of the Catholic Church,” she shared.

Trish Barnes, a parishioner who also made the complete journey to the eight sites, was moved by the connection to her family’s roots.

“Three days, seven churches and a chapel, 850km, good company, various liturgies and wonderful hospitality! I’m so glad we took the opportunity to do this.

“Many thanks to the Mission and Evangelisation team for coordinating this pilgrimage and to all the communities that welcomed and looked after us.

“The highlight for me was Murrurundi, because this was also a pilgrimage to family roots. This was where my maternal great grandparents spent some years raising their many children. They would have worshipped at St Joseph’s in the late 1800s and into the 1900s and received many sacraments there. My great aunt was laid to rest in the graveyard beside the church in 1909, aged 12,” she said.

The pilgrimage also allowed participants to collect stamps in their Pilgrimage Passport, a visual record of their faith journey and a tangible way to affirm their spiritual commitment during this Jubilee Year. With an indulgence on offer through prayer, Eucharist, and acts of mercy, the experience was both profound and purposeful.

The Mission and Evangelisation team thanks all the participating parishes and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring the pilgrimage to life. Their coordination, hospitality, and generous spirit made the journey not just possible but unforgettable for those in attendance.

As the Jubilee Year continues, all are encouraged to visit the eight local pilgrimage sites at their own pace to deepen their faith and become part of this ongoing spiritual journey. Whether over three days or across many months, each step of the journey brings fresh opportunities for grace, reflection, and connection.