NEWS & EVENTS
Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to Marian Valley
Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to partake in the special practice of pilgrimage during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, thirty-six parishioners set off last Saturday (25 June) on a spiritual journey to Marian Valley, a shrine dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians, who is the Patroness of Australia.
The day commenced with prayer at St Thomas’, led by Fr Peter. We then set off in a convoy of buses. Travelling together enhanced the spirit of the pilgrimage and indeed the understanding that mercy is a goal to be reached together which often involves a degree of sacrifice and dedication. Once we reached the idyllic location of Marian Valley, near Canungra, we gathered to celebrate Mass followed by a shared picnic lunch highlighted by an array of delightful baked treats. The afternoon allowed the pilgrims explore the grounds of Marian Valley and pray at the many chapels and shrines, including an extraordinary path dedicated to praying the Stations of the Cross.
We then gathered again for prayer and to cross the threshold of the Holy Door, which was specially assigned by Archbishop Mark at the start of the Year of Mercy. Crossing the threshold of the Holy Door marked the pilgrims’ collective impetus to conversion and to embrace God’s mercy so that we too might be merciful to others, just as the Father has been merciful to us.
In conclusion, the parish pilgrimage was a great success which will no doubt bear fruit far beyond the completion of the Year of Mercy.
Thomas Zaranski
The day commenced with prayer at St Thomas’, led by Fr Peter. We then set off in a convoy of buses. Travelling together enhanced the spirit of the pilgrimage and indeed the understanding that mercy is a goal to be reached together which often involves a degree of sacrifice and dedication. Once we reached the idyllic location of Marian Valley, near Canungra, we gathered to celebrate Mass followed by a shared picnic lunch highlighted by an array of delightful baked treats. The afternoon allowed the pilgrims explore the grounds of Marian Valley and pray at the many chapels and shrines, including an extraordinary path dedicated to praying the Stations of the Cross.
We then gathered again for prayer and to cross the threshold of the Holy Door, which was specially assigned by Archbishop Mark at the start of the Year of Mercy. Crossing the threshold of the Holy Door marked the pilgrims’ collective impetus to conversion and to embrace God’s mercy so that we too might be merciful to others, just as the Father has been merciful to us.
In conclusion, the parish pilgrimage was a great success which will no doubt bear fruit far beyond the completion of the Year of Mercy.
Thomas Zaranski
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