The major destination for the Jubilee Year might be Rome but one Adelaide parish has led the way in localising the theme of “pilgrims of hope” by walking to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. Source: The Southern Cross.
The cathedral is one of three designated pilgrimage sites in the Adelaide Archdiocese for the Jubilee year.
The others are St Joseph’s Church in Penola, which connects pilgrims with the faith and courage of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and St Aloysius Church in Sevenhill, which offers a peaceful setting for reflection and prayer as well as connecting with the origins of the Jesuit mission in Australia.
Glenelg parish priest Fr John Herd decided a pilgrimage to the cathedral was a good way to begin the Jubilee year.
“It conveys the message of walking together and growing in hope,” Fr Herd said. “A pilgrimage is a bit challenging and has its ups and downs which reminds us of the reality of life.
“Our pilgrimage to the cathedral became a bit tedious a couple of times, but that’s like our life and faith.”
A group of about 25 parishioners set off from Glenelg to the cathedral on January 5.
Fr Herd said a pleasing aspect of the pilgrim journey was the chance to get to know some of the parishioners, a sentiment echoed by Russell and Mel, who walked with their three children and a grandparent.
“We thought it was a good way of building community within the parish and might encourage other families to get involved,” Russell said.
“It’s a great way for parents to get children away from screens and out with other people – we had all ages and cultural backgrounds taking part.
“Our children were a little bit tired by the end, but they said it was worth the work because of the feeling of satisfaction in completing it.”
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Glenelg pilgrims lead Jubilee way (By Jenny Brinkworth, The Southern Cross)
