In an age where young men can struggle to find authentic role models and meaningful community, Sydney Archdiocese’s Camino of St Joseph offers something different – a call for the ordinary to become extraordinary. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
More than 1000 men are expected to walk through the night on September 5-6 across seven churches from Como to Cronulla and for them the overnight pilgrimage is more than just a spiritual journey – it’s become an annual call to authentic Catholic manhood.
For Elio Haddad, team leader at Macquarie University Chaplaincy, this year will see him transition from participant to volunteer, after experiencing the walk’s transformative power.
The appeal is clear: “I think a lot of young guys like to be challenged. I think that’s an element of Christian faith that can sometimes go under-appreciated. A lot of the challenging aspects, walking through the night, no sleep or food, really appeal to a young man’s desire to do something worthwhile, to do something that pushes them and something meaningful.”
In this way, the physical and spiritual challenge becomes a doorway to a deeper encounter with Christ. “It’s a physical challenge and also a spiritual challenge, and it combines both those elements,” Mr Haddad says. “I think you’re invited by the challenge, but then in that challenge, you’re brought to a spiritual experience within it.”
Cam McAuley, a resident of Sumner House – a discernment house for young men exploring vocations to priesthood, walked last year with eight others from the house. He believes the camino is special because of the brotherhood it fosters among participants.
“Last year we came together as just ‘a bunch of nobodies’ from different backgrounds and families, united by a common desire to become better men. Today we are tighter than ever because of the walk,” he said.
The choice of St Joseph as patron for this pilgrimage is particularly significant.
As Mr McAuley noted, at each church stop pilgrims learn more about St Joseph, that he “had the capacity to nurture God” and that he “silently served God and demonstrated what men are truly called to be”.
FULL STORY
How the Camino of St Joseph is a call for ordinary young Catholic men to become extraordinary (By Darren Ally, The Catholic Weekly)
Camino of St Joseph 2025 – Overnight Pilgrimage for Men 5-6 September (TryBooking)
