Inspired by the Camino de Santiago, Tasmania’s Way to St James pilgrimage returned for its tenth year, connecting walkers from the Huon Valley and across the world. Source: Hobart Archdiocese.
The annual pilgrimage took place on January 10–11, drawing a record 170 pilgrims to walk from Mountain River to Cygnet, while more than 1400 others joined worldwide in prayerful solidarity from their own local areas.
The Tasmanian pilgrimage follows a 33.4km route through the Huon Valley, with an overnight stay at the Ranelagh showgrounds.
Leanne Prichard, a long-time volunteer and Camino pilgrim, said the appeal of the Way to St James lay in its strong connection to the Camino tradition and its ability to draw people into reflection.
“This pilgrimage gives people a genuine experience of the Camino tradition right here in Australia,” she said.
Convener and founder, Fr Michael Tate, said its attraction echoed that of the European Camino.
“I believe the pilgrimage helps bring to life the ancient Celtic idea that natural beauty contours the soul to better fit the embrace of divine beauty,” Fr Tate said.
That experience resonated strongly with local Huon Valley parishioner Elke Vidler, who walked the pilgrimage for the first time this year.
“Pilgrimage engages the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) in a very real and often demanding way,” she said.
“One of the most powerful things I experienced was the realisation that when you surrender something difficult to God, it becomes lighter. What felt daunting beforehand became manageable when I wasn’t relying solely on my own strength.”
In keeping with Camino tradition, pilgrims are encouraged to carry a small pebble representing a burden in their lives.
Upon arrival at St James Church in Cygnet, the pebble is laid at the foot of the icon of St James, symbolising the act of letting go through prayerful, meditative walking.
FULL STORY
From Tasmania to the world: A pilgrimage of solidarity (By Heather Excell, Hobart Archdiocese)
