Pilgrims filled the seaside town of Eden, New South Wales, for the annual St Mary of the Cross Pilgrimage, celebrating the enduring legacy of Australia’s first saint. Source: Catholic Voice.
The event holds deep significance for the Far South Coast, where St Mary MacKillop’s family shares a poignant history. Eden is the final resting place of her mother, Flora, who perished in a shipwreck nearby. Local women cared for Flora’s body, and their compassion left a lasting connection between the town and the MacKillop story.
Sr Marie Carson, the only Sister of St Joseph now serving on the coast, described this year’s pilgrimage, on August 9, as “a wonderful, wonderful day” blessed with perfect weather and a strong turnout.
“The church was crowded with people for Mary’s pilgrimage,” she said. “The Eden people are a beautiful group, and they really shone on the day, bringing food to share and welcoming everyone.”
The day began with a kilometre-long coastal walk led by Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse, who prayed the Rosary along the way. Priests accompanied pilgrims, offering reconciliation in the open air.
“It’s something different, walking alongside the ocean, praying together – people really value that,” Sr Carson said.
Parish Pastoral Council member Bernadette Wood estimated that 250 to 300 people attended, including many young participants.
“It was a mix of ages, with a lot of life in the crowd,” she said. “There’s so much hope in seeing kids there, learning Mary’s story.”
Archbishop Prowse said it was inspiring to see the tradition continue to grow, with attendees travelling in bus groups to share in the joy.
“The legacy of Mary MacKillop shines brightly,” he said. “We pray it will continue to inspire and bless future generations.”
For Sr Marie, the pilgrimage is both a tribute to history and a living witness to Mary MacKillop’s spirit.
“The work will go on whether I’m here or not, because the people of the region have picked up the charisms of St Mary MacKillop,” she said.
“Her courage and compassion live on through them.”
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Pilgrims flock to Eden to honour St Mary MacKillop’s legacy (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
