On Sunday, 30 March St John the Baptist Parish, Numurkah and Fr Jophin Joy PP, warmly welcomed around thirty pilgrims from St Brendan’s Parish Shepparton, including Fr Joe Taylor PP and Fr Adi Indra, to the Mary MacKillop Indigenous Garden and History Trail, which form one of five designated Sandhurst Pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee Year.
The pilgrimage began with a visit to the Numurkah Cemetery, where Bernadette Steward, Numurkah parishioner and Secretary of the Numurkah Wunghnu Cemetery Trust, guided the pilgrims to the graves of Josephite Sisters and former Parish Priests.
Accompanied by the three priests, about fifteen pilgrims then walked from the cemetery to the pilgrimage site, pausing for reflection at the site of the original Convent and School founded by St Mary MacKillop in 1890, marked by a small plaque.
Arriving at St John the Baptist Church, pilgrims enjoyed refreshments before gathering for prayer led by Fr Joe. They then journeyed along the meandering path of the Mary MacKillop Indigenous Garden and History Trail, contemplating the life and legacy of St Mary MacKillop of the Cross and her hope-giving charism, deeply connected to education and the empowerment of the marginalised.
The pilgrimage finished at the Mary MacKillop room in the former Numurkah Presbytery, where pilgrims signed the Visitors' Book, sharing their uplifting experiences. This journey of faith and hope continues to inspire all who visit.
If you would to organise a group pilgrimage, please contact the Numurkah Parish office.
Tel: 0493542 054
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To help you prepare and journey on your pilgrimage, download the 'How to Be a Pilgrim' guide.
