A group of MacKillop Catholic College students took part in a pilgrimage from Warnervale to Penola in South Australia, near the Victorian border. Youth Ministry Coordinator Adam Frost said the trip was inspiring. “Words are difficult to find to tell the story of our trip, but inspiring, intense and humbling are a good start,” Mr Frost said. The students started their pilgrimage in Kincumber, with a mass celebrated in the Holy Cross Church followed by time with Kath and Barry Evans. Ms Evans is renowned for experiencing the second miracle which enabled Mary MacKillop to become a saint. Next was a visit to the Boys Home Museum and the Mary MacKillop walk. Upon their arrival in Fitzroy the students visited the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre and then spent time with asylum seekers at the Broadmeadows Detention Centre. Next stop was Werribee where they were treated to a guided Mary MacKillop walk, including her birthplace. Day four started with a drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles before heading to Portland where Mary MacKillop spent time working as a governess and a teacher. It was then on to Penola to see the sites of the first and second school houses Mary and Father Julian Tenison Woods started in the name of the Sisters of St Joseph. Student Renae said the experience had an immense impact on her life and the way she saw the world. “Visiting the Broadmeadows Detention Centre with Sister Rita had an overwhelming influence on the way I now see asylum seekers,” Renae said. Mr Frost said it was a wonderful opportunity to connect students more deeply with their faith and the ancient tradition of pilgrimage.
