Bathurst Diocese launches Pilgrimage for 2025 Holy Year
A Holy Year is the most exciting and grace-filled time for pilgrims to visit a place such as Rome. During this year there will be many moments of pilgrimage, including well-known rites such as the Opening of the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica, Rome, which is only open during a Jubilee Year, as well as Holy Doors in the 3 major basilicas of Rome: the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Walls and St Mary Major. The first door to be opened is the door at St Peter’s Basilica. The other doors will be opened in the following days and remain open until the end of the Jubilee, when they are once again ceremonially walled up.
Taking advantage of this rare opportunity, the Diocese of Bathurst is organising a Pilgrimage to Italy to celebrate the Jubilee Year. A highlight of the pilgrimage will be a walking pilgrimage from the town of Assisi to Rome, the ‘Via di Francesco’ or the ‘Way of St. Francis’, and participation in the Jubilee of Youth. The inspiration for the location of the Pilgrimage walk is Bishop McKenna’s Pastoral Letter, ‘Rebuild my Church’ written in 2012.
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The proposed dates for the Pilgrimage are: Departure from Sydney – 14 July 2025 20 nights/21 days Expected Pilgrimage Price is between $5,000 and $6,000 |
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The pilgrimage route from Assisi to Rome is often referred to as the “Via di Francesco” or the “Way of St Francis.” This route traces the journey that St Francis of Assisi took from his birthplace in Assisi to Rome, where he met with Pope Innocent III and received approval for his religious order. It is a significant pilgrimage route for those following in the footsteps of St Francis and seeking a spiritual journey through the lovely landscapes of central Italy. While in Assisi, we will visit important sites connected to St Francis and also the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo, who died of leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was inspired by St Francis of Assisi in his love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Along the Via di Francesco pilgrimage route, pilgrims typically stay in a variety of accommodation ranging from simple hostels to hotels and guesthouses.
For more information contact Deacon Josh Clayton
M: 0458 261 513
E: mrd@bathurst.catholic.org.au
Please go here to register your expression of interest.
Read Pope Francis’ letter for the Jubilee here.