The pilgrims of the Diocese of Bathurst’s Jubilee of Hope journey reunited on Saturday 13 September, in the Cathedral of St Michael and St John and afterwards at Matthew Quinn House for an evening of reflection, thanksgiving and shared faith.

The reunion began with the 5.00pm Vigil Mass, where Bishop Michael McKenna warmly acknowledged the pilgrims and their journey. At the conclusion of Mass, the group was invited to join the Bishop in the final procession – a joyful moment of recognition, far easier, as one pilgrim joked, “than walking from Assisi to Rome!”

In July, the pilgrims had done just that – walking over 160 kilometres from Assisi to Rome as part of the Pilgrimage of Hope, tracing the footsteps of St Francis before joining the Jubilee of Youth celebrations in the Eternal City. It was a journey of endurance, faith and community, culminating in prayer and fellowship with young people from across the world.

Following the reunion Mass, the pilgrims and their invited guests gathered at Matthew Quinn House for an evening meal and a time of prayerful reflection. Around 30 people attended, with stories of challenge and transformation echoing throughout the night.

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The evening was framed by the Gospel passage of the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), as the group listened, prayed and shared what the pilgrimage had meant to them. The reflections were raw, honest and deeply moving.

“It was physically tough – some days, it was a real challenge just to take one more step,” said one pilgrim. “But it was worth it. Seeing the faith of the others, especially the young people, was incredibly inspiring.”

Another reflected: “I didn’t have enough sleep at times, and it pushed me hard. But it gave me more courage to speak about my faith.”

Many shared how the walk became more than a physical journey. It was an invitation to let go, receive and be transformed.

“I’ve always wanted to be someone who gives,” said one participant. “But this pilgrimage taught me to be willing to receive too.”

Others recalled moments of struggle and quiet grace: “At times, I didn’t feel God on the path – but looking back, I can see that he was there,,,behind me and before me.”

“Walking by ourselves, talking together, finding shade under trees – it was simple, but beautiful.”

Another remarked, “Seeing the Pope in Rome was an amazing moment. But what I’ll remember most is how we helped each other. When people got sick, we carried one another.”

The pilgrims also read and reflected on Bishop Michael’s pastoral letter Rebuild My Church while on the journey – a timely accompaniment, even though they couldn’t visit the actual Church of San Damiano in Assisi.

Bishop Michael offered his own reflection on the experience, reminding the group that pilgrimage is not only a physical act, but a spiritual one that reveals our vulnerability.

“Pilgrimage is an experience of poverty,” he said. “We hope that, on your return, this experience inspires you to care for the poor in our world.”

One pilgrim summed up the spirit of the evening perfectly: “The real pilgrimage starts now.”

As the Diocese continues to journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope, the witness of these pilgrims – their struggles, joys and newfound courage – serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to walk with Christ and with each other.