Glenelg pilgrims lead Jubilee way
News
The major destination for the Jubilee Year might be Rome but one Adelaide parish has led the way in localising the theme of ‘pilgrims of hope’ by walking to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on January 5.
The Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the Archdiocese, is one of three designated pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee year.
The others are St Joseph’s Church in Penola, which connects pilgrims with the faith and courage of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and St Aloysius Church in Sevenhill, which offers a peaceful setting for reflection and prayer as well as connecting with the origins of the Jesuit mission in Australia.
Glenelg parish priest Fr John Herd decided a pilgrimage to the Cathedral was a good way to begin the Jubilee year.
“It conveys the message of walking together and growing in hope,” he said.
“A pilgrimage is a bit challenging and has its ups and downs which reminds us of the reality of life. Our pilgrimage to the Cathedral became a bit tedious a couple of times, but that’s like our life and faith.”
With the forecast predicting 33C for the day of the pilgrimage, Fr Herd said fortunately there was a short burst of rain and cloud cover before he and a group of about 25 parishioners set off from Glenelg.
He said a pleasing aspect of the pilgrim journey was the chance to get to know some of the parishioners, a sentiment echoed by Russell and Mel who walked with their three children and a grandparent.
“We thought it was a good way of building community within the parish and might encourage other families to get involved,” Russell said.
“It’s a great way for parents to get children away from screens and out with other people – we had all ages and cultural backgrounds taking part.
“Our children were a little bit tired by the end, but they said it was worth the work because of the feeling of satisfaction in completing it.”
Russell said there were a few stops along the way, with prayer and readings led by Fr John, and when the group arrived at the Cathedral they prayed the Rosary and had some “quiet time” before heading back home on the tram.
“We all ended up on the tram together and chatted away, it was a really good community event – something that’s missing in a lot of parishes,” he said.
“With so many other distractions, it’s important to try and find ways to get families involved in the parish community”
Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve and the following day opened a Holly Door in Rebbibia Prison, the largest prison in Rome.
The Pope explained that he wanted everyone, including prisoners, to “have the opportunity to fling open the door to their hearts and to understand that hope never disappoints…. When one’s heart is closed, it becomes hard like a stone, it forgets tenderness”.
The Jubilee Year was launched in Adelaide at midnight Mass on New Year’s Eve. With the Mass taking place on the Solemnity of Mary, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan referred in his homily to the mother of Jesus as a model of what it means to walk through the holy doors.
“She trusted in God’s promises, even when the path was unclear. From the Annunciation to the foot of the Cross, she remained steadfast, her heart open to God’s will,” he said.
“Her example challenges us to examine our own willingness to trust and to open the doors of our hearts to God’s transformative love.
“But what does this mean for us as we stand at the beginning of a new year and a Jubilee? It means embracing the opportunities for conversion, reconciliation and renewal that this holy time offers.
“It means letting go of the fears and doubts that keep us from stepping forward in faith.
“The Jubilee Year calls us to take concrete steps toward justice, mercy, and peace.
“It is a time to forgive debts, to reconcile with those from whom we are estranged, and to care for the poor and marginalised.
“These actions are not merely symbolic; they are the tangible ways we make room for God’s kingdom to break into our world.”
Check the Jubilee webpage for upcoming events and resources.
