Easter pilgrims of hope
News
As South Australian Christians prepare to celebrate the most sacred time of the year, a group of young Catholics have planned a Good Friday night walk to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.
Organised by the Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults, the event is aimed at helping people connect with the Easter story and with each other will be held by the Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults (COYYA).
The inaugural Good Friday Night Walk is inspired by the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year and its theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
The Jubilee was launched in Rome on Christmas Eve and in local dioceses on Holy Family Sunday, December 29.
Holy years are traditionally held every 25 years and are associated with pilgrimages to Rome and other holy places. Not everyone is able to travel to Rome, so people are encouraged to participate locally at designated cathedrals, churches or shrines.
Ahead of the Jubilee, Pope Francis asked bishops around the world to nominate local places of pilgrimage or designated shrines within their diocese. The Australian Pilgrims of Hope website (pilgrimsofhope.catholic.org.au) lists the locations of sites across each state.
“A pilgrimage is a wonderful way to unite and reflect,” said COYYA coordinator Julian Nguyen.
“It is also a way of connecting with deeper themes of resilience, forgiveness and hope.
“Having heard about the night walk idea from other dioceses such as Parramatta over the past few years, we thought ‘why not do this in Adelaide this year’, but with our own unique Adelaide flavour.”
The walk will begin at The Monastery in Urrbrae with pilgrims making their way along Glen Osmond Road and arriving at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in the city. Three reflection stations are located along the route: The Monastery’s Sacred Garden, St Raphael’s Church at Parkside and the Cathedral.
The total distance is approximately 6.5 km and is expected to take three and a half hours.
COYYA staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist and lead the way.
“Gathering in darkness outdoors on the evening of Good Friday surrounded by the Stations of the Cross will be an incredible way to start our reflection,” Mr Nguyen said.
“At each reflection station, there will be worship music, reflections and prayers, before we continue the walk.”
While the focus has been on creating a youth event, people of all ages are welcome.
“Just ensure you encourage and bring young people along,” Mr Nguyen said.
“We are expecting 100-150 people, but we are open to the spirit taking over and seeing where this lands.”
Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing and either a small flashlight or phone light.
At the end of the night, COYYA will provide a minibus service back to the Monastery from the Cathedral for those who need it. It is essential to register in advance to reserve a space in the bus.
The Good Friday Night Walk event on April 18 is free and begins at 7.30pm. Registration until 5pm on Wednesday April 16 is essential via cathyouthadelaide.org.au/liftup2025
