By Fr Nicholas Deidler
Yangebup Assistant Parish Priest Fr Nicholas Diedler shares his experience of a recent parish pilgrimage from Yangebup to Fremantle
In his Principles of Catholic Theology, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, explored the Christian understanding of conversion, describing it as the “fundamental Christian act per se” (Principles, 60).
The Christian is not someone who accepts the Lord only once, but rather is someone who chooses anew every day to follow Christ.
On the 7 June 2025 – Pentecost weekend – more than 170 parishioners and friends of Yangebup Parish walked on a pilgrimage to Fremantle Parish Church of St Patrick’s Basilica with the firm intention to renew their commitment to whole heartedly follow Christ.
Pilgrims could choose to walk either from Spearwood Parish St Jerome’s Church or Beaconsfield Parish Church of Christ the King, but at both starting points they had the chance to reflect on how they might better follow the Lord in their day-to-day lives.
At St Jerome’s, the pilgrims considered the importance of making room in the busyness of life to listen again to the gentle voice of God.
One pilgrim reflected, “through the 12 kilometre walk and being disconnected from the world for a bit, I realised that there are ways that we can become closer to God, even taking a few moments to pray and embrace His presence through the silence.”
Life can become very hectic, and if we do not deliberately make room for God then before we know it, He will have been crowded out by the many loud voices of the world that clamour for our attention.
Pilgrimages are opportunities to prioritise God, to slow down a little and recognise that Christ is actually with us on the journey.
Pilgrims were able to reflect on this, particularly in the experience of praying the Stations of the Cross that were an important part of this section of the pilgrimage journey.
“Being part of more than a hundred pilgrims praying the Stations of the Cross in the open field and in the serene setting on Clontarf Hill was such a wonderful experience, and ending the walk with a beautiful Mass at the Basilica was a perfect ending to the pilgrimage. Praise be to God.”
At Christ the King Church, (one of the rest stops along the way and a starting point for about 50 of the pilgrims), the focus of the pilgrimage shifted slightly and the group, now 170+ strong, were conscious of the witness they were giving to their faith as they prepared to walk the streets of Fremantle.
Before setting out, the pilgrims were challenged by the Lord’s parables to be in the world like lamps put on lampstands and the salt of the earth (cf Matthew 5:13-16).
Far from being intimidated or afraid, there was a great sense of joy and excitement in the group.
Many spoke of the strength they received in walking and praying with others, and of being part of such a large group of people of faith.
“This pilgrimage has strengthened my faith and made me even more proud of what I believe.”
Another pilgrim shared that, “this pilgrimage brought new life into my faith and brought me closer to God as it made me realise that we are not alone, and that He is always there when we need Him.”
For others still, this journey helped them discover anew the power of God that flows through prayer and the support of others.
Another pilgrim observed that, “there were times on the pilgrimage where I started to feel tired but, in the moments when I prayed, such as the Stations of the Cross at Clontarf Hill, and praying inside the church at Christ the King during the second break, the quietness of prayer refreshed me and gave me renewed energy to go on.”
Pilgrims had the opportunity to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the day, to pray for the Pope, and after having reached the Basilica, participate in the Mass and receive Holy Communion to gain the plenary indulgence available during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
Volunteers from the St Vincent de Paul Society had a shared lunch ready after the Mass before buses arrived to take the pilgrims back.
For most (if not all) participating in this pilgrimage brought new life to their faith, and many are already asking when there will be another one!
