Last week on a beautiful spring morning, 90 pilgrims from St Emilie De Vialar Parish, Canning Vale set off in two buses to travel to Bullsbrook, Bindoon and New Norcia on a spiritual journey led by Parish Priest Fr Robert Carillo.
Everyone agreed it was a wonderful opportunity to leave behind for a day the mundane distractions of everyday life, to take in the green and inviting scenery, the flash of colourful wild flowers by the roadside, and the opportunity to reflect on a deeper level about one’s own faith, while opening ourselves to the spiritual experience we were about to share.
The first stop was at Bullsbrook where we visited Our Lady’s Shrine, built by the Sacri Association and dedicated to “Mary, the Mother of the Church” by Archbishop Foley in 1987.
Our organisers sorted us into groups of twelve so that we could become a ‘Human Rosary’, with a candle being passed from one person to the next as the decades were said.
It was a moving way to pray the Rosary and gave everyone an opportunity to participate.
After attempts to document the journey by taking a group photograph of the entire group at once, it was back on the buses and on our way.
Next stop was the delightful little stone church at Bindoon, St Anne’s. Dedicated in July 2004, this lovely place is very welcoming and prayerful.
It has a grotto, and nearby lodge which is offered to people who wish to come and stay on retreat.
Here in the church, Fr Robert celebrated Benediction and then we were treated to a welcome cuppa served by several ladies from the parish. It was also a great opportunity to socialise with each other.
Finally, we set off on the last leg to New Norcia where we alighted at the Abbey Church for Mass.
It was a fitting end for a spiritual journey to celebrate Eucharist in this place which houses the body of one of the first Benedictine Monks who helped establish the Catholic Church in Western Australia.
Dom Rosendo Salvado lies peacefully in this old building which echoes many past Masses and is steeped in years of spiritual reflection.
An appropriate place to open one’s heart and to reflect more deeply on faith, the meaning of Eucharist and community.
The rest of the day was filled with a picnic lunch in the shade, then some visited the Museum and others took a tour of this interesting place, before it was back on the buses and home, tired but satisfied.
This was St Emilie’s first pilgrimage and such a great response from parishioners was very encouraging.
As it took place in the school holidays, many children were also able to come.
Most participants would agree that aside from the spiritual aspect of the day, it was also very rewarding to have an opportunity to talk with those whose face you know from Mass, but never seem to have the opportunity to talk to on a more intimate level.
It was an excellent day, and one we plan to repeat.