Pilgrims of Hope of the Catholic Parish of Lower North Shore embarked on a Pilgrimage to the Jubilee Shrines in the Diocese of Broken Bay

A Day of Grace: Pilgrimage of Hope to the Jubilee Shrines in the Diocese of Broken Bay

On Friday, October 17th, 2025, about 35 parishioners from the Catholic Parish of Lower North Shore set off on a pilgrimage to the Jubilee Shrines in the Diocese of Broken Bay. This journey allowed them to deepen their faith and community through prayer and reflection.

The day began with a Mass at Our Lady of Dolours Church in Chatswood, a Shrine of Hope for the Youth, led by Fr Hien Vu, along with Fr Vincent Nguyen and Fr Roger Delmonte. Their celebration of faith inspired the congregation, especially Fr Hien's talk on the newly canonised Saints, St Carlo Acutis and St Pier Giorgio Frassati. The pilgrims prayed before the relics and the Blessed Sacrament, marking the start of their journey with jubilee passport stamps and group photos.

As the bus rolled on, the atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm. The pilgrims sang the Jubilee of Hope Theme Song and prayed the Rosary together, strengthening their bonds in faith.

The next stop was St Patrick's Church in East Gosford, a Shrine of Hope for Families, dedicated to St Pope John Paul II. Fr Roger led prayers before the pilgrims had to leave for the midday Mass.

After lunch, they visited Our Lady of The Rosary Church in Waitara, the Cathedral of the Diocese of Broken Bay. Fr Vitalis Oguh welcomed them and shared insights about the Cathedral, leading them in prayer to foster reflection.

The final stop was St Mary Immaculate Church in Manly, a Shrine of Hope for Priests and Vocations. A gentle drizzle greeted the pilgrims, enhancing the day's spiritual atmosphere. They were welcomed by Fr Sam French, a former priest as LNS Parish. They venerated the relic of St John Vianney and were surprised by Seminarian Alfred Soliman, who revealed a hidden relic of St Therese of Lisieux, allowing the pilgrims to venerate it for the first time.

Reflecting on the day, it was a blessed experience filled with grace and community spirit. The Pilgrims of Hope felt the Holy Spirit guiding them, enriching their faith and reminding them of their shared journey.