Catholic Education Tasmania Leaders and Principals experienced the trip of a lifetime to Italy to renew their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. 

Participants experienced a 13-day pilgrimage to Italy, where they visited some of the world’s oldest and most significant Catholic churches and shrines. The pilgrimage focused on celebrating the liturgy, engaging and developing relationships with fellow travellers, and personal prayer and reflection. The pilgrims climbed hills, walked deep underground into ancient cities, and travelled to places where miracles occurred in what was a truly faith-enriching experience.      

Upon arrival, the Pilgrims visited the Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica on their first full day in Italy. In what was an incredible opportunity, all in attendance had the opportunity to partake in a private mass in a crypt deep inside of St Peter’s Basilica, which was led by His Grace, Archbishop Julian Porteous. Later in the day, they marvelled at the beauty of the Sistine Chapel before visiting one of the most sacred sites underneath St Peter’s Basilica, the ‘Necropolis’, the location of Saint Peter’s burial tomb.

Each day was filled with experiences that helped reform their faith and allowed them to reflect on their own religious journey to date. Executive Director, Dr Gerard Gaskin spoke glowingly of the pilgrimage, “The Saints of Italy pilgrimage lived up to every expectation. In all, fifteen Principals and Senior CET leaders participated in what can only be described as a genuine opportunity to grow in our faith and in our understanding of the rich spiritual and cultural legacy that the Catholic Church has given and continues to give to the world and to our history.”

A highlight of the first week was being able to take part in a Papal audience in St Peter’s square in Vatican City. Dr Gaskin explained, “To celebrate a papal audience with the Catholics of the world in their tens of thousands is a reminder of the global breadth and spread of our faith.” Following the mass, Catholics from around the world began asking Archbishop Julian for photos and blessings on behalf of the Catholic Church. This speaks to how revered Catholic leaders are within society and shows how blessed the pilgrims were to have His Grace lead the tour.

Deputy Executive Director: System Resources at CET, Cam Brown described the pilgrimage as an unforgettable journey, noting how blessed and privileged all attendees were to be able to attend the trip with His Grace. “We were fortunate enough to experience firsthand so much of our Catholic culture, heritage and tradition while immersing ourselves in the rich stories and lives of many of our Saints.” 

The pilgrims followed in the footsteps of St Benedict as they visited the village of Subiaco. 

During this aspect of the trip, they were able to visit two famous monasteries which are located in the magnificent natural setting along the Ariene River. The cliff-facing Monastery of St Benedict and the Abbey of Montecassino provided a picturesque setting for pilgrims to reflect on their own faith and be reminded of the words of St Benedict, that all things should be done in moderation.

Principal of St Paul’s Catholic School Bridgewater, Jo Clark, discussed the unique experience she had in attending the trip. “It was an absolute privilege to be part of the Saints of Italy Pilgrimage 2022 with fifteen other Principals, CET Leaders and led by Archbishop Julian… All our experiences were formative for us as leaders and will deepen our prayerful and reflective leadership as we lead our communities and share our faith in our future.” One of Jo’s highlights was visiting the tomb of St Paul, the saint that her school in Bridgewater is named after. She was able to make a special prayer for her school community and her parish, at such an important religious shrine for the St Paul’s Catholic School community. 

The Saints of Italy Pilgrimage takes place every three years, and all that were in attendance stated how faith-enriching the whole experience was. Principals and Senior CET staff can be a part of the tour which takes place once every three years, and this year happened to be the first trip since the pandemic and COVID-19. We look forward to the next pilgrimage, with a new set of pilgrims who have the chance to experience such an engaging religious journey.