Outback pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy

CATHOLICS in the Archdiocese are being invited to take part in a special pilgrimage from St Christopher’s Cathedral to the Bolo Farm Chapel in Condobolin, as a way of marking the upcoming Year of Mercy.

Archdiocesan vocations director and West Wyalong parish priest Fr Emil Milat devised the pilgrimage idea, which involves travelling through seven main towns – representing the seven levels of the spiritual journey according to St Teresa of Avila.

The 384-kilometre pilgrimage is intended to begin from the soon-to-be-appointed Holy Doors of the Cathedral, Fr Emil said.

“This journey is intended to mirror the interior journey of the spiritual life that St Teresa of Avila so beautifully expressed in her interior castle imagery,” he said.

“The pilgrim is encouraged to begin this journey from the specially appointed Holy Doors of St Christopher’s Cathedral to arrive at Bolo farm chapel on the first Saturday of the month, for confession then participate in the 6pm Vigil Mass.

“They are encouraged to bring a stone or rock as symbolism of their sins to be left at Bolo Chapel to be used in the construction of the Marian Grotto.”

The pilgrimage passes through the towns of Yass, Harden, Stockinbingal, Springdale, Temora and West Wyalong before finishing in Condobolin.

Fr Emil, who has prepared a detailed guide to the pilgrimage, said there were several symbolic aspects to the pilgrimage and the particular towns pilgrims will pass through.

For more information about the pilgrimage, contact Fr Emil Milat: emil.milat@cg.catholic. org.au.