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Epiphany Pilgrimage Fiesta – Celebrating the Feast!
The 2022 Epiphany celebrations in the Blue Mountains had a different feel this year. What is ordinarily a seven day pilgrimage walk up the mountains and intended largely for adult pilgrims, was instead a two day pilgrimage walk and fiesta in and around Glenbrook and suitable for pilgrims of every age. More than 60 walkers took part in the pilgrimage journey. Some opted for the ‘classic’ pilgrimage experience which brought together the delight of bushwalking in the mountains, with the joy of fellowship, talks and opportunities for personal prayer in the bush. For the first time this year, a ‘family pilgrimage adventure’ was also offered, and specifically aimed at children and families. It was a delight to witness so many young pilgrims having fun together as they rock-hopped their way through Glenbrook Gorge on a journey punctuated by prayer and reflection on the story of the Magi. After lunch and a swim in the gorge, everyone was back at St Finbar’s Church, to join with other members of the community to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany Mass and enjoy a balmy Summer evening of live music, fellowship, a festive meal together and Adoration. The children had great fun on the jumping obstacle course and topped off the night with a movie. A shorter pilgrimage walk on Day 2 saw both pilgrimage groups journeying together. The pilgrimage finished with a bush Mass at Elizabeth Lookout in Glenbrook, celebrated by Fr Joseph Lam – the Parish Priest of St Finbar’s Glenbrook – with the assistance of Deacon Andrew Rooney. Many thanks to the community of St Finbar’s for generously hosting the pilgrimage and fiesta, and to the speakers, musicians and many other volunteers involved. What a joy it was to spend time as a community of faith, delighting in God’s creation and reflecting on, celebrating and giving thanks for His presence among us. Preliminary discussions for a 7 day, 'Season of Creation' pilgrimage in September / October 2022 have commenced, with further details to follow in the coming months. You can register your interest for this pilgrimage on the registration page. If you would like to walk the Way of the Magi route (the route taken by the Epiphany Pilgrims) throughout the year on your own, then please email epiphanypilgrimage@gmail.com. |
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