Pilgrims’ spiritual journey to heritage churches

A pilgrimage to some of Tasmania’s oldest Catholic churches has been described as a beautiful spiritual experience.

Almost 50 people joined the Catholic Women’s League excursion to the historic Midlands towns of Ross and Oatlands earlier this month.

This was the CWL’s second pilgrimage in 2021, following the success of a visit to Fingal Valley Catholic churches earlier this year.

CWL state secretary Wendy Fittler, of George Town, explained that the pilgrimages gave people the opportunity to view heritage Catholic churches while spending time together in prayer and worship.

“The pilgrimages arose from a suggestion by Archbishop Julian last year that he would like to see the churches used and planning these journeys was a way of making ourselves [CWL] visible in the community,” Mrs Fittler said.

“The pilgrimages are wonderful ways to connect with our Lord and with other Catholics from around the state.”

Blessed with a perfect sunny and warm day, the journey to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church at Ross and St Paul’s at Oatlands provided a beautiful spiritual experience for parishioners from George Town, Launceston, Oatlands and Hobart, Mrs Fittler added. A contingent from the Polish Community in Hobart joined the pilgrims.

At Ross, CWL state president Wendy Harrap, of George Town, led Rosary prayers. George Town Catholic Parish administrator Fr Balasundaram Antonyraj CPPS officiated in the Benediction and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

After a picnic lunch on the banks of the Macquarie River, near the picturesque convict-built Ross Bridge, the journey continued to Oatlands where Archbishop Julian concelebrated Mass with Fr Balasundaram at St Paul’s Church.

“It was fitting that we celebrated at Oatlands as it also tied in with the celebration of the 170th anniversary of St Paul’s Church,” Mrs Fittler added.

“A highlight of the day was the beautifully-preserved Pugin-designed church at Oatlands, … with the organ being used to provide the music, and the sumptuous afternoon tea provided by the Oatlands CWL ladies in true country style, with a specially prepared ‘birthday cake’ depicting an image of the church.”

Mrs Harrap distributed scallop shells, a symbol of pilgrimages from the past, to those in attendance.

Mrs Fittler thanked everyone who contributed to making the day a special experience.