Journey of faith for Kings Meadows Parish pilgrims of hope

By Wendy Shaw

Hope, peace and joy were the hallmarks of a Kings Meadows Parish pilgrimage to Lutana.

Some 25 parishioners from Kings Meadows and friends from neighbouring Launceston Parish, travelled by bus to the Shrine of Our Lady of Victories in Lutana, Hobart, on 27 March.

Parish administrator Fr Damien Sladen explained that the event was particularly aimed at parishioners who might not otherwise have been able to make a pilgrimage due to age, health or mobility issues.

“The pilgrimage was meant to give the parishioners hope, which is the theme of the Jubilee Year 2025,” he said.

“The outcome of this pilgrimage was an openness to the wonders of Jesus and our Blessed Mother in their journey of faith. That is the reason the shrine was chosen.”

Roslyn Spaulding, a parishioner at St Peter’s, Youngtown, said an enjoyable, safe and well-planned day was had by all.

“During the travel, participants met new friends and connected again with others,” she said.

“All expressed their joy and peace in the Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction and quiet contemplation and prayer, which contributed to their further faith development.

“One unexpected delight was to see the Stations of the Cross, formerly on the walls of St Peter’s Church, Kings Meadows, now hanging on the walls of the Shrine of Our Lady of Victories.”

Roslyn said that the pilgrims were welcomed by supporters of the shine, who provided a ‘delightful lunch’.

“Special thanks to all who contributed in this journey,” she said.

“We [also] thank Fr Suresh, rector of the shrine, and Judith Andrews and her team for their hospitality.”

The former Lutana-Goodwood parish church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Victories as a diocesan shrine for the Archdiocese of Hobart in May 2024. Archbishop Julian said at the time that the shrine has a special identity and purpose as a designated holy place set aside for prayer and intercession.