More than 1,400 Catholic students and young people from Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains came together in faith to participate in the annual Good Friday walk, a 21-kilometre pilgrimage from Blacktown to Parramatta.
Organised by Catholic Youth Parramatta and the Diocese of Parramatta, walkers set off from St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown at 10:00pm on Good Friday and arrived at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta at around 6:00am on Easter Saturday.
Represented were students and staff from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD), including Bede Polding College South Windsor, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park, Catherine McAuley Westmead, CathWest Innovation College Mount Druitt, Delany College Granville, Emmaus Catholic College Kemps Creek, Nagle College Blacktown, Parramatta Marist High School, Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, and St Agnes Catholic High School Rooty Hill.
The event is a powerful demonstration of faith with every step taken by young people in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago.
The walk was much more than a physical challenge, it was a deeply spiritual journey with each stage of the night bringing unique moments of reflection.
“The highlight for me was when I walked alone. It gave me quiet time to pray and listen to worship music,” said Irena, also from Nagle College.
Pilgrims make regular prayer and reflection stops at parishes in Seven Hills, Toongabbie, Wentworthville and Merrylands.
“Seeing the elevated cross at the forefront of our group reminded me why we were walking. It helped me push through,” reflected Seanna, a student from Bede Polding College.
Seeing the Stations of the Cross at each church, acted by the youth of that church, was also beautiful and eye-opening.
Praying with the pilgrims at their departure point in Blacktown, Bishop Vincent wished them well and was “astounded” at the number of young people before him.
James Camden, Director of Catholic Youth Parramatta said the pilgrimage attracts a large number of youth, despite the various challenges faced by the Church today.
“I was surprised by the number of young people who took part in the walk when I first started. At a time when the general public feels that young people are walking away from the Church we have these young people that are standing up for what they believe in and expressing what their faith means to them,” Mr Camden said. “In a really positive sign, around 60% of the participants were aged between 15-22.”
Many students commented on how the experience deepened their faith, forged friendships, and fostered connection.
“Out of this experience I gained more understanding in my faith and trust in God as I dedicated Good Friday as a sacrifice and reflection of walking as Jesus did on the way to the cross,” shared Athalie.
I also became closer to the people I was around during the night and am now looking forward to joining this walk every year!
“From the experience, I gained a stronger sense of community and spiritual endurance,” added Irene, from Nagle College. “It reminded me of the importance of faith, connection, and resilience. This experience brought everyone together in a powerful way, and I bonded with individuals whom I don't usually talk to.”
The entire walk has the support of other agencies and ministries in the Diocese of Parramatta as well as the NSW Police Force who said it was “a smooth, well run and safe event.”
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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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