by Sr M Luka Juenemann

A large group of pilgrims gathered together for the Jubilee Experience organised by CFE, Goldfield Catholics and John Paul College

From 5-8 July 2025, 65 pilgrims came together as people from the regional and metropolitan areas of the Archdiocese of Perth to share their faith and hope with one another. Organised by the Centre for Faith Enrichment and hosted by Kalgoorlie-Boulder parish, this jubilee experience truly brought the jubilee spirit of conversion, hope and joy into our lives resounding with the words of the jubilee year hymn in our hearts: “Like a flame my hope is burning, may my song arise to you: Source of life that has no ending, on life’s path I trust in you.”

Formation sessions on St Paul guided by Fr Errol Lobo being held at Kalgoorlie Parish Centre

The 65 pilgrims participated in daily sessions on St Paul: Pilgrim of Hope presented by St Mary’s assistant priest Fr Errol Lobo. Those who travelled from Perth, also enjoyed the hospitality of Merredin, Kalgoorlie, Boulder, Coolgardie and Southern Cross parish centres, as well as St John Paul College, Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Local groups such as FAMAG (Filipino Australian Multicultural Association of the Goldfields) and Christian Outreach cared for the dinners. The program also included daily Mass, morning and evening prayers, a penitential service with the Sacrament of Penance, and visits to historic sites such as the Super Pit, the Goldfields Museum, Mt Charlotte and Kalkurla Bushland Park.

Fr Thai, Parish Priest Kalgoorlie, Sr M Luka, Pilgrimage Facilitator, and Sr Noelline, pilgrimage participant, together with the FAMAG volunteers

Fr Errol, relating to St Paul as Pilgrim of Hope and expounding on the scope of Pauline Hope, led participants to a deeper understanding of the jubilee year theme and its connections with their own lives. He eloquently delved into St Paul’s teaching showing how Christian hope lies in our lives being conformed to Christ and trusting in God’s salvation or ‘rescue project’ that is presently underway.  Participants grew in their understanding that Christian hope, for Paul, is both corporate (God saving us as a people, rather than an isolated individuals) and cosmic (the divine project extending to ‘all things’ through a renewed humanity in Christ), and that it is based on the utter reliability of God, rather than human merit or potential. Christians, therefore, possess a priceless gift, which is the knowledge that our lives are not journeys towards an uncertain destination. Rather, we journey from a firm foundation in Christ: that we are already unconditionally loved. Our hope is not that we will find love at the end of life’s journey, but that love has already found us in Christ, and that everything in our lives will ultimately be redeemed in union with him.  

Participants enjoy the discussion groups and sharing opportunities

Furthermore, participants thoroughly enjoyed the sessions where they also had the opportunity for discussions on questions like: How might hope “keep us from discouragement” (cf. CCC 1818) in the face of our struggles, weaknesses, and even sinfulness?, or, What are some ways in which our parish communities might better embody our communion in Christ and the hope it offers the world?

One of them says that “the course offered profound insights. This was my first time exploring the life of Saint Paul in such depth, and it has significantly enriched my faith and deepened my relationship with God.” A couple who attended the pilgrimage together shared afterwards that “we’ve gained so much, spiritually, and have been given the opportunity to meet Catholic friends outside our parish.”

“Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. It is the conviction that all that we live for; happiness and sorrow; victory and defeat, will be found to have some sense. […] Human existence is not doomed to absurdity.” (Timothy Radcliffe, What is the Point of Being a Christian? quoting Vaclav Havel)

Bus group which travelled from Perth being sent out at St Mary’s Cathedral with a blessing offered by Fr Jason Yeap

On our way we had Mass at St Marys Merredin. A scrumptious morning tea strengthed us for the journey

Arrival and Welcome to Kalgoorlie at the Super Pit gold mine

Fr Thai and Fr Errol celebrating morning Mass for the participants

Community and fellowship of participants who came from Kalgoorlie, Metropolitan Perth and Esperance

Soup Night at All Hallows Church, Boulder

Return journey highlight – a tour of Our Lady of Montserrat Church led by Fr Matthew Hodgson