A Pilgrimage of Hope: Listening Beyond the Noise

In response to Pope Francis’ invitation to embark on a pilgrimage during Jubilee Year 2025, the Catholic Chinese Community travelled to Darwin for a six day pilgrimage during September 2025.  Following is a reflection by one of the participants.

Many pilgrims often speak of how they encounter God and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit during their journey.  For me, this pilgrimage offered a different kind of revelation – one that began with a quiet moment by the lake, during Mass celebrated by Father Shehan who said:

“Our problem is that we are too busy.  Our hearts are often closed, and we fail to notice the voice of God – or His presence through another person…”

That simple yet profound insight became the lens through which I experienced the entire journey.

While sharing with my wife during the trip, I realised I could not recall the last time we joined a group tour.  For over a decade, our travels had been self guided – offering freedom, yes, but also the daily pressure of planning routes, schedules, and logistics.  This time, we were incredibly blessed to have Kristina as our guide and organiser.  Her leadership made this pilgrimage not only possible, but seamless.

Some might think organising such a pilgrimage is as simple as booking flights.  I, too, had my doubts.  By May, there had been no announcements or promotional materials.  How could a pilgrimage be arranged in such a short time?  I was genuinely concerned it would not come to fruition.

Yet within mere weeks, everything fell into place.  Beyond securing flights and accommodation, Kristina coordinated with Father Shehan to plan the whole itinerary, arranged a briefing session, answered participants’ questions, organised airport transfers, facilitated communication with local clergy, liaised with bus companies to ensure punctual daily transport, and even handled lunch orders for the group.  Each morning, she briefed us on the day’s schedule and offered dining suggestions – even for meals we were to arrange ourselves.  Her attention to detail was extraordinary.

Returning to Father Shehan’s words – “we are too busy, our hearts are closed….” – I felt deeply that God was caring for each of us through Kristina.  Her dedication was not merely logistical; it was spiritual.  I believe every participant felt that care and compassion.  It warmed our hearts and painted a radiant rainbow across our long journey of seeking God. 

Photo image:  Catholic Chinese Community