Through walking, prayer, conversation and hospitality, the pilgrimage aims to nurture resilience, faith and community spirit.
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School stood proudly as the first to begin the Pilgrimage Walk of Joy, setting the tone for a journey to bring together faith, community, and celebration. The four day pilgrimage, led by The Right Reverend Hans Christiansen, Assistant Bishop of Perth, will take place over the coming week and cover around 90 kilometres across the diocese.
The day began with a meaningful tree planting, during which, Elder Barry Winmar prepared the ground by smoking it and watering the earth before the tree was placed, symbolising care, respect, and a deep connection to country as well as growth, hope, and the journey ahead.
The official opening service of the Pilgrimage Walk of Joy was held in Grace Chapel, where students, staff and PCACS pilgrims gathered for a Eucharist that marked the spiritual beginning of the walk. During the Eucharist, Bishop Hans spoke about the significance of the shell he wore around his neck and carried on his backpack. He explained that it acted as a marker for the route, a sign of spiritual transformation and a historical badge of completion for pilgrims, often worn on backpacks or clothing. During this time, Principal Ms Felicity House gifted Bishop Hans with a handmade Staff topped with a welded cross crook, to guide him throughout the four day pilgrimage. We thanks Mr Daniel Richardson for making the Staff.
A significant moment of unity came as PCACS welcomed pilgrims from Frederick Irwin Anglican School and John Wollaston Anglican Community School. Together, they moved to a Smoking Ceremony led by Elder Barry on the oval. The ceremony invited all present into a shared space of reflection, respect, and cultural recognition.
Before setting out, the pilgrims received a travel blessing from Father Raphael, affirming their purpose and safety for the journey ahead. With this, they departed the school and began their walk towards Wellard Station, taking the first physical steps in what would become a deeply meaningful experience of prayer, conversation and companionship.
Throughout the pilgrimage, Anglican school communities will come together in the spirit of joy, hosting gatherings, services, and moments of hospitality along the route. Students will join sections of the walk, visibly expressing their shared commitment to faith, service and community.
The Pilgrimage Walk of Joy will conclude at St George’s Cathedral on Thursday 7 May, where a student representative will place the gifted shell from Bishop Hans on the alter during a combined Eucharist, bringing together parishes, school communities and all who wish to celebrate the journey.
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School embodied the first steps of the Pilgrimage of Joy, openly living out its invitation: to step into joy, walk together in faith, and celebrate the community found in Christ.