As we begin this New Year, we give thank for all the blessings, memories and gifts of 2024. It was year filled with many joys and many challenges as people faced economic hardship, the loss of loved ones, war and climatic changes among other things. There were also moments when we rejoiced in the good news stories of heroic acts, the achievements at the Olympic games, the hope forged through the Church’s synod process and many more treasured moments.

As we step into 2025, we do with hearts full of hope. In the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has announced a Jubilee Year through which we are invited to become Pilgrims of Hope. Throughout the year there will be many events both locally and internationally to ignite the gift of hope among us.

The 2025 Jubilee will be centered on the theme Pilgrims of Hope. As Pope Francis so beautifully expressed it: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.” Many events have been planned both in Rome and in the local churches – view here.

Throughout Australia and beyond, dioceses have named places of pilgrimage. Mary MacKillop Place – the Chapel and tomb of Saint Mary MacKillop – has been officially designated as a shrine and place of pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. This is a recognition of the importance of Mary MacKillop Place to the life of the Church in Australia.

Her tomb, lovingly preserved at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney, is a sacred space that resonates deeply with Australian Catholics and people from all walks of life. It is here that many come to pray, reflect, and draw strength from her example. We invite you too to join us as we host a series of special events – liturgies, reflections, and retreat days as we offer the opportunity for you to connect with the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop.

Mary MacKillop stands as a woman of hope in a world yearning for peace. She lived fully the words of Saint Paul to the Romans: ‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer’. (Romans 12:12) In 1899, after years of trials and tribulations, she reflects to her Sisters: “I am full of hope in God who has been so good to us all”. For many, she has been a hand of hope in these times. Her life provides a window into the heart of God’s love as she listened to the cries of God’s people.

We invite you to embark on a Pilgrimage of Hope to Mary MacKillop Place in this Jubilee year. As you pause, reflect, enkindle and nourish your Spirituality in this special year, may you know as Mary MacKillop did, that in the end all will be well. Her trust in a Provident God enabled her to walk this land as a Pilgrim of Hope sowing seeds of hope, love and light.

May this New Year be filled with peace. May you experience the warmth of compassionate companions and celebrate the gifts awaiting you. Happy New Year to you.

Sr Monica Cavanagh
Congregational Leader