At dawn on Pentecost Sunday, 8 June 2025, twenty-three Pilgrims of Hope gathered in the quiet reverence of the Romero Chapel at The Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills. As the sun began to rise, they prayed Lauds from the Office of the Hours, setting the spiritual tone for their 32.5-kilometre journey to Port Macquarie.

Pilgrimage leader and St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Youth Coordinator, Zac Parnell, reflected on the words from Daniel’s psalm (3:57–88, 56):
“And you, all you breezes and winds, O bless the Lord. And you, fire and heat, O bless the Lord. And you, cold and heat, O bless the Lord. To him be highest glory and praise for ever.”

“In the early morning cold, we probably didn’t feel much like praising the Lord, but we praised him anyway,” Zac shared. “Only minutes later, we realised with gratitude why—stepping onto Rainbow Beach, we were met by the rising sun, surrounded by fog and beautiful colours.”

The first leg to Lake Cathie (10 km) was marked by prayer, reflection, and a handmade cross carried by one pilgrim. The group prayed the Rosary and shared their hopes, deepening their spiritual connection. At Lake Cathie, the community of St Mary Star of the Sea Chapel welcomed them warmly with a nourishing breakfast.

The second leg (17.5 km) led the pilgrims along Lighthouse Beach to St Francis of Assisi Chapel in Port Macquarie, where parishioners greeted them with a joyful feast. Zac quoted again from Daniel’s psalm: “And you, spirits and souls of the just, O bless the Lord. And you, holy and humble of heart, O bless the Lord.”

Rejuvenated, the pilgrims—now joined by a few more companions—embarked on the final 5 km through Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve, arriving at St Agnes’ Catholic Church just before 3pm for the celebration of Mass.

Zac described the Mass as a powerful conclusion to the pilgrimage:
“We were struck by the power of the Pentecost Sequence… We consumed the Body of Christ, as the Body of Christ, to be the Body of Christ. And, after walking out the doors of the Church, we were confident that somehow, through our humble pilgrimage, we had made a home in our hearts for the Holy Spirit. We were ready to be sent.”

Pilgrim Janice Wilson shared her personal reflection:
“I didn’t know anyone in the group and felt a bit daunted, but the friendliness and fervour of the group relaxed me quickly. The prayerfulness was heartfelt—congrats to both prayer leaders.”

Marg Gobius added:
“I really loved the community feel—chatting with people I don’t normally spend time with and those amazing people who prepared breakfast and lunch. It was so beautiful to walk and pray the Rosary on the beach. So many lovely memories.”