Year 4/5/6 were very grateful to have Mrs Anne Saunderson visit yesterday to talk about her recent Mary Mackillop pilgrimage walk. Mrs Saunderson walked from Portland Victoria to Penola South Australia, following the footsteps of Australia’s first saint, Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop. The 8 day pilgrimage was an opportunity for spiritual fulfilment with the beautiful experience of nature and camaraderie of fellow pilgrims. Mrs Saunderson walked 193kms while learning more about Mary Mackillop’s life that exemplified faith, forgiveness, kindness, strength and encouragement.

Some reflections from Year 4/5/6:

1. Mary Mackillop was a determined woman who was a pioneer that vowed to fulfil the things she believed in.
2. Mary started the first Catholic Schools in rural and sometimes remote areas.
3. Australian’s are proud that she is our patron saint and it is important to preserve all the precious artifacts that have a deep connection with Mary’s journey.
4. Mrs Saunderson experienced some challenges on the pilgrimage such as walking through sand dunes, railway tracks, forest, beaches and farms. The walk reflected the challenges Mary encountered in her life journey.
5. Mrs Saunderson made new lifelong friendships.