By Dr Chris Cotter
On Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 May the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Life team participated in a “Jubilee of Hope” Pilgrimage to the Wahgunyah Mass Tree.
Following prayer in the Chancery chapel the team set out from Bendigo for Rutherglen via Violet Town. On Monday afternoon Fr Peter Taylor PP welcomed us and shared his knowledge and insights relating to ministry in the parishes, which includes the churches in Chiltern, Rutherglen and Wahgunyah and two Catholic schools. That night the team enjoyed a meal and fellowship with Fr Peter.
The following morning, we met Fr Peter at Sacred Heart Church, Wahgunyah and celebrated a Liturgy of the Word. The team then made a visit to the Mass Tree, a six-hundred-year-old red river gum on the banks of the Murray River. The Mass Tree also marks the beginning of a picturesque two-kilometre walking trail that meanders alongside the stunning Murray River. The location offers the ideal setting for prayer and contemplation of God’s ongoing work of creation, either along the walking track or sitting on the jetty overlooking the river.
Whilst all prepared for the pilgrimage using the Sandhurst How to be a Pilgrim Guide, each member of the team experienced something different:
Geoff Gowdie (Assistant Director, Mission and Pastoral Life):
For me, reading first-hand accounts of people and events that are part of our spiritual heritage always draws back a curtain. Revealed there is a piece of our deeper story and connection with people who, though not known personally, have been part of the living Body of Christ linking to us across time and generations. This hit me strongly when I read the following as I stood before the Mass Tree: “150 years ago Mrs Margaret Mary Burrows set up Mass in her canvas tent, attached to the tree (Wahgunyah Mass Tree). Fr William Tierney travelled on horseback from Beechworth for that first Mass and for the many Masses that followed. Members of the local Aboriginal communities, the Wiradjuri, attended the Mass, kneeling reverently beside the Irish Catholics.”
This pilgrimage reminded me that the Communion of Saints is very real.
Claire Spinelli (Youth Ministry Team Leader):
The pilgrimage to the Mass Tree allowed us to take time to stop and reflect; to pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit, in prayer, reflection and conversation. It was time to renew, to learn and to connect; with our faith, with each other, with those who have walked and believed before us and with nature.
Leslie Cooper (Executive Assistant to the Director, Mission and Pastoral Life):
This was a spiritually renewing experience. Spending time in nature, around water and wildlife fosters a deep connection with the Holy Spirit.
Dr Chris Cotter (Director, Mission and Pastoral Life):
In the Gospel for 6 May (John 6:30-35) Jesus reminds us that the Father is always feeding and nourishing us. As the Mass Tree is a powerful communication of the Spirit of God ‘in all things’, I have a strong sense that the pilgrimage experience continues to nourish me, my prayer life and the unity of the MPL team.
We thank Fr Peter Taylor for his hospitality and highly recommend a pilgrimage to this truly sacred site in our Diocese.
Dr Chris Cotter
Director, Mission and Pastoral Life
