Women from across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are invited to deepen their faith through prayer, pilgrimage and fellowship at the annual Bethany Pilgrimage this August.
Catholic women aged 18 and over seeking an active and faith-filled pilgrimage experience are invited to take part in the annual Bethany Pilgrimage on Saturday 29 August 2026.
This is a special opportunity for women to walk together in prayer and fellowship while drawing closer to Christ through the intercession of Our Lady.
The idea for the pilgrimage was born in 2024 after organiser Victoria Karam recognised a gap in pilgrimage opportunities for women.
“While there were walking pilgrimages specifically for youth and men, such as the Good Friday Walk and Camino of St Joseph, there was something distinctly lacking for women,” she said.
Following much prayer and discussion, Victoria gathered a team and the Bethany Pilgrimage was established.
Fr Jeff Miller SBD blesses pilgrims at the start of the pilgrimage at Our Lady Of the Rosary St Marys, in 2025. Image: Supplied
The pilgrimage begins with Mass at St Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church, Mount Druitt, before pilgrims embark on a 17-kilometre journey, visiting four churches throughout the day before returning to St Joseph’s.
Under the patronage of Our Lady Help of Christians, the Bethany Pilgrimage offers women the opportunity to deepen their faith through prayer, reflections, hymns and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, while also experiencing the beauty and diversity of the Catholic Church.
Pilgrims will stop at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys; Sacred Heart Parish, South Mount Druitt; St John the Beloved Maronite Catholic Church, Mount Druitt; and St Aidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill.
“The blessing is that there are so many churches in such close proximity,” Victoria said.
“We also wanted women to experience the beauty of the Eastern rite of the Catholic Church, which is why we have chosen to have Mass at St Joseph’s this year.”
More than a physical challenge, the pilgrimage is also an opportunity for women to publicly witness their Catholic faith within the wider community.
Pilgrims receiving benediction at Sacred Heart Parish Sth Mount Druitt in 2025. Image: Supplied
A pilgrim from 2024 said: “Walking in the neighbourhood was like blessing the community as a few prayed the Rosary while walking.
“I was moved by some locals who blessed us as we passed them and said touching comments about Mother Mary.
“We reminded them of Our Lady’s love and, to some, a message that God is just around the corner,” she added.
Another pilgrim from last year said: “This day was full of spiritual love and worship and to show this to the outside world without shame or fear was absolutely worth it.
“I will definitely be back again,” she said.
With hopes that the Bethany Pilgrimage will continue to grow and flourish as a cherished annual event in the Diocese of Parramatta, organisers warmly invite women to take part in this unique day of faith, prayer and pilgrimage.
Find out more and register here. Or for more information contact Victoria on 0494 173 359 or email bethanypilgrimage@gmail.com
The pilgrimage is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer and Mission, and the objectives of Being an Inclusive and Welcoming Church, and a Church Renewed in Spirit and Prayer. Please visit Synodality to learn more.
