In a post-COVID record, more than 1400 young people took to the streets of Western Sydney for a powerful pilgrimage through the darkness of Good Friday night, finishing in the early hours of Easter Saturday.
And it’s no mean feat – 21 kilometres, 29,000 steps, eight hours in the darkness. The annual pilgrimage organised by Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) pushes people to their physical and spiritual limits but is something they relish.
“I signed up for the experience to be closer to God and to others, reflecting on this time preparing for Easter,” said Athalie, a student from Nagle College. “I wanted to deepen my faith with the sacrifice of walking all night, asking for God’s mercy to guide me.
Eleanor Bonwick, Interim Catholic Youth Parramatta Manager speaks to the pilgrims at Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown. Image: Alphonsus Fok / Diocese of Parramatta
“Out of this experience, I gained more understanding in my faith and trust in God as I dedicated Good Friday as a sacrifice and reflection of walking as Jesus did on the way to the cross. I also became closer to the people I was around during the night and am now looking forward to joining this walk every year!” she said.
The goal of the annual pilgrimage is to bring together young people of all ages, to commemorate and reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and according to Deacon Adrian who is new to the Diocese, this was an event not to missed – just to witness the sheer number of young people coming together for Christ.
“Over a thousand young people taking part in an overnight walk from St Patrick’s Church in Blacktown to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Good Friday? This I have to see!” said Deacon Adrian when he heard about the walk.
For another first-timer, Hannah Portelli from Catholic Youth Parramatta, it was quite the experience.
“My first Good Friday pilgrimage was a profound experience. To walk through the night with thousands of young people who gave up the comfort of their warm beds for prayer, reflection, and community was deeply moving.
“I was surprised that I didn’t feel tired at all and think it is a testament to the meaningful conversations, the joy of reaching each new church and the encouragement of all the pilgrims journeying together,” she said.
Pilgrims with Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok / Diocese of Parramatta
This encouragement was in part due to this year’s theme – “Hope in the Darkness” – which provided an opportunity for pilgrims to reflect on Good Friday through the lens of the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope.
Beginning at 10pm at St Patrick’s Church in Blacktown, pilgrims heard from Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, who blessed them and their journey.
“The walk is like an Emmaus experience. We walk not alone but in companionship with one another. It is a reminder to us that we must learn to be companions on the journey. Life’s challenges are like scaling a high mountain. It is by the strength of partnership and companionship that makes a difference in times of need. More importantly, it is the companionship of Christ nourished by prayers that helps us overcome our difficult moments and expand our horizons,” he said.
After receiving a safety briefing, the walk began via four parishes: Seven Hills, Toongabbie, Wentworthville and Harris Park. At each parish, pilgrims were led through one of the Stations of the Cross by local youth leaders, who shared reflections on their station through the lens of hope. They prompted pilgrims to think about what that station meant in their own lives and contexts, and guided pilgrims in prayer and worship. As pilgrims walked between each parish, they were encouraged to continue to reflect through prayer and conversations with one another.
Pilgrims journeying through the streets of Western Sydney. Image: Alphonsus Fok / Diocese of Parramatta
In reflecting on the walk, one participant said: “[The Good Friday Night Walk] was a life-changing experience where I got in touch with my inner self so many times, appreciating my life and my struggles while living the hope in the darkness.”
Another said: “Every year [the walk] brings so much energy and passion for the faith – and it’s something that you can hear in passing conversations, see in the friendship of others and feel in the love expressed by each pilgrim at every church.”
Nagle College student Irena commented: “The highlight for me was when I walked alone. It gave me quiet time to pray and listen to worship music.”
A focal point of the evening is the carrying of a large wooden cross – it is a guide to all pilgrims and a focal point for their purpose and sacrifice. Pilgrims take turns carrying the cross, sharing the burden and responsibility.
“Seeing the elevated cross at the forefront of our group reminded me why we were walking. It helped me push through,” reflected Seanna, a student from Bede Polding College.
“Seeing the Stations of the Cross at each church, acted by the youth of that church, was also beautiful and eye-opening,” she said.
And it’s not just the young people getting involved. This ‘whole-of-Diocese’ event brings together young and old, Catholics and non-Catholics, clergy, religious and civic leaders.
Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott MP, his wife Bettina, Fr Joby, Deacon Charles Hyson and his wife Maria greeted pilgrims with hot tea and coffee at St Anthony’s, Toongabbie, alongside Bishop Vincent, before joining the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Wentworthville. Image: Alphonsus Fok / Diocese of Parramatta
The Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott MP, and his wife Bettina, greeted pilgrims with hot teas and coffees at St Anthony’s Toongabbie alongside Bishop Vincent and Fr Joby, before joining the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Wentworthville.
CYP leaders were also invited onto ABC Radio at the end of the pilgrimage to talk about the experience and use the opportunity to evangelise to a broader audience.
This support, nurturing of youth and focus on prayer and sacrifice, highlights the importance of all people finding new ways to connect with their faith. This is a powerful expression of our Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church, particularly in its call to renew the Church in spirit and prayer.
“From the experience, I gained a stronger sense of community and spiritual endurance,” said Irene a student from Nagle College. “It reminded me of the importance of faith, connection, and resilience. This experience brought everyone together in a powerful way, and I bonded with individuals whom I don’t usually talk to.”
You can see all the pictures from the event here: 2025 CYP Good Friday Night Walk | Flickr
