The Diocese of Parramatta invites you to be part of a once-in-25-year spiritual journey this Jubilee year of Hope on the 2025 Adult Jubilee Pilgrimage across Greece, Türkiye and Italy.
With registrations closing soon and final payments due by 7 July 2025, this is your last opportunity to walk in the footsteps of St Paul and the Early Church, guided by our own Fr Joby Ittira MS, Parish Priest of St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie.
Fr Joby, recently appointed as Chaplain for the pilgrimage, shared his joy at being called to lead:
Fr Joby Ittira, parish priest of St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“I got a call from Bishop Vincent… I never thought about going because I wasn’t going… but we rescheduled some changes in the Parish, and I said yes.
“I’m looking forward to it. The last time I went to Rome was almost 18 years ago, so I’m excited to visit again.”
This 19-day pilgrimage (7 to 25 September 2025) will take pilgrims through Greece, Türkiye and Italy – from the Areopagus in Athens where St Paul preached, to the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, the Cave of Revelation in Patmos, and finally to the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Image: Harvest Journeys/Supplied
Fr Joby reflected on the Jubilee Year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope:
“We are all pilgrims whether we are aware or not… this year reminds us that hope is essential.
“Even with all that is happening in the world, this pilgrimage reminds us that God cares for us and has a plan.”
As a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, Fr Joby is especially looking forward to celebrating Mass at the House of the Virgin Mary. He also shared a personal connection to Areopagus Hill, as he once performed in a play in India while studying Theology with the title “Paul at the New Areopagus”.
“It was emotional… I still remember it even though it was 20 years ago.”
An altar at the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana) in Ephesus, Turkiye, 9 July 2019. Image: fotopanorama360/Shutterstock
This pilgrimage is more than a trip; it is a sacred invitation to renewal.
“The purpose of Jubilee is to renew our faith… when you come back, you become instrumental in the community,” Fr Joby said.
Whether you have been discerning for a while or are just hearing about it now, this is your moment. The next Jubilee Year will not come until 2050. Do not miss this extraordinary opportunity to grow in faith, encounter the sacred, and journey with fellow pilgrims from our diocese.
As Fr Joby encourages: “It’s good to give it a try if you have time and you’re able to – it’s the Jubilee Year, you’re getting a once in every 25 year chance.
“Otherwise, you’ll have to wait another 25 years.”
Fr Joby Ittira MS, parish priest of St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie, during Mass. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage…
Led by Rachael, a passionate Lay Augustinian and seasoned pilgrimage leader from the Mission Enhancement Team, this journey is deeply enriched by her personal connection with Pope Leo XIV – the first Augustinian Pope.
With special access to the Augustinian house in the Vatican and reflections shaped by years of ministry and friendship, this pilgrimage offers more than just travel – it’s a spiritual encounter. Come and be part of this extraordinary moment in Church history, and let your faith be renewed through sacred places, shared stories, and the joy of walking together.
Final registrations close soon. For more information, email the Mission Enhancement Team or visit Jubilee 2025: Adult Pilgrimage.
