Since July, the Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team has offered formation and education to older parishioners and seniors through their Season of Life Spirituality Program, to enrich their faith and give them opportunities to share hospitality in their parish communities.
Many parishes have taken advantage of virtual pilgrimages to the Holy Land and in the footsteps of Mary, as well as Advent spirituality experiences and day retreats.
One such parish, St Matthew’s Windsor, requested to be taken on an Interfaith Pilgrimage in Sydney to the places of worship of the Abrahamic faiths: a church, a synagogue and a mosque. This pilgrimage took place on 25 November 2025.
On the bus, pilgrims prayed the pilgrimage prayers to begin our journey, asking God to keep them safe and open our minds to what we were going to experience. The first stop was the Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra, whose rabbis changed their schedules to accommodate the visit at short notice (the original destination was the historic orthodox Great Synagogue in the Sydney CBD, but unfortunately, there were unexpected renovations taking place in the Sanctuary).
The group was welcomed by Rabbi Ninio, who explained the tallit – prayer shawl – which had 216 threads in each corner. She explained the importance of the Torah and how to read using a pointer so that a finger does not smudge the special ink on the scroll. Prayer books are in Hebrew as well as English, as many Jewish people cannot read Hebrew. We were invited to morning tea, and we were able to ask questions about the Jewish faith.
Pilgrims during an interfaith pilgrimage to the Emanual Synagogue in Woollahra, as part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s offering of formation and education to older parishioners and seniors. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Comments from our pilgrims:
Many commented on the fact that it was a female rabbi and her openness and honesty in answering questions.
“I was thinking about Jesus in the temple reading the Torah.”
“We all believe in one God.”
“I understand the Jewish system and beliefs better.”
“The importance of unity among all believers of God. Men and women are equal.”
Our next stop was St Mary’s Cathedral, where pilgrims were guided on a tour of the significant elements of the cathedral and crypt. Many were surprised by the story of the early Australian church retold through the images of the stained-glass windows: how the Eucharist was kept in a house at The Rocks and how the early priests did not have proper vestments but used curtains.
A depiction of the early Sydney worshipping community in a stained-glass window at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. Image: Giovanni Portelli/Supplied
The pilgrims looked at the significance of the different historic chapels in the cathedral, the symbols of our faith in the structure of the cathedral, the painting by John Newton (Our Lady of the Southern Cross) for World Youth Day 2008 and Nigel Boonham’s beautiful sculpture of Christ and Mary Magdalene. The floor in the crypt continues to be maintained by the Melocco Brothers, whose work is also in the Dymocks building as well as Central Station.
A view of the crypt at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. Image: Giovanni Portelli/Supplied
Comments from our pilgrims:
“Overwhelming – it is magnificent, so much to see.”
“Learning about the early church in Australia and gaining a further understanding of their struggles.”
“To learn more in depth of what our faith gives us is very endearing.”
Our last destination was the Gallipoli Mosque at Auburn, where Ergun, the manager and tour guide, explained the ablutions ritual before prayer, how Muslims pray and why men and women sit separately. He talked about women’s clothing and what they wear in public and what they wear at home and with relatives. He showed the pilgrims where and how Muslims wash before praying five times a day and the outside area where funerals are conducted. Everyone was stunned by the beauty, simplicity and pervading calm of this Turkish mosque, which was built with Turkish materials by Turkish craftsmen between 1986 and 1999.
Pilgrims during an interfaith pilgrimage to the Gallipoli Mosque in Auburn, as part of the Diocese of Parramatta’s offering of formation and education to older parishioners and seniors. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Comments from our pilgrims:
“Learning that Islam does not teach violence like what we see in the media. I’m now more respectful and tolerant of their religion.”
“We are all brothers and sisters regardless of religion.”
“The air of peace.”
“Having the rituals of Muslim prayer explained by someone who is a true believer, rather than reading about it.”
“The mosque also amazed me in the simplicity of its structure but so faith-filled.”
“Most informative. The mosque is beautiful, loved its calm.”
In all three places of worship, communities come together for worship, but people also pray individually anytime, anywhere. Whilst public worship is structured, individual prayer has fewer rules but still emanates from ancient traditions. People felt a sense of the holy and sacred in all three places. At the mosque and synagogue, our pilgrims were surprised by the welcome we received.
Pilgrims wrote the following about the highlights of the pilgrimage:
“Accepting Catholics in their places of worship and even welcoming people to attend their Sabbath.”
“An enriching experience in getting to know how God is working in each of us to live in peace and prayer.”
“The three faiths, worshipping the same God in different ways and the same goodness.”
“How much we saw and learnt – to appreciate all people more.”
“Remember that we are all travelling on many paths – need for peace among all people.”
“St Mary’s Cathedral inspired me so much.”
Many thanks to the competent, skilled and obliging bus driver Keith from Bede Polding College, South Windsor, and to Bede Polding College for the use of their bus.
Merilyn Hancock is currently visiting parishes to discuss each parish’s needs and the program’s offerings. If you’d like to arrange a session in your parish or agency, particularly for men and women aged 50 and over, please chat to your parish office in the first instance, or contact the Mission Enhancement Team.
For more information, visit Supporting Older Persons or Find an Event Near You
This initiative supports the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community and Formation, and our objectives to be a Church renewed in Spirit and Prayer, Listening, and one that Walks Together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
