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Jubilee Pilgrimage: Walk for Life

Start Date: Friday 23 May, 2025
End Date: Saturday 24 May, 2025
Time: 9:30am (Friday) - 6:30pm (Saturday)
Venue: Kiama → Gerringong → Culburra Beach
Cost: Suggested donation: $20 per person (for resources, logistics and to support “Life” groups)
RSVP: Monday 19 May, 2025

Venue
Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Contact Person
Jude Hennessy
Street Address
94-112 Manning Street, Kiama
Phone
(02) 4222 2407

“We are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life, the ‘culture of death’ and the ‘culture of life’ … we are all involved and we all share in it, with the inescapable responsibility of choosing to be unconditionally pro-life.”
POPE JOHN PAUL II, EVANGELIUM VITAE

Join us for the Walk for Life Jubilee Year Pilgrimage, a two-day journey along the stunning South Coast from Kiama to Culburra Beach, as we pray for the protection of life at all stages—from the womb to the tomb. Whether you walk the full two-day journey or just one part, your presence and prayers are a powerful witness.

The absence of true hope is often at the root of decisions and policies that disregard the unborn, the sick, and the elderly. As Christians, we are called to build a culture of life—one where every human life is cherished and protected. This mission stems from our trust in God and our call to be bearers of hope.

Pope Francis reminds us in his Jubilee 2025 Papal Bull:

  • “Looking to the future with hope… entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it.”
  • “Openness to life and responsible parenthood is the design that the Creator has implanted in the hearts and bodies of men and women.”
  • “The desire of young people to give birth to new sons and daughters as a sign of the fruitfulness of their love ensures a future for every society. This is a matter of hope: it is born of hope and it generates hope.”
  • “The Christian community should be at the forefront in pointing out the need for a social covenant to support and foster hope, one that is… working for a future filled with the laughter of babies and children, in order to fill the empty cradles in so many parts of our world.”

For 14 years, this pilgrimage has been faithfully organised by Sue Hill and Gabriella de Battista, in collaboration with Fr Chris Roberts, with the support of many dedicated families, individuals, and religious. Now, with the Diocese of Wollongong’s Office of Renewal and Evangelisation, we hope this becomes a well-known and significant event—drawing more people into this mission of life and mercy.

Register now—free but essential

Help us plan for 2025 and beyond by registering now. We expect a large group, and authorities need to be notified of numbers.

REGISTER NOW

Support the Walk for Life

If you cannot attend but would like to support this pilgrimage, donations will help cover resources, logistics, and support for “Right to Life” organisations. Your generosity strengthens our shared mission of praying for the protection of life.

Select “Walk for Life Jubilee Pilgrimage” from the dropdown menu in the following link:

DONATE NOW

Pilgrimage schedule

Join us for all, or selected, parts of the Walk for Life.

Friday 23 May 2025 – Day 1 (13–15km walking)

9:30am

Mass at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kiama.
10:15am Morning tea – church hall.
11:00am Blessing of pilgrims / walk commences.
12:15pm “Little lunch” and address / reading of life issue (pick-ups and drop-offs available).
12:30pm

Resume walk to Werri Beach (6km, no car access).
2:15pm–3:00pm Lunch and rest.
3:00pm–3:45pm

Walk from Werri Beach to St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Gerringong.
4:00pm–5:00pm Benediction and confession.
6:00pm–8:00pm

Dinner at Gerroa Fisherman’s Club with Bishop Brian Mascord.
8:30pm Bishop Brian to lead prayers and impart the Jubilee Papal Blessing, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
9:00pm

Overnight adoration commences at St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Gerringong.

Accommodation:

  • Pilgrims can set up tents or vans at Gerringong Church (2 toilets available).
  • Sleeping space available at Kiama Church Hall (floor space, with showers and toilets).
  • New pilgrims expected to arrive at Gerringong Church throughout the evening.
  • Organise your own other paid accommodation if needed.

Saturday 24 May 2025 – Day 2 (24km walking)

8:00am

Mass at St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Gerringong.
8:45am Breakfast (basic breakfast options provided) and make-your-own sandwiches (basic fillings provided).
9:30am

Blessing and commence walk – from Gerringong to Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Lookout, Gerroa.
10:10am

Walk to Seven Mile Beach, past Gerroa Caravan Park, to Beach Road Picnic Area.
11:30am

Late morning tea / early lunch at Beach Road Picnic Area (some pick-ups and transfers available).
12:10pm

Depart via Link Sand Walking Track & Beach to Shoalhaven Heads Surf Club.
2:10pm–2:40pm Arrive at Shoalhaven Heads Surf Life Saving Club (SHSLSC) – transport to Crookhaven Heads.
3:30pm

Final walk from Crookhaven Heads to Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Culburra Beach (some pilgrims will be transported to the church).
5:00pm Arrival of pilgrims for Mass.
6:30pm

Dinner at Culburra Beach Bowling Club.

Getting there and support

  • Trains available from Sydney to Kiama (Nowra/Bomaderry line).
  • Shuttle cars available for return to the start point on both days.
  • Support vehicles available at strategic points for tired pilgrims (volunteers needed!).
  • BYO: lunch, snacks, water, sunscreen, and hat, and money for dinner options (prayer books will be provided).
  • Suggested donation: $20 per person (to cover resources, booklets, breakfast, sandwiches, fuel for support vehicles, and support for “Right to Life” organisations). Donations can be made at registration or on arrival.

For information, contact:

  • Sue Hill: 0435 336 195
  • Gabriella De Battista: 0414 205 404
  • Jude Hennessy: [email protected] | (02) 4222 2407