Over the past decade, St Mary’s Ministry Coordinator, De-Anna Addicoat, has championed for the Pilgrimage to be held in the Hunter region, a site of great significance due to the lasting impact of the Josephite Sisters since their establishment in 1883.

This year's Pilgrimage began at St Joseph’s Catholic College, Lochinvar and concluded at St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead. The event provided an opportunity for members to deepen their knowledge of Julian Tenison Woods and St Mary’s in living the Charism today.

This year's Pilgrimage featured an exhibition exploring the life of Fr. Julian Tenison Woods, who co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph with Mary MacKillop in 1866. Attendees, including teachers and students, gathered to observe the rich array of artifacts on display.

De-Anna Addicoat, along with Sister Jan Tranter, who joined the order in the 1960s, emphasised the importance of these pilgrimages as they highlight how such events honour the past while inspiring future generations to embody the Josephite spirit in their educational practices with Christ at the centre.

The legacy of the Josephite Sisters continues to thrive in schools through the dedicated work of principals and staff. Their commitment to the Josephite charism ensures that the values and teachings of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods remain alive and influential in today’s educational landscape.

For more information on the Sisters of St Joseph, Lochinvar, visit Home - Sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar (ssjl.org.au).

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