CAMINO SHOALWATER
By Fr Geoff Aldous

 

After the successful “Camino Francesco” in 2023, the ‘hub’ representing the four parishes
planned another “Camino Shoalwater” this year. The event, however, extended to individuals
beyond these four parishes. The ‘pilgrims’ comprised couples, young singles, and young
children. Pilgrim’s ages ranged from 3 to 87 years old.

“I was delighted that there [was] a good number of young people,” says Fr Aldous, “and a
number who were not Catholic and enjoyed the welcoming experience.”

The walk proceeded along Shoalwater Bay and then around Lake Richmond.

There were nine stops or “stations” along the way, for a short reflection on the following
themes:

 

Reflection 1: Prayer & Contemplation
Reflection 2: All God’s Creatures
Reflection 3: Healing
Reflection 4: Sea
Reflection 5: Bushland
Reflection 6: Care for our Environment
Reflection 7: Indigenous Heritage
Reflection 8: People of our Community
Reflection 9: Family

 

The Camino Shoalwater concluded with the Prayer of Saint John Paul II for Families.

 

The journey was an opportunity for reflection, sharing the Easter Joy and also giving public
witness to faith.