Join us on Palm Sunday for a symbolic pilgrimage to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Diocese.
From St Kilian's Church to Sacred Heart Cathedral ...
The Diocese of Sandhurst was established by Canonical Decree on 30 March 1874. As no Cathedral existed at the time, St Kilian's Church became the Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese. A pro-cathedral is a parish church which is temporarily used as a Cathedral while a Cathedral is being built, or is not available for use.
St Kilian's Church (a stone Church and then current timber Church) served as the Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Sandhurst until Sacred Heart Cathedral was blessed and officially opened in 1901.
This 150th anniversary pilgrimage symbolically traces this part of our Diocese's journey while paying tribute to the strength and commitment of the many faith-filled people who have helped to build parish and school communities in the forty parishes of Sandhurst over the last 150-years.
On Palm Sunday, we will walk and reflect on the many colourful stories of those who have walked before us, in gratitude for all they have done so that we may practise our faith so freely and comfortably in our Diocese.
We will walk in the knowledge that we journey on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, land which has never ceded, and pay our respects to the traditional custodians who cared for Country for tens of thousands of years.
9:45 a.m. St Kilian's Church, Bendigo (161 McCrae Street Bendigo)
Welcome to Country by Troy Firebrace, Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta Man
Gather to witness the blessing of the 150th Anniversary Processional Cross. This cross was exquisitely handcrafted by Martin Coman for the 150th Anniversary celebrations this year using timbers used for the Cathedral rafersand in the shape of the Paderborn Cross.
Be blessed as Pilgrims by Bishop Shane
Journey with us on a leisurely walk from St Kilian's to Sacred Heart Cathedral via the Chinese Gardens, Rosalind Park and the Alexandra Fountain.
Worship: We will arrive at Sacred Heart Cathedral in time for the Palm Sunday Procession at the commencement of the 11:00 a.m. Mass. All are welcome to join this Mass.
Don't forget to bring:
- A hat
- Suncreen
- Your own water bottle. (Water stations will be made available at Sacred Heart Cathedral and St Kilian's.)
Change of Mass times
To facilitate participation in this symbolic and significant pilgrimage, the the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St Kilian's and the 8:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral will not be celebrated on the day of the pilgrimage. Cathedral Parish Cluster extends its welcome to all who would like to join them at the 11.00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral.
Interested in Participating?
If you're interested in participating in this pigrimage, feel free to simply turn up on the day. If you'd like to keep informed about this pilgrimage make sure to watch our Facebook event page.
To download the Pilgrimage Map as a pdf click on the map/image above.
To download the Palm Sunday Proceedings Booklet as a pdf, click on the image above.
A year of celebration. A year of stories.
The story of the Diocese is fascinating, full of vibrant personalities and intriguing tales. We look forward to sharing these stories with you over this 150th Anniversary Year and invite you to share your stories of the Diocese with us.
