On Saturday, 13th December, it was a great joy to organise and accompany parishioners from Caloundra, Landsborough, Maleny and Maroochydore on a deeply spiritual pilgrimage to the Marian Valley Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians at Canungra. We gathered to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the shrine’s opening, and the day was filled with prayer, reverence and grace.

We were extraordinarily blessed to receive a Papal Blessing through the personal delegate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Krzysztof Józef Nykiel, Titular Bishop of Velia, who travelled from Rome for the occasion. This blessing included the granting of a Plenary Indulgence for pilgrims to Marian Valley throughout the year, for all who meet the usual conditions. We were also honoured by the presence of Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, two priests from America, many local priests including the Pauline Fathers and Brothers, several deacons, and hundreds of pilgrims.

The Mass was beautifully celebrated and deeply prayerful, enriched by music from the Schola of the Cathedral of St Stephen. A particularly moving moment was the joyful entrance procession led by members of the Papua New Guinea community, reflecting the universality of the Church. After Mass, pilgrims spent time praying throughout the peaceful grounds, and we concluded together with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00pm.

The joy and grace of the day were evident on every face. Many parishioners shared how deeply touched they were, with one saying she felt this was exactly the pilgrimage God wanted her to be part of. I warmly encourage parishioners to visit Marian Valley, where the Plenary Indulgence remains available, offering a beautiful opportunity to encounter God’s mercy through the loving intercession of Our Lady.