Five Archdiocesan Principals, Ursula Jamieson from St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School, Kambah; Anne-Marie Marek from Holy Family Primary School, Gowrie; Brad Gaynor from Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School, Nicholls; Lina Vigliotta from St Vincent’s Primary School, Aranda; and Carmel Maguire from St Monica’s Primary School, Evatt recently travelled to Greece and Turkey on pilgrimage as part of their Principal Professional Development Program.

The pilgrimage followed the footsteps of St Paul and the early Church. The team visited ancient Corinth, Ephesus, Patmos, Delphi, Philippi and Thessaloniki, places where St Paul and his companions courageously preached the Word of God.

There were many highlights throughout the twelve-day tour including mass at the House of the Virgin Mary in the hills above Ephesus. This is where it is believed that Mary and John the Apostle lived after Jesus’ ascension.

“This house was one of the most powerful spiritual places I have ever visited,” said Brad Gaynor. “There was a special sense of peace and tranquillity that I have not experienced in many other places.”

Another highlight was Philippi at the Baptistery of St Lydia on the Zygakte River. It was here that
St Paul founded the first European Church and Lydia was baptised as the first European convert to Christianity.

“It was a humbling experience to walk in the waters of the very place where the first Christian woman, St Lydia, was baptised,” said Ursula Jamieson. “We renewed our baptismal promises as we stood on the banks of the Zygakte River.”

Each Principal appreciated the opportunity to develop their own faith, network with others and to participate in such an amazing opportunity. They each look forward to sharing their stories with their colleagues and school communities.