Peter Carnley Anglican
Community School Leads
Opening of Pilgrimage Walk of Joy
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School officially launched the Pilgrimage Walk of Joy, becoming the first school community to begin a four-day spiritual journey across the Anglican Diocese of Perth in May.
Led by The Rt Revd Hans Christiansen, Assistant Bishop of Perth, the pilgrimage covered approximately 90 kilometres and brought together Anglican schools, parishes and community members in a shared celebration of faith, reflection and connection.
The opening day at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School began with a symbolic Welcome to Country and tree planting ceremony. Elder Barry Winmar prepared the ground through a traditional smoking ritual and Bishop Hans blessed the earth before the tree was planted. The ceremony represented respect for Country, renewal, growth and the beginning of the journey ahead.
Students and staff then gathered in Grace Chapel for the official opening Eucharist service. Bishop Hans explored the theme of ‘Joy’ and explained the significance of the shell he carried on his backpack and wore around his neck. Traditionally associated with pilgrimage journeys, the shell served as a marker of the pilgrim route, a symbol of spiritual transformation and a sign of completion worn by travellers throughout history.
As part of the ceremony, Principal Ms Felicity House presented Bishop Hans with a handmade wooden pilgrim’s crozier, topped with a cross crook to accompany him throughout the journey. The crozier was crafted by Mr Daniel Richardson.
A strong sense of unity was evident as pilgrims from Frederick Irwin Anglican School and John Wollaston Anglican Community School joined the PCACS community. The PCACS students welcomed the pilgrims on the school oval for the Smoking Ceremony led by Elder Barry Winmar, creating a shared moment of reflection, cultural recognition and respect.
Father Raphael offered a blessing to Bishop Hans and the pilgrims for safe travel and spiritual guidance. The pilgrims then began the first stage of their walk towards Wellard Station on their way to John Wollaston Anglican Community School.
Throughout the pilgrimage, Anglican school communities across Perth hosted gatherings, services and hospitality events along the pilgrimage route. Students from participating schools joined sections of the walk, demonstrating a shared commitment to faith, service and community connection.
The Pilgrimage Walk of Joy concluded at St George’s Cathedral on Thursday 7 May with a combined Eucharist service bringing together schools, parishes and supporters from across the Diocese. During the final service, pilgrims reflected on the theme of Joy and placed the gifted shell from Bishop Hans on the altar as a symbol of the completed journey.
By leading the opening of the pilgrimage, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School embodied the spirit of the Walk of Joy, encouraging participants to walk together in faith, celebrate community and embrace joy through shared experience.
