Pilgrimage of Joy

Christ Church Grammar School was honoured to play a meaningful role in the Anglican Diocese of Perth’s Pilgrimage of Joy, welcoming Assistant Bishop, The Right Reverend Hans Christiansen, during his four-day journey connecting Anglican schools across the city.

More than simply a physical journey, the pilgrimage represented an opportunity for Anglican schools to reconnect with their shared identity and consider how joy can be lived out within communities through compassion, connection, and collective purpose.

Bishop Hans arrived at Christ Church alongside our boarders and friends from St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, where he was warmly welcomed by students and staff. His visit created a unique opportunity for the School community to pause amid the busyness of school life and reflect on the values that unite us - faith, service, gratitude, and fellowship.

The visit was marked by a special Boarders and Community Service held in the School Chapel, attended by members of the Christ Church community. The gathering provided an opportunity for students, families, and staff to come together in worship and reflection, recognising the importance of community and shared purpose within Anglican education.

After spending the night sleeping in the Chapel, Bishop Hans joined the School the following morning as a special guest at the Senior School Assembly. Speaking to students, he reflected on the deeper meaning of pilgrimage, and the role joy plays within faith and everyday life.

He noted that joy is mentioned more than 180 times throughout the Bible, reminding students that joy is not simply a fleeting emotion, but something grounded in hope, connection, and service to others.

A particularly meaningful symbol throughout the pilgrimage was the shell Bishop Hans wore around his neck and carried on his backpack. He explained that historically, shells have been worn by pilgrims as markers of the journey - symbols of spiritual transformation, guidance, and completion. During the Assembly,

Bishop Hans presented a shell to Spiritual Prefect Jeeo McGuire as a gift to the School, representing connection to faith, community, and the wider Anglican tradition.

Students were especially moved by Bishop Hans’ message about the power of unity and shared action. “The key to finding joy is to know we can do something special together, not alone. When we come together, it can dispel the problems we are facing, personally and globally.”

Following the Assembly, Bishop Hans was farewelled with a guard of honour formed by Year 3 and 4 students, alongside visiting students from St George’s Anglican Grammar School and Carmel School. The joyful send-off reflected the warmth, spirit, and sense of togetherness that characterised his time at Christ Church.

Bishop Hans then continued on foot towards St George’s Cathedral in the Perth CBD, where the pilgrimage concluded with a Eucharist attended by representatives from each participating school, including Christ Church Prefects.

The Pilgrimage of Joy served as a powerful reminder that schools are not only places of learning, but communities grounded in shared values, relationships, and faith. Bishop Hans’ visit encouraged students and staff alike to reflect on the importance of walking together with purpose, supporting one another, and seeking joy through service, connection, and community.