On the 21-22nd of August 2025, something new and truly historic took place in the life of the Catholic Church in Australia. For the very first time, bishops, leaders of ecclesial movements, and new communities gathered together in North Sydney for a conference titled Pilgrims of Hope: Charisms for the Mission of the Church. Organised by the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity, and Ministry, the two-day event was held at MacKillop Place, a site made sacred by the presence of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint.
The atmosphere was one of prayer, joy, and expectation. In the Mary MacKillop Chapel, the gathering began with Mass, as bishops and lay leaders prayed side by side for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What followed over the two days was a deep, synodal conversation: how can the unique charisms of each movement serve the mission of the Church today? How do we walk together in unity while honouring the diversity of gifts the Spirit has poured out?
Our own movement, Mothers Who Pray for Their Children, was blessed to be represented by two dedicated women: Mary Krotwaar, our Australian Coordinator, who flew up from Melbourne, and Cheryl Clark, the Coordinator of the St Nicholas of Myra Prayer Group in Penrith. Both women carried with them the prayers of our mothers across the country, joining their voices with the many charisms present.
It was inspiring to see so many Catholic movements gathered in one place. Groups such as Jesus Youth, Alpha, the Legion of Mary, the Missionaries of God’s Love, the Charismatic Renewal, Couples for Christ, and the St Vincent de Paul Society all shared how their communities are bringing the Gospel to life in different ways. Though each movement is unique, together they formed a beautiful mosaic of the Church in mission—each piece distinct, but shining more brightly when placed alongside the others.
For Mary and Cheryl, this was not simply a conference but a pilgrimage. They experienced firsthand the richness of dialogue with bishops and leaders from across Australia. There were moments of challenge, as questions about co-responsibility, relationships with dioceses, and the practice of synodality were raised. Yet, there was also a deep sense of unity and hope, a conviction that the Church is at her best when all her children—bishops, priests, religious, and laity—walk together.
As mothers, we know this truth in our own lives. The charism of intercession that we live out daily is a gift to the Church, just as much as the gifts of evangelisation, service, and renewal embodied by other movements. When Mary and Cheryl spoke with leaders of these groups, they were reminded that our small acts of prayer—offered quietly in our homes or gathered in our parish halls—are part of a much larger story of grace unfolding across Australia.
The gathering ended with a commissioning prayer, sending each participant back to their communities with renewed zeal. For us, it is a reminder that our mission as mothers is vital. We are pilgrims of hope too, journeying with the Church, carrying our children and families in prayer, and sowing seeds of faith in the hidden soil of daily life.
As we look back on this historic event, we give thanks for the opportunity to be part of it. And we look forward with trust, knowing that just as the Spirit inspired this first gathering, He will continue to guide our movements, our bishops, and our families into the future.
Written By: Felise D'Costa
Communications Coordinator
Photos Taken by: Mary Krotwaar and Cheryl Clark