More than seventy members of Teams of Our Lady made a heartfelt pilgrimage to the historic Mass Tree at Wahgunyah  on 23 November; an event first dreamed up by their late chaplain, Monsignor Frank Marriott. Though he passed away before it could happen, his hope for Teams to pray, walk and grow together was beautifully realised as members from across the Diocese gathered at the Sacred Site. The celebration of Mass, shared prayer, and the simple joy of a meal together became a fitting tribute to Mons. Frank and a moment of grace and hope in this Jubilee Year. Read the full story by Mike Hanrahan of Bendigo TEAM 3. 

By Mike Hanrahan, on behalf of TEAM 3, Bendigo 

As the seventy Teams of Our Lady members took their final Pilgrimage steps, the excitement Mrs Burrows and the congregation felt as they waited at the Mass Tree Tent for Fr Dean Tierney, Parish Priest of Beechworth, to arrive and celebrate the first Catholic Mass in the Wahgunyah district in 1869, was certainly felt!

Fr Peter Taylor’s decision to celebrate the Pilgrimage Mass on the historic granite rock at the base of the Mass Tree was welcomed by the Pilgrims. Bishop Mark Taylor, Bishop of the Wagga Wagga Diocese, was Concelebrant.

As Mass was about to begin, Team Members from Bendigo, Strathfieldsaye, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Shepparton recited the Candle Prayer and, on their behalf, Kay Galvin carried the lighted Paschal Candle to the Altar.

The impressive Bendigo Team 3 Banner, placed near the Mass Tree, was designed to demonstrate that Pilgrims approach a Sacred Site from all points of the compass.
It emphasised the words of Pope Francis when opening the Jubilee Year of Hope – “The goal of a Pilgrimage is an encounter with Jesus – we must prepare, pray and listen to Jesus as we journey,” to Sacred Sites from wherever in the world.

Our Teams chose the Mass Tree at Wahgunyah for its Pilgrimage to a Sacred Site.

Just before the Mass began, deep regret was expressed that Monsignor Frank Marriott, Chaplain of Bendigo Team 3 for thirty-five years, was unable to be present.
This Teams’ Pilgrimage to the Mass Tree was Monsignor Frank’s initiative. Always anxious to promote Teams of Our Lady, he hoped that as many Teams as possible would attend. He would have been delighted with the positive response on the day.

Team members read the First and Second Readings, the Prayers of the Faithful, and brought forward the Offertory items. A tray of Mass Tree Mementos, struck especially by Matthew Baker to mark the occasion, was brought to the Altar for a blessing.

Peter’s words in his Homily conveyed a clear understanding of the spiritual enrichment available to Pilgrims in this Jubilee Year of Hope. Thank you, Fr Peter.
To conclude the Mass, Bishop Mark led the congregation in The Jubilee Prayer.

Congratulations to the Knights of the Southern Cross, Rutherglen Branch, for providing a BBQ Lunch in Willows Park.
Mons. Frank always said: “Teams need to share a meal and converse”.