The walk of life

September 2026

The “Spring to Action” 10,000 steps challenge has returned, calling all clergy to participate in this simple yet highly beneficial physical activity that is walking. The benefits of walking are well known and well researched, from strengthening muscles, strengthening bones, reducing excess weight, improving stamina to reducing anxiety and depression. Walking can also be a form of meditation and reflection. This month we invite you to read Fr Simeon Anthony’s reflection on walking the Aussie Camino. He was the winner of the 10,000 steps challenge in September 2025, which inspired him to go on the Aussie Camino in November the same year.
 
Walking with Hope: Aussie Camino by Reverend Simeon Anthony
What a fantastic year the Year of Hope was! Following the motivating September 10,000 steps challenge for Melbourne clergy last year 2025 organised by the fantastic team at the Office of Clergy Life and Ministry, I am thrilled to share that I completed the Aussie Camino—a 10-day pilgrimage from Portland to Penola inspired by St Mary MacKillop. This journey was much more than a long walk; it beautifully wove together my physical resilience, my memories of settling into Australia, and my deep faith.
 
The Physical Endurance: Finding Hope in the Hardships
The trail demanded strict physical resilience, pushing us through wild weather, steep cliff paths, and even an encounter with a Joe Blake (snake). Walking over 25 km a day quickly reduced the abstract concept of "hope" down to the physical reality of the next step and the next town. Pushing through the raw hardships of blisters, rain, and exhaustion built an inner strength within me, proving that we can face immense physical difficulties and emerge stronger.
 
The Emotional Journey: Overcoming the "Aussie English" Anxiety
Emotionally, the trek brought me full circle to when I first arrived from Yangon, Myanmar, in 2014. Back then, I found Aussie English so incredibly tricky. I remember the Rector of the seminary—a very kind priest—introducing my friends from Myanmar and me after Evening Prayer one night before dinner. Honestly, I couldn't understand a thing he was saying! It was like he was talking with his mouth closed. I only caught my name and thought, "Oh dear, where am I? Will I ever be able to understand people here?" A few days later, God answered my prayer through a movie about St Mary MacKillop that we watched. Her words, "I go full of hope," (1873) gave me immediate encouragement. This was because, as she also said, “when I could not see my way, God kept my heart full of trust to make all come right” (1885). Her life taught me how to walk in faith and always rely on God's care. Walking her trail has filled me with deep emotional gratitude for how far God has brought me now.
 
The Spiritual Renewal: Relying on Providence and the "Now"
Spiritually, the Aussie Camino brought the 2025 Jubilee theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," to life. It forced me to strip away distractions and focus entirely on the present moment, anchoring my spiritual growth in the "now." Just as St Mary MacKillop completely trusted God's providence to provide for her work, I had to lay down my worries and trust the map, the support team, and God’s plan. Following her footsteps from Portland—where she left the familiar behind—to Penola, where her vocation was confirmed, powerfully renewed my own dedication to my ministry.

Are you feeling inspired to experience this renewal? To prepare our minds and bodies, why not practice by participating in the September 10,000 steps challenge for Melbourne Clergy? As St Mary MacKillop’s simple quote reminds us, "Remember we are but travellers here," pointing us toward our true home in heaven.

To register for the 10,000 steps challenge:https://www.trybooking.com/DLQFE
 
There will be one winner for each category. Each winner will win a cash prize. In addition, there will be goodies hamper prizes for The Most Improved, Most Consistent and Most Entertaining participants across all categories.
 
Planning for Later Years Workshop:
A reminder for those priests in the age group 65 and over: if you have received an invitation to the Planning for Later Years workshop on the 23 September in Ivanhoe but has yet registered, please click on the below link to register:
https://www.trybooking.com/DKYQB