Diocese of Sale Pilgrims Gather in Benambra to Honour St Francis of Assisi

Last weekend, more than 200 pilgrims from across Gippsland and beyond gathered in Benambra for a special diocesan pilgrimage honouring St Francis of Assisi. This weekend commemorated the 800^th anniversary of the death of one of Christianity’s most beloved saints.

Hosted by the community of Benambra, the celebration held particular significance as Benambra is home to St Francis of Assisi Church, the only church in the Diocese of Sale dedicated to the saint.

The pilgrimage began at St Mary’s Church, Bairnsdale, with a Transitus Service on the vigil of the Feast of St Francis. During the service, Bishop Greg Bennet invited participants to undertake an “Assisi pilgrimage of the heart”, encouraging them to reflect on the saint’s witness of faith, simplicity and discipleship.

Following this prayerful start, many of the pilgrims gathered and shared a meal together.

The next day began with morning prayer at St Mary’s before the two-hour journey through the high country to Benambra.

Before Mass, Bishop Greg blessed the animals including a horse, a turkey and many dogs, both large and small.

A number of significant gifts were presented during Mass. A first-class relic of St Francis of Assisi was gifted to the Diocese of Sale by Bairnsdale parishioner Frank Brown Graham. This relic was given to him as a teenager and has been in his possession for the last 60 years. A beautiful commemorative icon, written by Annette Bristow-Stagg from the icon writing group in Traralgon, was blessed by Bishop Greg and will remain in the church as a reminder of this special occasion. A wooden Franciscan plaque was also gifted to the church by Glen Schumacher, from the Secular Franciscan Order as a lasting remembrance of the occasion.

Pilgrims left with their own keepsake, being a Tau cross worn as a necklace, made by the VCE-Vocational Majors students from Nagle Catholic College Bairnsdale, and a native plant, symbolising a commitment to care for creation as the Church concluded the Season of Creation. Together, these gifts served as tangible reminders of St Francis’ call to faith, simplicity, fraternity, and stewardship of the natural world.

The Pilgrimage Mass at St Francis of Assisi Benambra celebrated both the enduring legacy of St Francis and the rich history of Catholic faith in Victoria’s High Country. Catholics have gathered in Benambra since the 1870’s, with priests travelling vast distances on horseback to celebrate the sacraments and nurture faith among pioneer families. Blessed in 1882, St Francis of Assisi Church became the spiritual home for generations of local Catholics where their faith was nurtured and strengthened through their community, the Word of God and the celebration of the Eucharist.

“The people of this community continue to keep the rumour of God alive,” Bishop Greg said, acknowledging the generations of families whose faith has shaped the district for well over a century.

Reflecting on this legacy, Bishop Greg gave thanks for the faithful witness of the people of Benambra, whose commitment to Catholic life continues to sustain the life of the Church in this remote part of the Diocese.

Amidst the striking landscape of the High Country, pilgrims were invited to reflect on the spirituality of St Francis, whose love for God was expressed through a deep appreciation of creation. The mountains, forests, rivers and valleys of the region provided a fitting setting to contemplate Francis’ vision of the world as a gift from God. Francis’ journey of conversion from the son of a wealthy merchant to a humble disciple whose life became centred entirely on Christ was recalled.

His witness of peace, simplicity, care for creation and love for those on the margins continues to inspire Christians throughout the world. They were reminded that pilgrimage itself is central to the Christian journey. More than a visit to a place, pilgrimage invites people to encounter God, seek renewal and walk more closely in the footsteps of Christ.

“As we leave this place, may we carry with us something of the spirit of Assisi: peace with God, peace with one another, and peace with all creation,” Bishop Greg said.

Our thanks go to the local communities for their wonderful hospitality, the Bairnsdale parish staff, the Diocesan Jubilee Team, to Mike Hansen for creating a preparatory pilgrim prayer resource, to all those pilgrims who attended from far and wide, and to everyone who contributed to this wonderful event.

A reflection from Fr Francis Otobo, Dean of the Cathedral Click here 

Benambra Gallery

Lunch at the footy club