Walking the Footsteps of St Paul

Over the last two weeks of Term 3, I had the privilege of attending a pilgrimage to Greece and Türkiye to walk in the footsteps of St Paul with the other principals from the South Eastern Network. It was the most amazing experience and I thought I would share some highlights with you in the over the next few newsletters. 

Tragically Michelle Verna, the principal of St Joseph's Springvale passed away suddenly last week. Michelle was a member of my principal network and was in Greece with us. She was a beautiful person who always looked out for everyone. As I look through the photos I see Michelle and I am so heartbroken that she is no longer with us. Please keep Michelle’s family and friends, her school community and the South Eastern Principal Network in your prayers at this difficult time. 

The first part of our pilgrimage took us to Ancient Corinth where Paul the Apostle spent 18 months of his life between 51 and 52 AD. St Paul worked as a tentmaker alongside a Jewish tentmaking couple who had recently been expelled from Rome. He preached the Christian gospel and established the early Christian community in a major Roman capital and travel hub. Preaching here allowed Paul to spread Christian teachings to merchants, travellers and residents from across the Roman Empire. The city's people included Greeks, Romans, Jews, Phoenicians, Phrygians, merchants, sailors, slaves and freedmen. 

During his time in Corinth, Paul converted many people to believe in Christianity. He was brought to trial before the Romans after chargers were brought against him by local Jewish leaders. The Romans dismissed the charges allowing him to stay longer. During or around this foundational period and subsequent travels, he engaged deeply with the community and wrote letters including 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

We had our first mass of the pilgrimage outside, surrounded by the ruins of Ancient Corinth. It was a very special moment and one I will remember fondly.

We visited the Acropolis of Athens and saw the Parthenon. During our time here we again celebrated mass and learnt about the history of the area.