“The thing that made the most impact was the beauty, silence and peace of the environment. It was a magnificent day! The companionship was great too – meeting new people and those who had crossed my path before but I hadn’t seen for a long time. Just being out in the bush and the peace it provided. As a first time ‘pilgrim’, the strongest impact was the gathering together from many corners, geographical and not, all of us ready and willing to walk together.”

” It was an opportunity to take part in a retreat before Lent.  It was great to be able to have the time to concentrate upon prayer without distractions. The inner quietness and the knowledge of God’s love within me rather than it being “out there somewhere!”. Most important  was the One-on-One Session each day. The everyday retreat was an accessible way for us to plan in to our day.  I think we are very fortunate to have access to so many “Events” and Services – The Library, The Carmelite Family and 2 Beautiful Churches.”

“The dalai lama dvd was really inspiring. Having a relaxed mind through meditation does require some work. I found the idea of lighting a candle helpful and of watching the flame while I meditate. I’ve also reduced the time I was meditating last year to 15-20 min max for a while, as I’d been struggling with 30 minutes. In addition, I’ve decided on a specific spot and time, for the moment.”

” The chance to compare the views of Jesus over the decades, it is amazing how the events of the times shaped how the film makers depicted the person of Jesus. Hearing the discussion led by the facilitator was amazing. Fr. Peter Malone was so inspiring and loved his story-telling. I liked the fact that I could come to a workshop for the whole day – more workshops of this duration would be much appreciated. Peter Malone’s knowledge and command of his subject including facilitating discussion.”

“I benefited a great deal from Charles’ sessions not least because he is a kind and compassionate man. The idea of living in the now has helped me immensely in caring for my 95 year old mother who is now very disabled in a home. It has helped me not become consumed with this issue. The concept of this breath, this moment. Not living in the past or present – living in the now. Excellent teacher created a spiritual experience.”

“Just wanted to once again say a big ‘Thank You’ for making the walking pilgrimage happen. It was a lovely mix of solitude and camaraderie for me, and has been very restorative. The response at the end showed everyone appreciating it so much. My soles may be wounded and sore, but my soul is refreshed.”

“Thanks for the nice week end we have spent together in Warburton. On Friday when I joined the group, it was for me an “unknown world” but as soon as I was welcome by Damien, I just felt that I was “really at home”. I have made new friends immediately and I was impressed by the warmth hospitality / simplicity / respect for each other and the Carmelite spirituality during the whole week end. Also it was very nice to meet Sr Rosemary, Br Angelino and Martino. On Sunday the mass at the Sancta Sophia Meditation Community was great and meditative, thanks also to Ken and Kathleen for their warm welcome and the great BBQ on that day. Last but not the least my thanks to Denis who accompanied us on this bushwalk as our spiritual leader.”

“Thank you once again for organising such a joyous and spiritually enriching weekend.  Fr Dennis was a very relaxed religious leader, and Ken and Kath were quite an inspiration. I think I did learn to relax a bit more and just let things happen, so it was really beneficial to me, as well as enjoying the walk. Even though I had a blister by the end of the second day and didn’t complete the walk on Sunday, that was my fault for only wearing one pair of socks whilst walking nearly 20kms on the first day.”

“Isn’t it amazing the way life just gets in the way once we’re back in the “real world”. Thank you so much for the opportunity to join such a beautiful pilgrimage – so beneficial on so many levels! Many thanks for all your hard work of organisation, it paid off! I am so grateful to you and thanks to the group who made the days so enjoyable.”

“Very many thanks for a wonderful opportunity to walk the Warburton Trail.  I enjoyed all aspects of the weekend and thankyou for organising such an event. Look forward to participating in future events.”

“Thanks Damien and Irene for organising this Pilgrimage, it has been a wonderful experience and I enjoyed every minute, the spectacular walks in perfect weather, the spiritual input, the comaradarie with the group ending with that beautiful mass in a amazing setting. Feel very blessed to have had this experience………..”