The 2026 AJASS (Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools) Principals Pilgrimage took place in Tasmania from 10-12 June. The focus of the pilgrimage was Father Julian Tenison Woods.
The Principals enjoyed two fantastic lectures from Sr Mary-Ann Casanova and Sr Carmel Jones. Sr Mary-Ann provided insight into Fr Julian and his place as a significant polymath in colonial Australia’s developing scientific community. This was her own research and provided the Principals with a view of a man who was clearly involved, at a significant level, in scientific research, clerical governance, colonial administration and literature. Sr Carmel spoke from her family’s experience as well as her own research, and looked deeply at his varied witness and mission in colonial Australia.
What a many-sided mind the man had.
On the second day, we were led on a pilgrimage by the Sisters. We journeyed to Oatlands where Fr Julian spent time as Parish Priest. We then saw quiet Colebrook where the Sisters shared a convent with the local Police Station. From there, we went onto Richmond to see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia (St John the Evangelist Catholic Church). It was a real pleasure to see the places where Fr Julian walked, witnessed and led, and to enjoy the simple beauty of the Pugin ecclesial architecture which is a feature of this area.
Following our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference Dinner on 11 June, we concluded with a lovely whole College Mass for the feast of the Sacred Heart on 12 June. This was with a very packed school hall and the entire Sacred Heart College student body. What a joy it was to see, hear and feel their passion for the feast day and their welcome to us. After this, we had a bracing journey up Mt Wellington.
A huge thanks to Elizabeth McDougall, Principal of Sacred Heart College in North Hobart, who was a wonderful host. We were similarly uplifted by Simone McManus of the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Josephite Mission, Hobart, as well as Sisters Carmel Jones and Mary-Ann Casanova.
The date (to be confirmed once the AJASS Executive have met in the new term) of the 2027 Pilgrimage is 15-18 June. The decision endorsed at the AGM in Hobart was to journey to Penola/Adelaide for 2027 and Christchurch for 2028, with a flexible approach to alternating between North Sydney and other significant Josephite sites.
Thanks so much to the Principals who journeyed and gave of themselves. It was a wonderful walk of presence and witness.
Learn more about AJASS and visit their LinkedIn page by clicking here.
Chris Gabbett
AJASS President
