Pilgrimage Walk of Hope Visits St Mark’s

On Tuesday, St Mark’s Anglican Community School was privileged to participate in the Pilgrimage Walk of Hope, welcoming Bishop Hans Christiansen and Reverend Eleanor O’Donnell as they arrived alongside our students. This special visit began a 24-hour period devoted to faith, connection, and environmental stewardship.

Following Bishop Hans and Rev'd Eleanor's arrival, they joined our Year 2 and 3 students for Chapel, where messages of hope and community were shared along with some singing and dancing. Later in the afternoon, a ceremonial tree planting took place on campus, symbolising growth, renewal, and our shared commitment to looking after the earth.

A special Eucharist service led by Father Des Smit in collaboration with Whitfords Anglican Community Church was held later on Tuesday evening, bringing our school and parish communities together in prayer and fellowship. Bishop Hans and Revd Eleanor camped overnight in the chapel before leading a service for our Year 6 students the following morning.

As they continued their journey, they were joined by our Year 11 Anglicare Ambassadors, Outdoor Education students, staff, our Member for Hillarys Caitlin Collins MLA and members of Anglicare WA and Anglican EcoCare, en route to St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School — the next stop on a 100km, five-day pilgrimage across Perth. The walk continues through several Anglican schools, Hale School, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, Guildford Grammar School, (where Swan Valley Anglican Community School students and staff join them), Perth College, and St George’s Anglican Grammar School, finishing with a combined schools service at St George’s Cathedral on Friday 9 May.

This pilgrimage is part of the nationwide HOPE25 initiative, which aims to empower youth and staff in Anglican schools to walk in faith, build connections, and reflect on their responsibility to each other and the planet. In a time marked by uncertainty, loneliness, isolation, and climate change, the walk is an opportunity to slow down, worship, and walk together, building new friendships, strengthening our sense of community, and deepening our shared Anglican identity.

Through walking, worship, and shared experiences, Bishop Hans and his team are inspiring hope and action for a better future, while also raising funds for Anglicare WA Sleepout and Trillion Trees Australia.

To learn more or to donate, please head HERE.