More than 250 delegates from every state and territory, and a delegation from Aotearoa New Zealand, gathered on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley last week for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) national assembly.

Representing well over 50 language groups, Clergy, religious and non-Indigenous lay Catholics, participants celebrated the deep connection between faith, culture, and community that First Nations Catholics bring to the life of the Australian church under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.

The week-long gathering explored the theme of pilgrimage and the transformative power of hope in families, communities and ministries.

Keynote speakers included acclaimed journalist Stan Grant, ACU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Kelly Humphrey and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holder Toby Whaleboat.

National Centre for Pastoral Research director Dr Trudy Dantis and Diocese of Broken Bay chancellor Kelly Paget reflected on the Synod on Synodality and its call to listen deeply to all voices.

Presentations were punctuated by Yarning Circles – a traditional practice used for thousands of years by Aboriginal peoples to share stories and discern wisdom. Delegates described these sessions as sacred spaces of truth-telling and renewal.

A highlight of the assembly was the series of “on country” experiences at Baiame Cave, Nobbys Head and the Murrook Cultural Centre, where traditional custodians welcomed delegates to walk, reflect and pray on sacred ground.

Delegates were also blessed with the rare opportunity to participate in and celebrate the Mass of the Land of the Holy Spirit – a liturgy developed in the Kimberley region nearly 50 years ago.

Endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for approval by the Vatican, the Mass integrates Aboriginal symbols, language, and ritual in a profound expression of Catholic faith grounded in Country.

Many described it as a deeply moving experience that embodied the unity of faith and culture.

Bishop Tim Norton SVD, chair of the Bishops Commission for Relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, delivered the closing keynote, urging participants to find hope in unexpected places and to continue their journey as pilgrims of faith and reconciliation.

The assembly embodied a church alive with culture, spirit, and hope, renewing the call to walk together as one people of God.

(Article and image from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council)