A Journey In Faith And Leadership – Jennifer Oaten
Some of the most powerful lessons in life do not come from books, but from the places we walk through and the people we meet. Over the years, my travels have sparked a deep interest in history, not just the kind you read about, but the kind you feel when standing in a centuries-old church or hearing the quiet prayers of those who came before you. I have come to see how faith has shaped communities, created beauty, and offered hope across generations.
Beginning the Journey
When travelling, it is rare to visit a village, town, or city that does not have a church at its centre. These churches, representing different faiths, have long been places where communities gathered, grew, and evolved. They hold rich histories, stories of human connection, and incredible art that has endured for generations.
Many people experience pilgrimage by travelling to the most significant sites in the history of the Church. When I first considered this possibility, I realised what a meaningful opportunity it could be.
A pilgrimage is a sacred journey to a place of deep spiritual significance, undertaken to grow in faith. For Catholics, pilgrimages often lead to places where saints lived, where miracles occurred, or where people have felt God’s presence in a profound way.
There is something magnetic about the Camino , an ancient route with deep spiritual roots. I chose to begin my pilgrimage by walking part of the Portuguese Camino. It became a space for reflection, a test of endurance, and a place of profound connection.
The Camino de Santiago, or “The Way of St James,” leads to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, believed to be the resting place of Saint James. For centuries, pilgrims have followed these paths across Europe in search of prayer, healing, and spiritual renewal. My hope was to walk part of those same trails, steeped in tradition and faith.
The Power of Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage deepens our connection with God, offers space for quiet reflection amid the rhythm of daily walking, and tests both endurance and inner strength.
Every town, every stone path tells a story. The Camino is a living museum, guiding pilgrims through medieval towns, over Roman bridges, and past centuries-old churches. It offers a window into Europe’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
While my Camino pilgrimage did not quite go to plan, a bout of food poisoning disrupted the journey, I still experienced a deep sense of accomplishment when I arrived in Santiago de Compostela alongside other pilgrims. Learning to accept that life does not always go as planned, and embracing each day with flexibility, helped me overcome the disappointment. The Mass in Santiago, shared with thousands of pilgrims from around the world, was made even more special by a young woman cantor whose magnificent voice, accompanied by a choir, filled the cathedral.
Other Sacred Sites Along the Way
After completing the Camino, I had the privilege of visiting several other sacred pilgrimage sites across Europe.
Fatima
Fátima (Portugal): A deeply moving place of devotion where Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Pilgrims come to pray the Rosary or ask for healing. In May, up to 200,000 people attend an outdoor Mass in her honour. Although we missed that celebration, standing in the place where the Virgin Mary appeared filled me with a profound sense of stillness. The sincerity of faith all around was visible, people gathered from every corner of the world, carrying with them quiet hopes, grief, and gratitude.
Montserrat
Montserrat (Spain): Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery, founded in 1050 and nestled high in the mountains, felt like a sacred space suspended between earth and sky. The rugged cliffs opened to reveal the peaceful presence of the monastery. A community of Benedictine monks still lives there, and the view over the Pyrenees is spectacular.
The Black Madonna, carved from wood and believed to have performed miracles, resides in the Basilica. She symbolises protection and strength, drawing those who seek peace and contemplation. Walking the mountain paths, surrounded by sweeping views, reminded me of the deep connection between nature and faith.
Lourdes
Lourdes (France): Being among thousands of pilgrims seeking hope was both humbling and inspiring. Lourdes is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bernadette in 1858. Pilgrims come to pray, light candles, and collect water from the spring, believed to have healing properties.
During our visit, 7,000 pilgrims from Malta travelled to Lourdes, including doctors, nurses, and volunteers who assisted those with illnesses and disabilities on the pilgrimage. During the candlelight procession, as thousands of flickering flames moved in unison beneath the night sky, I felt connected to people I had never met. Lourdes was unlike any place I had been before: gentle, sacred, and filled with quiet hope.
Churches of Santa Maria
As Principal of a school named Santa Maria (meaning Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus), visiting the many churches bearing that same name held special significance. Each space carried a sense of reverence and grace, reminding me of the spirit we strive to nurture in our own school community.
Whether standing beneath the soaring ceilings of the Valencia Cathedral of Santa Maria, which houses the Holy Grail, or pausing in a quiet chapel in a small village, I felt a strong connection to our Catholic tradition and to the students, staff, and families back home.
A personal highlight was hearing the bells toll at the Cathedral de Santa Maria in Burgos, northern Spain, just as white smoke rose at the Vatican to announce the election of Pope Leo XIV.
These sacred spaces, honouring Mary’s strength, compassion, and faithfulness, inspired me to return with a renewed commitment to the role we all share in guiding young hearts and minds.
A Journey of the Heart
Whether walking long distances like the Camino de Santiago or visiting sacred sites like Lourdes or Fátima, pilgrimage helps us slow down, find peace, and reconnect with what truly matters. It is a journey of the heart as much as the feet. It taught me to pause, to listen, and to trust my steps , even when the path ahead is uncertain.
- Camino de Santiago, catholic leadership, Catholic pilgrimage, Featured, Santa Maria College, spiritual reflection
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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