Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Annual Pilgrimage of Brisbane Parishioners to Marian Valley
October 15, 2025
On October 12, parishioners of the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Brisbane undertook their annual pilgrimage to Marian Valley, where a Ukrainian chapel bearing the same name is located.
The Chapel of the Protection of the Mother of God in Marian Valley was consecrated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, on September 29, 2014. For many years, it has served as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal for the Ukrainian community in Brisbane. A large number of faithful took part in the pilgrimage, including children, adults, and the elderly.
The pilgrimage began with the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Stefan Sapun, administrator of the Brisbane parish. In united prayer, those present asked God for all who are suffering due to the war in Ukraine, for those who have lost their homes and are beginning a new life in Australia, for the wounded and for the families of the deceased, as well as for all people around the world who suffer because of war and violence.
Following the Liturgy, the faithful shared a meal together, after which the pilgrims visited other chapels throughout Marian Valley.
“It was a day full of faith, community, and love. I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this pilgrimage a truly blessed and unforgettable experience. May the Mother of God protect all of us and bring peace to Ukraine and to the whole world,” shared Fr. Stefan Sapun.
