New pilgrimage set to begin
If Father Robert Cross has his way, a walking pilgrimage from Northampton to Geraldton will become a world-class attraction.
Participants in the inaugural 65-kilometre Camino San Francisco, or walk of Saint Francis, which takes place this weekend, will visit historic buildings in Northampton, Gwalia, Nanson and Geraldton.
The Camino is modelled on the famous Camino de Santiago, or walk of St James, in Europe.
Pilgrims walk a number of ancient trails which end at a cathedral in Spain, which is believed to be the burial place of St James the Great.
The director of heritage for the Catholic diocese, Father Cross said the local Camino had been arranged along a route which visited some historic buildings designed by Catholic priest and architect Monsignor John Hawes.
He said people attending the walk are not only doing if for religious reflection.
Some do it for the physical challenge or to see local history.
He said this was an opportunity to exploit, in a nice way, the links of the region to Monsignor Hawes.
“This is an inaugural event, a bit of an experience, but in the long run, if this idea gets legs, we can start linking it with farm-stay accommodation and more Monsignor Hawes buildings in other places, ” Father Cross said.
“I’d like to build into the economics of these places so that people can benefit.
“In Europe, some towns survive on the attraction of the Camino.
“We can be looking at what we have and saying ‘how we can make these buildings work for the local community’. Tourism is one of our biggest industries.”
Father Cross is bursting with ideas and passion, but said he needed people with tourism and business expertise to make the vision a reality.
There are four heritage walk trails in Geraldton which are popular with visitors.
A representative of Geraldton Visitor Centre said the Camino San Francisco would be popular with tourists, who often wanted to visit historic buildings.
At least 28 people have paid to participate so far. To register, visit www.monsignorhawes.com.au/camino.
