Stella Maris students embark on spiritual pilgrimage

Mar 28, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Students from Stella Maris International School went on a spiritual pilgrimage as part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations. The pilgrimage focused on fostering solidarity among students as they journeyed together as “pilgrims of hope.”

This spiritual journey took them to two of the five church pilgrimage sites designated by the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur for the Jubilee Year.

The pilgrimage coincided with the Solemnity of St Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom Stella Maris School is dedicated. Archbishop Julian Leow’s call to deepen the understanding of the Jubilee Year emphasised the importance of pilgrimages as a reflection of life’s spiritual journey, with the added blessing of a plenary indulgence for participants.

The students’ first stop was at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Cheras, where they participated in the Way of the Cross at outdoor stations, taking turns to “carry their crosses” and venerate religious relics within the church complex. A guided tour helped the students learn about the humble life and sacrifices of St Francis of Assisi. They also enjoyed a “Praise ” dance led by the Biblical Ministry of the church.

The group then participated at Mass at the Cappella Della Porziuncola before travelling to the next destination, Jesus Caritas Church in Kepong.

At Jesus Caritas, students visited the nearby St Jean-Marie Vianney Chapel for prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Their pilgrimage was marked by excitement as they received stamps in their Jubilee “Passports” from both churches.

The following week, Stella Maris’ secondary students embarked on their own pilgrimage to the Church of St Francis of Assisi, continuing the school’s engagement with the Jubilee Year.

Fr Alvin Ho SJ, the school’s chaplain, expressed that the pilgrimage was organised to provide students with a deeper understanding of the Jubilee Year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope. He emphasised that hope, rooted in God’s love, does not disappoint. Fr Alvin also shared that other initiatives planned for the year include student performances and prayer sessions, all designed to bring the theme of the Jubilee Year to life for the Stella Maris community.