Catholic educators trace faith roots on inaugural Borromeo’s Way pilgrimage to Ireland

Catholic school leaders and teachers from Australia recently completed a week-long pilgrimage to Ireland through the inaugural Borromeo’s Way program. The trip, which followed two years of planning, was coordinated by the University of Notre Dame Australia and the Catholic Institute of Western Australia.

The group included 11 participants who traveled as part of their Master of Education studies or through a new micro-credential pathway offered by the two institutions. Dr. John Topliss, managing director of the Catholic Institute of Western Australia and program coordinator for religious education at the University of Notre Dame Australia, led the group alongside spiritual director Sr. Catherine Warner PBVM.

The program focused on Christian formation, scripture, papal documents, and evangelization planning for Catholic schools. Participants explored monastic heritage and the charisms of religious orders, such as the Benedictines, while examining the shared history between Irish and Australian Catholic education. Many of the educators represented Catholic Education Western Australia schools.