From 20–24 November 2025, sisters, friends and colleagues of the Missionary Sisters of Service (MSS) travelled to Bruny Island, Tasmania, for a four-day pilgrimage. Bruny Island holds special significance in the history of the MSS. It was here in 1933 that Mrs Kit Hawkins, a mother living on the island, asked young priest Fr John Wallis: ‘Who is looking after us in the bush?’ That question sparked the founding of what became the Missionary Sisters of Service, a community of women committed to reaching out to people in remote and rural areas, and those who experience isolation.
Based at the Captain Cook Caravan Park in Adventure Bay, the group gathered each morning for a short reflection before travelling to different locations around the island. The purpose of the pilgrimage was to walk the land, reflect on the MSS story, and deepen understanding of its origins, values and evolving mission.
A highlight of the first two days was being joined by Alarna Page, a proud Melukerdee woman from lutruwita/trowunna/Tasmania. Alarna shared her cultural knowledge, taught the group how to make traditional kelp baskets, and guided visits to sites of significance including a seaside kelp forest, Truganini Lagoon, a Midden and grass tree site. These experiences helped participants learn more about the land’s history, Aboriginal heritage, and the importance of truth-telling and sharing stories and deepening understanding.
“I carry with me the strength, stories, and responsibilities of my community. My life—both personal and professional—has been shaped by a deep commitment to cultural preservation, truth-telling, and reconciliation”. – Alarna Page
The group also reflected on the early journeys of Fr John Wallis. Participants read excerpts from his letters written in 1933, which described the terrain he travelled and the families he visited across Bruny Island, some of whom had not seen a priest for nine years. They walked along Neck Beach to the tessellated pavement, and some climbed Mount Mangana, the island’s highest peak, while others visited local communities.
On Sunday, the group visited Cape Bruny lighthouse and joined the local parish community at St Brendan’s Catholic Church in Alonnah for their monthly Mass, celebrated by Fr Graeme Howard, a long-time friend of the MSS. Parishioners provided morning tea, offering hospitality and local stories.
The final day focused on how the mission and work of the MSS has developed over time—from the founding years, to the establishment of The John Wallis Foundation (then Highways and Byways Ltd) in 2010, to the current partnership with Mary MacKillop Today to continue the MSS mission or providing small grants for those in need. Participants reflected on how the spirit of the MSS continues in new forms, responding to changing needs in communities.
The pilgrimage concluded with shared stories, gratitude, and a final meal at the Bruny Pub. While the group departed, the experience reaffirmed the significance of Bruny Island in the MSS story and the continuing relevance of its mission to accompany, serve, and connect with people wherever they are.
Below are some highlights from our Bruny Island pilgrimage, courtesy photographer and writer Fiona Basile.
