Information from Last Years Pilgramage....

One each of my six times on the walking pilgrimage, there is always a certain thrill of joy that comes as one ascends the great flight of steps to the Church of the Canadian Martyrs in Midland upon the completion of this eight-day journey. After walking the many miles, one is overcome with these feelings as the massive crowd of people, sometimes close to six hundred walkers, flood up the stairs and into the large Church. Upon arrival, Mass is celebrated in thanksgiving and with all the intentions and prayers that the pilgrims carry with them offered up.

This is a pilgrimage. It is a lengthy physical journey that images our spiritual journey in life towards heaven. It is difficult. Many times through the week there are pains and annoyances, but that is part of the pilgrimage. It is a journey to the Martyr’s Shrine, asking for the intercession of the North American martyrs who were willing to give their lives for the faith. Through my years of going on this pilgrimage, I’ve witnessed the tremendous amount of grace that God pours out upon all those who participate, our hosts, and everyone involved, which is truly amazing!

There has been a long tradition of close to twenty years of waling to this shrine first started by a predominantly Polish group from Toronto. As time went on, they prayed that English groups would join them in their yearly pilgrimage. Eventually these came, and now there are groups from Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Milton, and Burlington most of which have since been flourishing, especially with youth. Having seen how great the blessings that flow from this pilgrimage, efforts are underway to start one of these pilgrim groups from Peterborough, especially since there isn’t a group that walks from this area.

So, on August 4th to the 11th there will be a group of pilgrims making their way on foot towards the Martyr’s Shrine. There is nothing luxurious about the food, camping in tents, the washrooms, or the lack of the many small comforts we possess, but God will certainly be showering them with blessings. For those over the age of 17 with an interest in participating in this pilgrimage or for your support, please ask about it through the VEYO Centre at 705.749.0330.