109km route (Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9)

FAQ

Open to all ages (children under 12 years old must be accompanied by at least one parent, and children under 12-18 must have an adult guardian). Participants should be in good physical health as we walk an average of 25 km per day. The total walking distance is 110 km.

Details

Pilgrimage will be supervised by Fr. Grayson Hope, and other leaders. There will be daily Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, and other prayers. We meet at St. Joseph Church in Markdale, ON for Mass on Monday, August 5, at 10:00am After Mass we will begin the walk. We will arrive at Martyr’s Shine in Midland on the afternoon of Thursday, August 8. We will stay at Martyrs’ Shrine overnight. On Friday, we will walk to St Ignace, the place of martyrdom of Sts Jean de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, and celebrate Mass there at 12noon, followed by a lunch. Parishioners and others will join in for the final Mass. We depart for home, or for those who want to stick around, they can tour St. Marie Among the Hurons, and Martyr’s Shrine. We will be camping outdoors.

Cost

$100 per pilgrim (to cover meals, overnight fee at Martyr’s Shrine, fuel, and other incidental costs)
For families with young children, please email us to inquire about special rates (stpeterandmissionsdurham@hamiltondiocese.com)

Ways to Participate

The 2024 walking pilgrimage is open to pilgrims of all ages with three different ways of participating as outlined below:

1. Ordinary Pilgrims- mostly youth - walk the entire pilgrimage.

2. Worker Pilgrims - attend but either are unable to walk long distances or otherwise decide to work instead of walk. Worker Pilgrims drive the vans that carry the pilgrims’ bags and everything else: set up and clean up after meals and breaks, help with cooking, and help with any other necessary tasks.

3. Family Chapter - Generally walks as much as the little legs can. It is recommended that two families or so team up; together and one family can be walking while the other is driving.

Otherwise, one parent can walk as the other drives.

What to Bring

A tent, a light sleeping bag, a camping mattress (or a mat), change(s) of clothes, especially socks, personal toiletries, water bottle, a Rosary, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, mosquito spray and a backpack. Make sure you have good sturdy walking shoes – an extra pair may be a good idea if there is rain. A hat with a brim as protection against the sun is a must. A musical instrument is an option. Also, make sure to bring a bathing suit for showering with a hose as necessary. Pilgrims will put their camping gear into a support vehicle to lighten their walking load.

What Not to Bring

Alcohol, MP3 players, computer games, and other electronic gadgets (with the exception of cameras). Pilgrims need to pack lightly.

Itinerary:

Day 1: 10am Mass at St. Joseph’s, Markdale, depart after Mass, and walk to first overnight at Lady Bank. Total walking distance: 22.5km

Day 2: Mass and breakfast and walk to Collingwood airport area. Total walking distance: 24.8km

Day 3: Mass and breakfast and walk to Woodland Beach area. Total walking distance: 23.5km

Day 4: Mass and breakfast and walk to Martyr’s Shrine, Midland. Total walking distance: 26.0km

Day 5: Breakfast, then walk to St. Ignace for 12noon Mass. Total walking distance: 12.4km