Bicentennial Marian Pilgrimage

The day will begin with Pilgrims celebrating Mass at the host parish they arrived at the evening before. After Mass Pilgrims will begin their journey to the next host parish processing with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. The average route will be about 10 miles. Pilgrims will have a prayer routine throughout the day that will include praying for intentions left on our webpage. Pilgrims might be joined along the route by individuals, groups or families that would like to walk a portion of the Pilgrimage. The itinerary on certain days will include stops in between the host parishes. These stops include local homeless shelters, pregnancy centers, to pray in front of Abortion Clinics or at correctional institutions. The day will end with a Marian celebration at the next host parish.

Virtus is the Safe Environment used by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and required for those working with vulnerable populations (minors, and older individuals). We are requiring it because the housing of pilgrims may include families with children, and we want to ensure the safety of all who participate. If you have not yet completed a Virtus Course through your parish, please contact Bill Mitchell (bmitchell@catholicaoc.org), the Director for Safe Environment for the Archdiocese, as soon as possible.

The parish hosting the evening event will take care of sleeping arrangements for all pilgrims. You may be staying in people’s homes, at unused rectories, or if needed, a retreat center. Please note that we will be housing people by gender (including married couples).

We will provide times for stops along our route for bathroom breaks. There will also be a bathroom in the RV that will be traveling with pilgrims.

All meals will be provided, either by the parish/host families or by the CNE. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate. If you have significant dietary needs, (beyond gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian), please contact Wayne Topp. Pilgrims are welcome to bring their own snacks, and if needed, food (which could be stored in the RV fridge).

Pilgrims should expect to walk anywhere from 5 – 15 miles per day (8-10 is more likely). As such, participants should be in decent shape and have no major medical concerns that would prohibit them from being able to walk and to carry a statute (while taking turns) over the given mileage and days. The average distance of each leg of the pilgrimage is 40 miles.

Each day will include daily Mass and daily prayers, walking and carrying the statue. There may also be participation in regional large events (depending upon the leg you sign up for).

T-shirt, water bottle, journal/prayer guide, and other spiritual and bicentennial items.

Pack clothing that is conducive to the heat/weather, but also respectful and appropriate (i.e. no tight or short shorts, tanks, etc.). Participants will be given a t-shirt to wear for every day of the walk. Clothes for sleeping. Pillow & sleeping bag. Towel & toiletries. Good walking shoes. Rain Jacket. Bible/Journal. Rosary. Bags will ride in the RV.