The annual Walking Pilgrimage began in the hearts of a small group of people at St. Teresa's parish. A small group of people gathered and looked at various ways that they could connect with their many friends and family members in Poland. One idea was to have a pilgrimage to the Shrine. It started out as a one day "car" pilgrimage and soon one person suggested a walking pilgrimage. The rest is history! The first Walking Pilgrimage to Martyrs Shrine set out 24 years ago. It was modelled after the Walking Pilgrimage to Czestochowa in Poland. The first year 18 people set out and within 3 years a group from Kitchener/Cambridge joined. To date we have groups starting from 6 different cities all making their way to Shrine, the place of martyrs.
To read about more Martyrs' Shrine in Midland, click here>>>
Spiritual pilgrimage is a chance for everyone to take part in a pilgrimage to Martyrs' Shrine. It is for those who, for any reason, cannot walk to the Shrine in Midland. By staying at home, Spiritual Pilgrims fulfill in great deal all the aspects that make up a Walking Pilgrimage. The Spiritual Pilgrimage lasts seven days, from August 7th to 13th. During this time Spiritual Pilgrims are encouraged to connect spiritually with those walking to Midland, and fulfill the three aspects of a religious pilgrimage: formation, prayer, and penance.
History
WALKING PILGRIMAGE
TORONTO - MARTYRS' SHRINE MIDLAND CANADA
First Day of Pilgrimage, August 8, 2011:
The pilgrimage is departing from St. Patrick's Church in Wildfield (Brampton).
Address: 11873 The Gore Road. map
Main Intersection: The Gore Road & Mayfield Road, near Hwy 50 & Hwy 7.
7:00-9:00 Gathering of baggage, registration, badge
9:00 Celebration of mass
9:45 First group departs
Breakdown of the following days:
6:00- Wake up call
6:30- Celebration of mass
7:15- Breakfast and packing up equipment
8:30- First group leaves
*** During the walk we sing songs, pray the rosary, listen to conferences by priests and sing more songs***
17:00- Arrival at the night spot
20:00- Evening prayer by the fire, singing of songs and campfire fun.
22:00- Bed time
Groups:
The pilgrimage is divided into 3 groups
Red Group- Mississauga
Green Group- Scarborough, Toronto, Etobicoke, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Oshawa
Blue Group- Windsor, London, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph
We ask that you bring with you:
- tent, sleeping bag, mattress and pump
- gas stove, dishes and cutlery
- cotton socks, long sleeve shirt, warm pajamas
- washroom toiletry, sunscreen, bug spray, small first aid kit
- comfortable (not new) shoes, hat or other type of head covering, rain jacket
There will be baggage and passanger pick up from Maximilian Kolbe
Parish in Mississauga from 7:00- 8:00
NO BAGGAGE AND OR TRANSPORTATION WILL BE
OFFERED AFTER THIS TIME
"Do not be afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!"
Map 2011