The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown will be the destination of two walking pilgrimages Aug. 8-11, to commemorate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The journeys, which will start in Great Meadows and Trenton, N.J., offer pilgrims the opportunity to disconnect from worldly cares, distractions and routines in order to renew their faith, reawaken their souls, and grow closer to God.
The 57.5-mile Great Meadows pilgrimage will begin at 6 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 360 US Route 46, and will conclude with Holy Mass at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Czestochowa Shrine. Overnight stays will be at Voorhees (N.J.) State Park on Aug. 8, Tinicum Park in Erwinna on Aug. 9 and Hellerick Farm in Plumsteadville, on Aug. 10.
Pilgrims may participate in the event for one, two, three or four days. Registration fees cover baggage transport, on-site first aid, rest stops, campsite fees, meals and drinks, portable toilet facilities, permits and gasoline.
The pilgrimage includes daily Mass and opportunities for confession, counseling, personal reflection and fellowship.
Several of the Pauline Fathers and Brothers from the Shrine, along with clergy and religious from participating parishes and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, will be on the journey.
Advance registration at discounted rates began June 4. Registration details, including a complete list of sign-up locations in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, plus routes, times, rules, fees and pilgrim services, can be found by clicking the “information” tab at http://www.walkingpilgrimage.us. Questions may be directed to Saints Peter and Paul Parish at 908-637-4269.
The two-day, 34-mile journey from Trenton will begin on the morning of Aug. 10 at St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church, 872 Brunswick Ave. St. Hedwig’s will publish the event and provide contact information in its parish bulletins beginning Sunday, June 9, at www.sainthedwigparish.com/ParishBulletin. The pilgrimage subpage is: www.sainthedwigparish.com/PielgrzymkaZTrenton.
For information about the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown and its ministries, events, facilities and schedules, visit https://czestochowa.us.
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