When does the pilgrimage take place?

Thursday, July 27th to Sunday, July 30th. It begins with 8:30am Mass on the morning of the 27th at Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew. The pilgrimage ends with the Bishop’s 11am Pilgrim Mass on Sunday morning at St. Ann’s. See the Pilgrimage Timeline for more detail.

How much does it cost?

We invite all pilgrims to pay a $50.00 registration fee for adults and children are free. This covers the cost of portable washrooms, trucks, buses, a t-shirt,  etc.

You can pay by cheque or on-line. This information will be sent by email upon registering.

Is there a deadline for registration?

Registration closes the end of June. This is important because a lot of organization goes into planning food, transportation, toilets, space for camping, etc. The earlier you register, the better. The t-shirts must also be ordered by the first week of July in order to arrive before the pilgrimage.

Who can come on the Pilgrimage?

All ages are most welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or appointed guardian over the age of 18. To come on the pilgrimage you must register.

Will I have to carry all of my baggage?

The camping equipment, etc., is loaded every morning into a trailer that transports it to the next Church. Personal items (water, snacks, sunscreen, etc) are carried by pilgrims in their own backpacks.

What about safe drinking water?

Throughout the pilgrimage water is provided at the resting points. Please bring your own water bottle to cut down on garbage and so that you have water to keep in your walking bag.

What do I need to bring?

Each person is responsible for their own tent, sleeping bag, shoes, clothes, toiletries, snacks and some meals. Some of the meals are provided, but not all, so you’ll need to bring some food. Paper plates and utensils will be provided for the meals. For a full list of my recommendations go to the Pilgrim Checklist.

What will we eat for meals?

The meals are provided by the parishioners from the parishes that we visit. Each meal is different but there is an effort to make sure that there are sufficient gluten free and vegetarian options.

What meals are provided?

• Thursday – Breakfast & Supper
• Friday – Breakfast & Supper
• Saturday – Nothing, but there is a chip truck just before getting to Cormac at which you could buy lunch and/or supper.
• Sunday – Breakfast. There will be a vendor selling foods for lunch.

Will there be coffee?

There will be coffee each morning! Yay, coffee every morning!

What happens if I am not able to walk any farther or need medical assistance?

We always pray for everyone to make the whole pilgrimage in safety and in good health. For whatever reason, if you are unable to continue walking, you’ll be given a lift by car and receive the necessary first aid.

I am not able to come for the full 3 days, am I able to participate?

People are able to participate for any length of time. We invite all to experience the full pilgrimage yet realise that that’s not possible for everyone. We invite you to come to begin any day that you are able. Please still register and make note in the registration when you will come.

If you would just like to come for the Masses or adoration, you are most welcome and don’t need to register for the pilgrimage.

How do I get home? Transportation?

For those who would like to leave their car in Cormac, there is a bus going from Cormac (departing at 7:00am) to Renfrew on Thursday morning. If you choose this option, please be sure to indicate this in the registration.

The best arrangement, if possible, is to have a family member or friend bring you to Renfrew on the first morning and pick you up in Cormac at the end. This is an opportunity to include others in the pilgrimage, especially getting more people to come to the Bishop’s Pilgrim Mass in Cormac.

If I am coming from a distance to take the bus from Cormac the first morning, can I camp at Cormac on Wednesday night? Will there be a washroom available?

Yes. If you would like to camp at St. Ann’s the night before the pilgrimage, you are welcome to. There will be a washroom available for your use.