On Saturday March 31, 2012, one hundred and two Padua students attended the Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage is a march of people who share their faith with the community. The march goes from church to church throughout Wilmington, Delaware, while people from different parishes take turns carrying a large cross as a symbol of their faith.
The Pilgrimage started at St. Thomas at 10 am, with an opening prayer. The Pilgrimage then moved to St. Anthony’s. The Reconciliation was held at this parish, which was followed by lunch and a concert by ValLimar Jansen. Jansen sang upbeat, religious songs that got people moving and energized. Next on the Pilgrimage was St Paul’s where Eucharistic Adoration was held. The Eucharistic Adoration included music, spoken prayer, and silent prayer. The Adoration helped everyone to focus on the meaning of the day and prepare them for Holy Week. The people then marched to St. Hedwig, where those involved witnessed the Stations of the Cross. The Pilgrimage ended at St. Elizabeth. A mass concluded the day a little after 6 pm.
The Youth Leadership Team is responsible for organizing the Pilgrimage. The team included juniors Emily Brindle, Kathleen Moore, Molly Wierzbowski, and Maggie Fassano, and seniors MaryKate McGurk and Alex Belair. These students were nominated by their schools and parishes. They were responsible for speaking to the crowds, telling who was to carry the cross and when, and organizing the donations of shoes and socks. The goal of the donation was 400 pairs of shoes and socks, a goal which was nearly met. The donations went to underprivileged children in the D.C. and Baltimore areas. The purpose of the Pilgrimage was to help others, spread the faith, celebrate God, and come together as a community. The Pilgrimage was successful and their goals were completed. The Pilgrimage had a great impact on parishioners and students alike. Erin Kennedy, a junior at Padua, says the Pilgrimage was, “an enlightening experience. Our faith grew stronger with each step we took. We as a Padua community, grew through prayer and song.” The Pilgrimage is a great journey through faith that will hopefully be around for years to come.
