Pilgrimage

A group of 11 Canadian Catholic pilgrims concluded a one-week familiarization tour of the Normandy region of France on Feb. 9 as guests at the Hermitage Sainte Thérèse reception house overseen by the Sisters Servants of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

You are not alone on the landing beaches of Normandy. There, the weight of history presses upon you, joined by the haunting presence of the brave Allied soldiers.

Along with conjuring quicksand beneath their neoprene boots in the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay during their guided walking tour, the Canadian Catholics on a familiarization (FAM) tour through the Normandy region of France are also weaving meaningful bonds of fellowship.

Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, custos of the Holy Land, is urging pilgrims to return to a land nearly devoid of pilgrims over the last two years not only as an opportunity to be where Christ was, but also as a sign of solidarity with Christians in the area whose livelihoods depend on pilgrims.

Discovering hidden gems is one of the greatest joys of a pilgrimage. Just two days into their week-long journey through the Normandy region of France, a group of 12 Canadian Catholic priests and spiritual travel influencers has already experienced this gift.

Fr. Elissandro Marcelo Caldas, the pastor of Toronto's St. Norbert’s Parish, received the unexpected honour to accompany a holy relic of St. Carlo Acutis from Assisi, Italy, to St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica.

An estimated 33 million visitors and pilgrims came to the Vatican to celebrate the Jubilee Year, exceeding early forecasts, officials said at a news conference at the Vatican Jan. 5.

Ahead of the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Jubilee pilgrimage, spiritual director Fr. Tim Hanley and on-the-ground coordinator Neil MacCarthy urged the 108 pilgrims to meet any mishaps with grace.

All throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome, sojourners from Canada’s largest Catholic community expressed that the week was grounding and spiritually transformative.

Sharing that it has “been a tumultuous few years,” Paula Ducepec knew she needed restful, rejuvenating experiences.