Routes or "Ways"

The first cycling route or "Way" is 20 miles, a distance a novice cyclist should be able to pedal comfortably in a few hours, with optional points of interest, for an enjoyable day of riding and sightseeing. Sites include The Shrine of the Holy Relics, St. Charles Center (the former Precious Blood Seminary), 5 Catholic churches and Niekamps Farm and Flea Market. This route is known as the Swiss Way (white) in tribute to Mother Maria Brunner, foundress of the Precious Blood Sisters and Anton de Curtins the architect of many of the churches, who were both of Swiss heritage.

The Southeast or French Way (blue) includes St. Louis, Holy Family (Frenchtown), St. Remy, St. Denis (Versailles) Churches all with French origins. The Northeast or Irish Way (green) includes St. Patrick Church of Glynwood and a memorial to the once standing St. Patrick church in St. Patrick, Ohio. Of course many residents of the area have German heritage so the Southwest or German Way (gold) features German villages and churches.

There were few Italian immigrants to this area, however, many of the churches of the Northwest or Italian Way (red) are named after saints with links to Italy - St. Anthony of Padua, St. Peter (Rome), St. Joseph (see the Italian tradition of the St. Joseph Table), St. Aloysius of Gonzaga and St. Charles, Borromeo, Bishop of Milan. The Precious Blood Congregation was founded by Italian St. Gaspar del Buffalo whose relic is found in the St. Charles Center Chapel.

A tradition on the Santiago de Compestella Way in Europe is to carry a credential or passport to be stamped at churches and sites along the way. A passport has been created for the Kreuzweg you may print and carry on your next Kreuzweg pilgrimage. Ready made passports may be obtained at the Relic Shrine in Maria Stein.