Pilgrimage Content

Safety & Route Directives

• We will walk in small groups; stay with your group.

• Distance: about 1¼ miles.

• Police will assist at intersections to stop traffic.

Route

• Start: NE corner of Miller Park (24th & Redick Ave).

• Walk south on Florence Blvd (west side) with 5 Stations along the way.

• At Read St, cross to the east side of Florence Blvd, over the railroad tracks, and across John J. Pershing Drive.

• Continue on Pershing Drive to the walk bridge (final Station).

• Walk past OPPD’s Power Park (watch for cars turning).

• Cross Pershing Drive at Florence Blvd corner to the green space for speakers and final prayer.

Safety & Courtesy

• Stay on the sidewalk and designated route.

• Do not walk on homeowners’ lawns.

• Sidewalks and grassy areas may be uneven or have holes—watch your step.

• Cross railroad tracks carefully: stop, look, and listen.

• Walk with a partner to watch out for each other.

• Take water breaks as needed.

• Ask for medical help right away if needed.

What Is A Pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage is a sacred journey, usually made to a place of spiritual significance, where both the journey and the destination are important and meaningful. It is a break from normal life, meant to help the traveler, or pilgrim, grow and transform spiritually. A pilgrimage can help Christians remember that they are pilgrims while on Earth, journeying to their home in Heaven, even while living out their daily lives. It offers an experience of conversion, of transforming one’s very being to orient it toward God’s holiness. Growth and conversion happen both individually and communally. By journeying through our local nature — whether forests, rivers, parks, or urban spaces — we witness God’s presence in the world around us and renew our commitment to protecting and preserving the beauty of creation for future generations. The time to reflect also allows us to consider the ways we have harmed God’s gift of Creation and find inspiration for us to do better