Walking Pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Cape

**Announcing**

A 3-day Walking Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of the Cape, Quebec
Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th September 2011
(An ‘Una-Voce Toronto’ sponsored event)
Transportation from Toronto to Pilgrimage
Bus Departs Toronto at 12:00 noon on Friday September 2nd. Bus departs Shrine for
Toronto at 3pm on Monday 5th.
Transportation Cost: ~$85 Pilgrimage Registration Cost: $75
More Information:
Patrick: Email: mcloughlin.patrick (at) gmail (dot) com
Ken: Email: ken.bradley (at) weighhouse (dot)com


Marie Reine du Canada, (click here for their Facebook event page) a lay-led apostolate of St. Clement Parish, Ottawa, organizes the annual three-day 100 km pilgrimage on foot from Saint-Joseph-de-Lanoraie to Notre-Dame-du-Cap shrine at Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Que. It is 3 days of prayer, Penance, Fraternal Charity and many graces. A pilgrimage is a journey made to a holy place or shrine for the sanctification of the pilgrim; with the purpose of venerating a saint or martyr associated with the site; to pray to God; to ask for supernatural aid; to give thanks for favours received; or to discharge a religious obligation. The arduous journey, offered joyfully to God, represents our spiritual pilgrimage to the Heavenly City.

Mass is celebrated each day of the pilgrimage in the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite, the traditional liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church. The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has expressed the desire that the Tridentine Latin Mass according to the 1962 Missal of Blessed Pope John XIII should flourish and continue to enrich our spiritual lives, particularly among the young. Our chaplains are priests of the Fraternity of St. Peter, canonically established by Pope John Paul II in 1988.

While walking each day, we pray the Rosary (in French and Latin) and Sing from a pilgrimage program book provided to each pilgrim. In late evening we pray Compline with the priests. The churches we visit along the route are truly spectacular by Canadian standards. Built in the 19th and early 20th century, they show the vibrancy of the faith that once was a large part of Quebec's identity. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated in parish churches along the route -- in Berthierville, Yamachiche, and in the historic Small Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape at Cap de la Madeleine -- with the blessing of the Bishops of Joliette and of Trois-Rivieres, and the local parish priests. Two priests are normally available to hear confessions in French and English, throughout the pilgrimage, en route, in camp or before mass.
http://www.marie-reine.ca/registration.html

What to Bring

1. Well-used, broken-in footwear is recommended. It's a good idea to double up on socks to reduce the likelihood of blisters; that's what the guy at the front does.
2. Very basic (but good) meals are provided. They consist of bread with jam etc. and coffee or hot chocolate at breakfast; bread and water at lunch; the same at dinner, plus hot soup. It is strongly recommended to bring your own food as well, trail mix, fruit, granola bars and other energy food to fill the gap and share with others. Do not bring food that requires heating; as there are no cooking facilities.

3. Ample bottled water is provided but you may wish to bring a few juice boxes.
4. Bring an insulated mug or thermos to hold hot beverages in the morning and soup in the evening.
5. Your heavy luggage, such as tents, sleeping bags, and duffel bags with clothing, will be moved by a truck driven by the Worker Pilgrims of the St. Joseph Chapter.
6. Some pilgrims like to have a day pack (small backpack) in which to carry sunscreen, a hat, a poncho or rain-jacket, and an extra bottle of water. It should be as light as possible since you will carry it all day.
7. The only banners permitted are those with a patron saint or parish symbol. No slogans, signs, or 'organizational' banners are allowed.
8. You will be provided with a booklet containing the Mass with Propers for the three days. No need to bring a Missal.
9. The spirit of pilgrimage: Your Chapter will be your "family" for the three-day walk.

Each pilgrim marches, sings and prays with as much fortitude as personal stamina will allow, maintaining appropriate decorum and deportment throughout. In the spirit of sacrifice and of charity you are urged to be attentive to your fellow pilgrims, assisting and encouraging those who are suffering, discouraged or more weary than yourself.