This year marked the 44th anniversary of the Pilgrimage which began at Notre Dame College School, in 1975. Over the years, the Pilgrimage has grown to include all secondary schools of the Niagara Catholic District School Board. On Sunday, October 27th, 2019 students and staff from our secondary schools braved the rain and wind, in a day of sacrifice, as they walked beside alumni, former staff and elementary students along canal banks, trails and city streets to support missions and projects around the world.
A total of $123,491 was raised across the eight schools for those in need.
Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School
Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School had a very successful Pilgrimage with the theme being Two Worlds, One Family. The day began with Mass in our gymnasium celebrated by Father Bill Derousie. The Mass was a great way to bring together all of our family of schools' students and their families, along with Blessed Trinity's staff and families, Trustee Leanne Prince and Superintendent Ted Farrell. The gospel message from Father Bill focused on the "who, what, when and why" for the Pilgrimage. We were united in faith, drawn together in a common mission, to help our brothers and sisters in the Dominican Republic and God was with us. Our theme, Two Worlds, One Family reminded us that we are all children of God, called to love and serve those less fortunate around the world.
This year marked Blessed Trinity's 16th annual Pilgrimage through the streets of Grimsby. We are proud that our students, in solidarity with all the students of Niagara Catholic, brought the gospel to life through this event. There was much uncertainty, as the weather was not cooperating, but the spirit of the Thunder Family could not be stopped from walking in solidarity with our brothers and sisters from Las Pajas. With 330 participants, Blessed
Trinity certainly committed to challenge and eradicate poverty and walk the talk. Social justice is alive and flourishing at Blessed Trinity.
Denis Morris Catholic High School
It's never easy to ask teenagers to give up a Sunday morning, or to raise money, or to walk in the rain; but inspired by moving and true-life stories of hope and faith, the Denis Morris Catholic High School family accepted the challenge and continued the Pilgrimage tradition. The Denis Morris Pilgrimage theme, Let Love Rule was inspired by the words of Saint Paul to the Romans: "Do not conform to the patterns of this world, let your heart be transformed." For our 26th straight year, Denis Morris students walked in solidarity for the students of Ecole Immaculee Conception in Pilot, Haiti. We walked to provide a better-quality education for our Haitian sisters and brothers, as well as better access to water for the people of Jalapa, Guatemala in support of the Wells of Hope campaign. There were about 300 Denis Morris Catholic pilgrims comprised of students, teachers, support staff, parents and friends who participated in the Pilgrimage. Despite the rain, spirits were high, and those who experienced the Mass and walk remarked on its very peaceful and uplifting message. In a spirited homily delivered by Father Don Lizzotti, we were reminded that walking in solidarity with the poorest of the world makes an impact in our local and global community. This annual event highlights the inspiring and important work commissioned by the Denis Morris Catholic High School family as members of the body of Christ.
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School
Despite the weather and early start time, about 150 Holy Cross students, staff and alumni gathered at the school to begin their Annual Pilgrimage.
Celebrating students' commitment to hope, this year's Pilgrimage theme was Hope in Haitian Creole. The scripture inspiration was "We are all one in Christ." Gal. 3:28. Before departure, our prayer focused on commitment and how actions speak louder than words. Before finishing our Pilgrimage, we met Denis Morris and Saint Francis students, staff and school community at the St. Catharines Market Square. After celebrating Mass, we left for the final leg of our Pilgrimage through the streets of downtown St. Catharines. We returned to a light lunch and fellowship.
The money we raised will be going to help students at Sainte-Croix de Thibodeau School in Haiti. Among other things, the school needs assistance with educational materials, repairing classrooms and providing children with their hot meal for the day. We are optimistic that our contribution will help bring hope to those at Sainte-Croix de Thibodeau.
For more information
427 Rice Road
Welland Ontario
Canada L3C 7C1
niagaracatholic.ca
