For many, the word pilgrimage brings up images of European cathedrals or holy sites abroad.
But Melissa Miscevic Bramble, director at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine and Historic Site in Fonda, New York, challenges Pilgrims of Hope this 2025 Jubilee Year to envision something different. Maybe, even, a walk in the woods.
“When we spend time in God’s creation, it reminds us that the tribulations we experience are temporary,” Melissa said, noting there are 130 acres of wooded walking trails on the site. “Spending time reconnecting to your place in creation helps remind you of the larger eternal creation you are a part of.”
And what can that reminder lead to? Hope.
Pope Francis designated this liturgical year, beginning December 2024, the Jubilee Year of Hope. Jubilee years occur every 25 years within the Catholic Church and provide a significant opportunity for spiritual renewal.
Pilgrims of Hope, as we are all called to be, are encouraged this year to visit designated pilgrimage sites, as determined by each (arch)diocese.
All Are Welcome
There are several identified pilgrimage sites in The Our Lady of the Angels Province, including the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine. Bramble said several events are planned throughout their summer season to encourage the renewal of hope for visitors, including book discussions, volunteer activities, and prayer services.
The Kateri Shrine has also planned events to celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the Canticle of Creation and the 10-year anniversary of the publishing of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si.
Elsewhere in the Province, friars and lay staff are busy planning and hosting events in honor of the Jubilee, including monthly pilgrimage Masses like at Our Lady of Hope Church in Coal Township, PA. The Basilica of St. Stanislaus in Chicopee, MA has created a special Jubilee programming planning committee for the year.
In Ellicott City, MD, The Shrine of St. Anthony is hosting several “Franciscan Pilgrimages of Hope,” complete with extended tours of the shrine and grounds with a particular focus on Franciscan saints and ministries. These pilgrimage experiences include time for Mass, Adoration, Confession, and quiet reflection.
Additionally, The Shrine of St. Anthony has created a 360 Virtual Tour experience for pilgrims to see the beauty and learn the history of this holy site from wherever they are.
Planning a Pilgrimage
Fr. Jude Winkler, OFM Conv., encourages Pilgrims of Hope to change one’s disposition when traveling to a pilgrimage site, even if it’s only down the road from home. He says pilgrims should seek to leave behind everyday concerns and anxieties and open their hearts to listen to the whispering voice of the Spirit.
“When one returns form a pilgrimage during which one visited ‘holy ground,’ one realizes that everywhere is holy, for our entire life is ultimately a pilgrimage journey of faith,” Fr. Jude wrote.
During their visit, pilgrims are encouraged to seek the grace of plenary indulgences for deceased Catholics. This can be done by:
- Sacramental Confession within 20 days of the indulgent act.
- Eucharistic Communion on the day of indulgenced act (if possible).
- Offer prayers for Holy Father’s Intentions.
- Have a sincere and complete detachment from all sin.
“It is not that God is more present in these holy sites for God can be found everywhere, but rather that the pilgrimage helps one to go outside of what is familiar and comfortable so that one can be more open to the presence of God,” Fr. Jude wrote.
More information about Jubilee sites and events in the Our Lady of the Angels Province can be found at https://www.olaprovince.org/locations/2025-jubilee/.