by Elisabeth

“Yet what stands out to me most in my memory is the grace of God which was poured out on all of us so deeply and incomprehensibly.  I (and I think all of us)  are awed by all the spiritual fruits we were given and are still being given.”

       We were surrounded by tall pines.  Behind us were our tents and gear, and in front of us was a folding table for an alter.  Beyond that stretched forest, the tree branches like frames around pieces of blue sky.  It was the first morning of the  pilgrimage, and we had Mass outside.
       Walking and camping for a week at first it seemed to me likely be much more trying spiritually than physically.    Within fourty-eight hours after our departure from Assumption Grotto, it was clear it would be the other way around.  Physically, the trip was much more demanding than I think any of us had expected.  But this lent to it a comradeship even more (for me, at least) unexpected.  Being with the same people, mile after mile, seems like it would irritate a person beyond exasperation.  Yet friendship, charity, and patience prevailed.  Our feet were weary but our hearts were lightened with the joy of friendship and shared love for God!
       Moreover, the physical gained a spiritual level.  I found that walking gave me a freedom and ease in prayer which I had never experienced before.  My body, preoccupied with walking, loosened its hold on my mind.  My mind was free to ponder my soul and my Creator.  This mental freedom brought about an agreeableness between my body and soul.  I wonder, is walking the prayer of the body?  The pilgrimage has definitely improved my prayers.   Now whenever I walk, I am able to easily find tranquility and lift my thoughts to God. 
       Pilgrimages are not only about going somewhere to grow closer to God and to obtain graces and answers to prayers.  They are also about the lessons learned and the graces gained on the way.   These lessons and graces are for life.  Nothing else in life but all the hardships and joys of a pilgrimage can teach a person these lessons and graces of fortitude, courage, charity, patience and courage.  Such an experience is never easily forgotten.

     I find myself continually remembering it.  I recall the riddles that kept us up late at night, the jokes of vampire deer which inhabit the Canadian forest, and (of course) the “Manbird.”  I remember how, while walking down long dirt roads with the sun upon our backs, we recalled that first optimistic morning when we had Mass outside.  We grumbled to each other, “We had no idea what we were in for.”
       Looking back, I laugh at my complaining.  I see the pilgrimage, even more clearly than I did while I was on it, as a challenge and an adventure.  I am glad I took part in that challenge and adventure.  I take pride in the miles I walked and in being part of Trailblazers.
       Yet what stands out to me most in my memory is the grace of God which was poured out on all of us so deeply and incomprehensibly.  I (and I think all of us)  are awed by all the spiritual fruits we were given and are still being given.
         I am continually amazed by how the graces I received on the pilgrimage are growing.  And I realize that we still do not know how the graces of the week of walking in Canada will continue to multiply.  We have no idea what will come in the future that the pilgrimage was preparing us for.  We still have no idea what we are in for.  All of life is an adventure and a challenge.

         Whatever it is we are in for,  I look forward to it.  The pilgrimage showed me how much God is aware of each of us, and how much He takes care of us.  I am so glad I went on the Pilgrimage.  I am already eagerly awaiting World Youth Day!