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About the Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation
Introduction to Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation
During Jubilee Years, Catholics are called to examine our relationships with each other and our common home. We are to resolve conflicts, acknowledge and rectify harm caused, ask forgiveness, forgive debts, re-create equity, and embrace gratitude.
Pilgrimage is an opportunity to undertake such a self-examination. The Finger Lakes Catholic Creation Care Covenant has taken up the call from the Laudato si Movement and Catholic Climate Covenant to create a variety of local “Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation.”
What is a Pilgrimage and Why Would You Do One?
“Simply put, a pilgrimage is a spiritual journey. It can be made anywhere, by anyone, for just about any spiritual purpose. For Catholics, it means traveling to a destination — whether it’s a holy site, outdoor space, or even near to home — to experience God in a unique way.
The goal is always transformation. Anyone can travel to a location, but the pilgrim seeks to encounter something deeper. In that way, a pilgrimage is never truly finished, because hopefully you will come back changed, unable to return to old ways of living or thinking.” ~Verso Ministries~
So why might you undertake a pilgrimage of hope for creation?
You might want to:
- Experience God in a different way
- Step away, however briefly, from the hurry and worry of day-to-day life and breathe in and feel nature’s gift of peace and quiet
- Open yourself to new ways of thinking
- Find a deeper understanding of, or connection with, God through nature
Can you write down your own personal intentions for undertaking one of more of these pilgrimages?
How might you wish to be changed or different after your pilgrimage?
Can you keep your intentions front of mind as you walk?
Opportunities & Resources
Braddock Bay Pilgrimage
- Date/Time: Independent according to your schedule
- Location: Braddock Bay Marina Trail (not Braddock Bay Park)
At the Westport Marina on Braddock Bay, 105 E Manitou Rd, Rochester NY 14612 - Ability Level:
- Most children 3-5yo’s and normally active 70+ year old’s should be able to do this and enjoy it.
- This is a 1 mile packed dirt, out and back, level path with Lake Ontario on one side and Braddock Bay on the other.
- You can push a 3 wheeled stroller on this trail; but, if you need a walker, cane or wheelchair, this is not a good fit for you.
- There is a sandy beach for child’s play
- More information about the hike and transportation can be found in the Prayer Guide.
- Resources:
Genesee Riverway Pilgrimage
- More Information Coming Soon!
Gonandagon Pilgrimage
- Location: Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site
7000 County Road 41 (Boughton Hill Road) Victor, NY 14564 - Parking: Northwest corner of County Rd. 41 adjacent to the brick house or at the Culture Center a little further west on Route 41
- Difficulty: Look at this carefully to determine if this is walk you can undertake.
- This is an out 1.8 miles and back trail, a total of 3.6 miles.
- There is a total of ~80 feet of descent outbound and ~80 feet ascent on returning. Start from the parking lot next to the brick house.
- Most children 4-5yo and normally active 60+ year olds should be able to do this and enjoy it.
- If you have significant strength, balance, or endurance problems, you might consider a different pilgrimage option, like the Trail of Peace
- As described below, this is a walk done best alone, in pairs, or in a small group of not more than 5. That is big enough for conversation, but still small enough for silent reflection at the places where you “pause and ponder.”
- A word about weather…
- If there has been recent moderate to heavy rain, pick another day for this particular walk as the trail may be muddy and slippery. Or, using the same guide, walk the Trail of Peace in the lower right hand corner of the map below which can also be found here.
- Resources
Sandbar Park Pilgrimage
- Location: 302 Lake Rd, Webster, NY 14580
- PLEASE NOTE: The bridge over the bay outlet is not passable until Nov. 1. To access the park from any place on the west side of the bay, you will need to take 104 over the bay and exit at Bay Rd, turning right and following Bay Rd north until it ends at Lake Rd. Then turn left and the park is just ahead on your right.
- PLEASE NOTE: The bridge over the bay outlet is not passable until Nov. 1. To access the park from any place on the west side of the bay, you will need to take 104 over the bay and exit at Bay Rd, turning right and following Bay Rd north until it ends at Lake Rd. Then turn left and the park is just ahead on your right.
- Parking: There is parking on both the bay and lake sides of Lake Rd. There are several spots marked for handicapped parking.
- Accessibility: This is an ideal pilgrimage destination for someone who desires to try a pilgrimage or meditative experience but would find the other suggested sites challenging in terms of the energy required or because of difficulty walking. The pilgrimage site is fully accessible for walkers, wheelchairs and strollers. Most of the pathways are flat with a stone dust surface. There is a very short gently sloped walkway to get to the benches. There are several picnic tables a very short distance from the parking spots. There benches overlooking the water. After about noon, most of the benches are in the shade. There is a small playground for younger children (4-5 years).
- Additional Information: Most of the time during the week, this is a very quiet, unbusy, spot. Be aware there is almost always a breeze coming off the lake. Consider taking an additional sweater/jacket just in case. Public restrooms are available.
- Resources
Contact Information:
Marcus Ebenhoe
Director of Advocacy & Parish Social Ministry
Catholic Charities Family & Community Services
Diocese of Rochester
Marcus.ebenhoe@fcscharities.org