The joy and zeal of our pilgrims made this experience very memorable from day one. Thursday was spent mostly on the road, each moment sanctified by prayer, enriched by spiritual talks from the Canons, and enlightened by songs and hymns from our choir at the back of the bus. We felt refreshed by the beauty of being part of a community with a like mind and heart. We made a longer stop in Pittsburgh to join other faithful pilgrims from the Institute of Christ the King, and have Mass at the wonderful church of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. It was a blessing to meet and pray with other members of our spiritual family.
Friday was begun with Holy Mass at Holy Comforter- St. Cyprian Parish. Joined by our fellow pilgrims from Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh, we gathered in prayer to offer our day for the whole purpose of our pilgrimage- the defense of the most innocent and vulnerable. After Mass we united and made our way to the front of the march. It was a bitter cold, but sunny day. We stood and waited for two hours as thousands gathered together with one common purpose. Then it began. As we led the way in song and prayer there seemed to be no end to the masses of people chanting, playing their instruments, waving their banners, and praying, all in unison in the hope of being heard. After hours out in the cold, we made our way back to the hotel to nourish our bodies and warm up before heading out again to tour the Washington Monuments that night.
We departed early from the hotel on Saturday and began making our way back to Detroit. Enriched again with prayer, song, and a spiritual talk on Our Blessed Mother we headed home reenergized in our faith. This time when we stopped at Pittsburgh for Mass with the other pilgrims of the Institute, the welcoming community of the Precious Blood parish very generously provided lunch for us all and a wonderful concert with their children and high school choir. They closed with our well known “Christus Vincit, Christus Regnat, Christus Imperat” and everyone joined in the chorus. Back on the bus we said our last Rosary of the trip and the Lord spoiled us with a gorgeous sunset. The last few moments together as a spiritual family were spent singing, listening to a few French songs, and enjoying conversation and company with our fellow pilgrims.
We thank Our Lord for the blessing of this pilgrimage and the moments shared.
“For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.” Psalm 139
Cristina, Pilgrim for Life | Detroit
