Q. Why a pilgrimage to Midland?

A. The shrine has become a pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of people who recognize that it is holy ground and a site of miraculous healing.

Q. How far do we have to walk every day? How long does it take?

A. The distance from Guelph to Midland is 160 km. We walk eight days in total but the distance traveled varies from day to day. On most days the distance walked is 25 to 30 km—we start walking at about 8:00 am and finish at around 4:00 pm, depending on the distance of that day.

Q. If I'm not able to join by walking, are there other ways that I can participate?

A. There are many ways that you can participate in the pilgrimage. We enthusiastically welcome help with meal preparation (in advance or during the pilgrimage), transportation (including driving support vehicles), financial support and of course, prayer. Please get in touch with us about any of these.

Q. How many people will be walking on the pilgrimage?

A. Usually there were over 50 people from Guelph and other places who participate in the pilgrimage. For our next walk, we hope for even more. In addition, there are other groups from Burlington, Hamilton, Cambridge, Stratford, Hanover, Georgetown, and Toronto that we will join along the way. In total, there will be several hundred that walk together into the Shrine at Midland on the last day.

Q. What will I have to carry?

A. Just personal items such as water bottle, and other things you want handy (e.g. sunblock, toilet paper). Your other supplies will be carried on the support vehicles.

Q. Where do we sleep?

A. In tents at “host” sites such as church lots, farmer's fields, retreat houses.

Q. Are there showers?

A. Yes, but not at every location. A few of the sites have showers, and there are a number of places to swim—but just in case bring your wet wipes!

Q. Will we be walking on trails or roads?

A. A bit of both. We will walk many beautiful rail trails and lovely country side roads.

Q. Should I do physical training in advance?

A. Training is not necessary, but it will definitely help. Depending on your level of fitness, you may find it helpful to walk some longer distances before the pilgrimage. Generally, if you are comfortable walking at least four hours at a time, you will find the distances on the pilgrimage manageable. If you are starting from scratch you might want to plan to start training at least six to eight weeks in advance, gently increasing the time and distance that you walk each week.

Q. What if during the pilgrimage, I find I can't walk the full distance each day?

A. No problem. The support vehicles are never too far away. Anyone who needs a break from the walk can always assist the support crew who assist with setting up or taking down camp, helping to prepare meals etc. You don't have to walk the whole distance to experience the pilgrimage. It's not about bearing the pain - its about experiencing community with others.

Q. What if I can't come for eight days?

A. No problem. Come for a day, come for two days, come for as long as you can. As long as you can arrange your own transportation to meet up with the group and/or get picked up, you can come for whatever days you like.

Q. How do we get back to Guelph from Midland?

A. Transportation back to Guelph will be provided for all walkers who need it. We also encourage walkers to invite friends and family to meet with us when we arrive in Midland, and they can give you a lift home.

Q. What do we do about food? Will vegetarian or gluten-free food be available?

A. Meals are shared as a group, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available (please indicate these meal preference on your registration form). Food is purchased (and some meals are prepared) in advance and transported by the support vehicles. People pitch in together to prepare and serve the meals.

Q. What does a typical day on the pilgrimage look like? What do we do in the evenings?

A. The program varies a bit from day to day, but they all start early fairly early. Some mornings will start with mass, then a quick breakfast and taking down tents and loading the support vehicles. We like to be "on the road" by 8:00 am to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. As we walk we pray, sing and talk. Support vehicles provide snacks and refreshment breaks. Lunch break is provided about noon. In the afternoon, we walk some more. Generally we arrive at our destination for the evening by about 5:00 pm. After supper, there is a chance to share the day. We call this a sacred circle.

Q. What ages can participate?

A. All ages are invited. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Q. Will I have to sign a waiver?

A. Yes. The waiver is part of the registration form, please ensure you complete this in advance and youth under 18 need parental consent.

Q. Do you have to be Catholic to participate?

A. No, anyone seeking to nourish their spirituality is invited to come. This year, priests from Loyola House, Guelph will be leading the spiritual program. Most of the prayer forms are Catholic in content.

Q. What is the cost?

A. Registration for the full eight day pilgrimage is $150, or $25.00 when participating on a day-to-day basis. Thanks to a special assistance program, the rates for students and youth for the full 8-days is $75.00. Note: Arrangements can be also made to assist anyone who would like to participate but cannot afford the fees.

Q. What should I bring?

A. See our “Items To Bring” list.

Q. How do I register?

A. Download the registration form from this website and send with payment in advance (no later than July 22) to the address indicated.