During a sabbatical several years ago, I walked the 800 km of the famous Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain. When I completed my Camino experience, I lamented the fact that such spiritual pilgrimages weren't so easily found in Canada. Thus I was intrigued when I heard of the efforts by Martyrs' Shrine and local Trail groups to establish a Canadian Camino, the destination being Martyrs' Shrine. I thought, "Of course! It makes perfect sense!" For the Canadian Jesuits, there is no space that rivals Martyrs' Shrine and Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons as being a place of sacred history. As well, the history of this region in Ontario is a key part of the history of this country.
A collaborative effort by the Shrine, Trail groups and municipalities throughout Simcoe County is gradually focusing on the establishment of a Canadian Camino to Martyrs' Shrine. They are making use of existing hiking trails. This will allow pilgrims coming to the Shrine to use scenic and quiet trails rather than busy roads. The plan is to provide on-line maps and post pilgrimage wayfinding signs as an aid to pilgrims. That's very important. People aware of the famous Camino in Spain recognize the blue and yellow stylized shell.
Wouldn't it be great if people came to recognize the Pilgrim Route signs to Martyrs' Shrine! The long-term plan is a series of permanent pilgrimage routes to Midland. Fr. Bernard Carroll, SJ says, "Some pilgrims may want to follow the Pilgrim Route for religious reasons, others may just want to set themselves a personal challenge, meet other people, or visit another region."
The opening ceremonies for the first step of the Pilgrim Route took place on Saturday, June 21, the first day of summer. The weather that day was perfect for an event that included a 12 kilometre pilgrimage. Several dozen people gathered at St. Ignace II, the site of the martyrdom of Sts. Jean de Brébeuf and Gabriel Lalemant. We heard from local municipal dignitaries, the local MP and hiking club officials. They spoke of the high degree of collaboration in this project and how it brings together all kinds of people with different reasons for walking – pilgrims and hikers.
Steve Catlin, the Shrine's archivist, provided an excellent spiritual perspective on the project. He was dressed as a donné, a 17th century shoemaker working at Sainte-Marie. He referred to St. Ignace as "a gateway to Heaven" and the Shrine as a place of prayer and pilgrimage. Rosella Kinoshemeg, an aboriginal elder deepened the spiritual perspective by leading us in a purifying ritual, marking the day as a "new beginning" for us and for future generations who take the Pilgrim Route.
Fr. Bernard Carroll, SJ blessed the Route and that day’s pilgrims. John Zurakowski of Martyrs’ Shrine spoke of pilgrimage and how important the journey of the pilgrim is. It's not about getting from point A to B. It's about the interior journey. He offered us a few techniques to help focus our attention throughout the journey. The day also included stories, teachings, a drum ceremony, a BBQ, bannock making and Mass.
There was a good spirit throughout the day. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela showed me that our reasons for walking are personal to us. Some see their walking as a religious pilgrimage, some as a spiritual pilgrimage, and others as healthy and challenging exercise. As many writers have pointed out, whatever our reason for walking, we all have to make our own Camino. It is unique to each of us. Come to the Shrine for the Pilgrim Route.
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for more information contact The Martyrs' Shrine – http://martyrs-shrine.com/ [1]