Photograph by teacher Michael Hall.
Pilgrimage By Barbara Karpinski (Grade 12) and Sarah Graham (Grade 10), SJB Each year, elementary and secondary schools in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board participate in a pilgrimage within the city known as (italics) Walk With Christ- Justice for the Poor (italics). Involved students of all ages meet once in October at Cathedral High School for a morning mass with the bishop, then trekked several kilometres to another school, this year St. Daniel’s. They bear wooden crosses and join in group discussions about faith and society, all the while raising money for a better standard of living in countries such as Haiti and Uganda. This was my first year participating in the pilgrimage and through friends and teachers finally convinced me, I still didn’t expect to enjoy myself. That couldn’t have been a more incorrect assumption. Waking up early on a Saturday, I was not looking forward to exerting myself. Dressed and ready, we drove to Cathedral and I was seated in the front row as a gift bearer. The atmosphere woke me up instantly. I saw competitive schools like St. Thomas Moore and Cardinal Newman sitting side by side, and juniors that normally bicker greeting each other warmly. When Bishop Bergie, accompanied by Father Trusz entered, an anxious hush fell over the gym. Bishop Bergie led the mass, opening with a familiar greeting and holding everyone’s attention during the homily. He reminded everyone of why we were gathered that day, and that the feeling we get from helping those that cannot help themselves is true Christian joy. When the mass concluded, we were timely dismissed to begin the march up the mountain. Young adults proudly carried their school cross, leading the mass as one in a journey of faith. Whether walking alone or with friends, you could really always feel that sense of being part of something big, something that mattered. There was no criticism, no ostracizing, only opportunity and inclusion. We were walking with Christ; we saw Him in everyone around us. We reached St. Daniel’s Catholic Elementary School and the pilgrimage ended way too quickly. I came out feeling much better than I had that morning. After refreshments (generously provided by Harvey’s) and light chatter, it was time to head home and tell my family and friends of the great time we had. I said goodbye to old friends and new and walked home, still not feeling completely alone, still walking with Christ.
