07/16/2022
NWI Camino, a walking pilgrimage for young adults on July 23 and 24. On day one, we will walk from St. Mary in Crown Point to Our Lady of Grace in Highland along the Erie Lackawanna Trail. Then on day two, we will pick up the trail from Our Lady of Grace and continue to All Saints Church in Hammond. This is a walking pilgrimage to give you time to pray, be in silence, or to walk with others. We modeled it after the Camino De Santiago, the medieval pilgrimage trail in Spain, so along the way, you will carry a “Camino Passport.” You will be greeted by people passing out water at different stops and you will also receive a stamp for your passport, to show how far you walked. At the very end, after receiving all of your stamps, you will receive a special Compostela, or certificate of completion.
-Some FAQ about the NWI Camino:
Do I have to walk both days?
Nope. This pilgrimage is what you make of it. You can walk one day or both.
-Do I have to stay overnight?
Nope. Right now, everyone who has signed up to participate will be going home at the end of day one and then coming back for day two.
-Can I bring my kids?
Yes! The Erie Lackawanna Trail is perfect for strollers and kiddos. It’s very flat, so it makes it an easy walk. There are limited bathrooms along the trail, though, but other parents who have brought their kids in the past said they had no problem bringing their kids.
-How much does it cost?
There is no registration fee and we will provide lunch on Saturday (a Jimmy John’s sandwich and chips). Pilgrims are on their own for other meals, such as dinner on Saturday.
-If I can’t walk it, but still want to be a part of it, can I volunteer?
YES! We can always use drivers and people to help organize stamp stops. Complete the registration (there is an option to sign up as a volunteer) to let us know you are interested in helping out.
-How can I learn more?
You can go to: www.garyoyya.org/nwicamino for more info and to register.