The Fourteenth Annual Pilgrimage for the Restoration

Last Saturday, the fourteenth annual Pilgrimage for the Restoration concluded with a Solemn High Mass at the Shrine of the North American Martyrs at Auriesville New York. For many marchers, this day was the culmination of a 65-mile march from Lake George to Auriesville. Others join the march at this time for the final 7 miles from the shrine of Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha at Fonda to Auriesville.

Over the last 14 years, the march has evolved. Whereas ten years ago some 225 Lake George marchers would be met by as many as 800 additional participants for the final day, last Saturday several hundred 65 – mile marchers were joined by only 50-100 additional pilgrims. The Mass, although celebrated with great dignity and care, was less elaborate in some respects ( the sermon, the music) than prior concluding liturgies.

On the other hand, what the march has lost in numbers it has gained in cohesiveness and organization. Participants are now overwhelmingly young people and young families with many children. It is the “long distance” pilgrims – some limping from various sprains and wounds- who now set the tone for the final day. The organization, too, is much more elaborate than in the past and more closely resembles that of the Chartres Pentecost March – the inspiration for the Pilgrimage for the Restoration. The pilgrims are grouped in various “brigades” (like the chapters in France) led by “field marshal.” Water, snacks, security, medical care and sanitary facilities are now provided in a very professional way along the final 7-mile stretch. As is usual for us on this side of the Atlantic, it is hard to resist the temptation to err on the side of over-organization: one could have done with fewer shouted orders and repetitive instructions on the obvious. That is, however, a quibble. Congratulations are due to the National Coalition of Clergy & Laity under the leadership of Mr. Gregory Lloyd for the successful organization of this event.

It is a shame that more Traditionalist Catholics do not join the pilgrimage at least for the last day. Perhaps it is understandable that they nowadays feel less of a need to travel to the wilds of Upstate New York to participate in a Solemn High Mass when such liturgies are now readily available – at the least in the greater New York area. More than ever, however, Traditionalists must seek out every opportunity to demonstrate the growing vitality of the movement. Perhaps if a Pontifical Mass concluded the pilgrimage…..

Early Saturday thick fog blanketed the area – it later lifted so the final stretch of the pilgrimage enjoyed almost perfect weather.

A pilgrim prays in the most mysterious and sacred part of the shrine – the Ravine where St. Isaac Jogues buried the body of his martyred companion, St. Rene Goupil.

The Auriesville shrine is a vast complex of buildings and statues ranging from the horrendous to earlier structures and statues which exist in harmony with the surrounding natural beauty.

The pilgrims – including many of the walking wounded – set out for the final seven miles.

This brigade illustrates the youth of most of the pilgrims and the presence of many religious sisters and priests as well.

Headcoverings for the women are now strongly advised. That and the prohibition of shorts distinguish this pilgrimage from its French model.

Fr. Andreas Hellmann of the Institute of Christ the King, celebrant.