Thousands of pilgrims gathered at Mission Hill in St. Albert last weekend, coming in droves to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary as they have for nearly 90 years.
The St. Albert Pilgrimage centers around an outdoor Sunday Mass celebrated by Fr. Jack Herklotz, OMI. Pilgrims came from across the Archdiocese to join in prayer, reflection, and community celebration during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
“The last four years we have been increasing in numbers, and we notice many people come from outside the parish to join in this Mass,” said Rebecca Sakowich, pastoral assistant at St. Albert Parish.
“Each year we see more families staying for the picnic and reconnecting through the community aspect of the event.”
The pilgrimage began in 1938 and continues to grow Planning for the event included several parish groups. Volunteers helped with everything from confessions to lunch, living rosary, and games for families.
“Participation is where it’s at. You walk away with great feelings after you come to this,” said Marc Lambertus, a long-time member of the St. Albert Pilgrimage organizing committee.
Lambertus has been part of the parish since 1974 and emphasized how the pilgrimage has become a wider diocesan tradition in recent years.
Pilgrims like Lorraine Gadoury came with a deep sense of devotion.
“She [Our Blessed Mother] has blessed me in many ways. In my faith, and my love for Jesus, my love for my brothers and sisters.”
Gadoury said she was moved by seeing families and young people attending together.
Many were drawn to the experience of worshiping in the open air and taking part in something rooted deeply in Catholic tradition.
“Not everyone can fly to Rome,” Sakowich said. “But by attending the pilgrimage here, people can still get the experience of a pilgrimage. People are yearning to make a journey to holy sites.”
As part of the Jubilee of Hope, all who attended received the Jubilee indulgence. The pilgrimage offered not just an opportunity for personal renewal, but also a moment of shared grace and connection across the wider faith community.
To get involved or learned more about various pilgrimages happening across the Archdiocese: Click Here.
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