Pilgrimages

Walking sacred paths that draw us closer to Christ.

What is a Pilgrimage?

The Catholic Encyclopedia defines pilgrimage as “a journey made to some place with the purpose of venerating it, or in order to ask there for supernatural aid, or to discharge some religious obligation.” When we travel, “we do not only change place physically, but we also change ourselves.” (Pope Francis, Letter for the Jubilee 2025)

Annual Local Pilgrimages

Each year, the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese are invited to gather for several local pilgrimages. These are moments of prayer, healing, and community, where individuals and families can step away from daily life and walk
together in faith.

  • Lac Ste Anne Pilgrimage

    A long-standing pilgrimage of faith, reconciliation, and healing, drawing pilgrims from across Western Canada and beyond.

  • Skaro Shrine Pilgrimage

    An evening pilgrimage that includes prayer, procession, and Mass at the historic Marian shrine in Skaro.

  • St. Albert – Mary’s Grotto Pilgrimage

    A local pilgrimage inviting the faithful to honour Our Lady and reflect on God’s presence in everyday life.

For current dates, times, and detailed schedules, please consult our Events Calendar, parish bulletins, or contact your local parish office.

Travel Pilgrimages

In addition to local gatherings, various parishes and Catholic organizations periodically organize travel pilgrimages to significant sites such as the Holy Land, Marian shrines, and other places of historical and spiritual importance.

These journeys offer an opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with Christ, encounter the universal Church, and pray in the places where saints have lived and where key moments of our faith have unfolded.

Any upcoming travel pilgrimages are shared below, as well as through parish bulletins, the Archdiocesan Events Calendar, and other official communications. Please contact your parish or the organizing agency directly for full details, itineraries, and registration information, or click on any calendar listing.

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

  • Pilgrimage to the Philippines with Fr. Jake Mullin – Feb 3–15

    Discover the Philippines: A Journey of Faith, Flavor, and Filipino Spirit In the Cradle of Christianity in Asia With Father Jake Mullin, Spiritual Director LUZON & VISAYAS HIGHLIGHTS: Manila | Antipolo | Manaoag | Vigan | Paoay | Pangasinan | Cebu | Sibonga (Simala Shrine)| Carcar | Bohol | Panglao For info or to Reserve: Email: info@marianathatours.org | Phone: 1-780-707-1683 Download the brochure for complete information on itinerary, pricing, terms and conditions by clicking on this link.

  • Pilgrimage to Mexico Shrines & Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Alvin Matias – May 4–9, 2026

    Our Lady of Guadalupe & Mexico Shrines A Sacred & Cultural Encounter May 4 - 9, 2026 with spiritual director: Father Alvin Matias This is more than a trip—it is a deeply moving encounter with Our Lady, whose miraculous image on the tilma of St. Juan Diego continues to inspire millions around the world. Standing before the tilma at the Basilica of Guadalupe—one of the most visited Marian shrines on earth—you will feel the profound presence of our Blessed Mother and the warmth of her call to each of us. Our journey will take us beyond Mexico City, through towns and cities steeped in Catholic heritage: from the healing waters of Tlaxcala, to the miracle of Our Lady of Ocotlán, to the gold-adorned chapels of Puebla. We will walk the path of saints, martyrs, and faithful witnesses who brought light to the Americas. Not only will your faith be nourished, but your senses will be delighted. Savor Mexico’s vibrant culture—its music, colors, markets, and world-renowned cuisine. From street-side tacos to traditional mole poblano, every meal is a celebration of community and joy. To reserve your spot or learn more, please contact: Maria Drueco: info@marianathatours.org or 780-707-1683

  • Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Czech Rep. & Poland

    With Fr. Carlos Nunez, Pastor, St. Andrew Parish in Edmonton May 19, 2026 to June 1, 2026 May 19: Departure from Canada Afternoon departure from Edmonton to Split May 20: Split - Medjugorje Afternoon arrival in Split. We are transfer by bus to Medjugorje. Time for rest, Mass, dinner and overnight. May 21; Medjugorje Full day in Medjugorje. Time to visit Apparition Mountain, the Stations of the Cross and pray at “Blue Cross”, a place of great healings and graces. Mass, time for individual prayer, dinner and overnight. May 22; Medjugorje - Mostar (Opt) Another full day in Medjugorje. You may climb the Cross Mountain or have time for individual prayer.  For those interested an optional trip to Mostar, a picturesque Bosnian town famous for its 16th century bridge. We also visit the impressive Kravica waterfalls before returning to Medjugorje for dinner and overnight. May 23: Medjugorje - Zagreb This morning we travel to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. Upon arrival our tour of Zagreb takes us to the thousand-year-old Gornji grad (Upper Town) with the Presidential Palace, the iconic St Mark’s Church, the Croatian parliament (Sabor) and the 19th century Dolnji grad (Lower Town). Dinner and overnight. May 24: Zagreb - Tihany - Budapest After breakfast we travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. En route we visit a magnificent monastery in Tihany on Balaton Lake. Upon arrival in Budapest dinner and overnight. May 25: Budapest Our tour of Budapest includes views of the 13th century Matthias Church, the Citadel on Mt. Gellert, the Royal Castle, the Parliament, Hero’s Square and the St. Stephen Basilica. Evening dinner cruise on the river Danube. Dinner and overnight. May 26: Budapest - Vienna Today we travel to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Upon arrival the tour of Vienna takes us to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Old City, The Augustine Church, former church of Habsburg family, magnificent St. Charles Boromeo and St. Michael churches. In the evening an optional concert.  Dinner and overnight. May 27: Vienna - Telc - Prague Today we travel to Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, the “Golden City”. En route we stop in picturesque town of Telc in Czech Rep. for lunch and continue to Prague for dinner and overnight. May 28: Prague Full day in beautiful Prague. We visit the Church of Our Lady of Victory and see the renowned statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. We visit the Old Town by the way of Golden Lane and then go to the Lesser Town to see the medieval Charles Bridge. We also see St. Nikolas Church, the Astronomic Clock and the Castle District where we tour St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica and Wenceslas Square. Some free time in the afternoon for shopping and rest. Dinner and overnight in Prague. May 29: Prague - Czestochowa - Krakow This morning we travel to Krakow in Poland. En route we visit Czestochowa – the site of Poland’s greatest shrine – Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as the “Black Madonna”, a pilgrimage destination that goes back to the 14th century. We venerate the priceless and miraculous icon. Continue to Krakow for dinner and overnight. May 30: Wieliczka salt mines - Auschwitz After breakfast we start with an excursion to the world-famous salt mines in Wieliczka. Afternoon we travel to Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp. We visit a cell in which St. Maximilian Kolbe died and also the Martyrdom Museum recalling the horrors of the Holocaust. Return to Krakow for dinner and overnight. May 31: Divine Mercy - Krakow This morning we visit Lagiewniki – world known as “Divine Mercy Shrine”. This is where St. Faustyna had had numerous visions of Christ, who told her to keep a diary of their encounters, during which he spoke to her of the Divine Mercy. We visit the convent of St. Faustyna, her tomb and relics. After lunch we explore Krakow’s Old Town. We visit the Market Square where we hear the silver trumpet of the bugler from the tower of St. Mary’s Church.  Many of the buildings in the Old Town are over 700 years old and include marvels such as the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall and most of all the Wawel Royal Castle. Some free time for leisure before returning to hotel for dinner and overnight. June 1: Return to Canada Today we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Edmonton. Afternoon arrival. COST $5,490.00 INCLUDES: air transportation from Edmonton (unless specified otherwise), incl. airport taxes and surcharges hotel accommodation first class or superior tourist class based on double occupancy. Single supplement $950 2 meals daily (breakfast and dinner) all sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide – all tips in restaurants and hotels. tips to bus driver and guides FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: International Heritage Tours, 7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200, Thornhill, ON, L4J 2J6 Tel: 1-877-999-8868, 905-886-0232 Stan ext. 339 or 647-463-9057   stan@ihtours.com Alex ext. 317                               alex@ihtours.com **THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT** Edmonton Departure (including taxes and tips): $5,490 CAD | 14 days

  • Pilgrimage to Poland and Central Europe with Fr. Paul Moret – Oct 17–Nov 3, 2026

    Sacred Journey s : A Pilgrimage Through Central & Eastern Europe O C T . 1 7 - N O V . 3 , 2 0 2 6 Spiritual Director: Father Paul Moret 17 Touring days/ 18 Travel days | 6 countries | Countless moments of grace Poland | Austria | Czech Republic | Hungary | Croatia | Bosnia & Herzegovina Warsaw • Czestochowa • Krakow • Prague • Vienna • Budapest • Zagreb • Medjugorje • Dubrovnik For more info or To Reserve space, email: info@marianathatours.org Phone: 1-780-707-1683 Or Download the brochure

  • Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe & Mexico Shrines w/ Fr. Varghese – Nov 18–24, 2026

    Our Lady of Guadalupe & Mexico Shrines - A Faith-Filled Pilgrimage Through Mexico’s Holiest Cities A Sacred & Cultural Encounter: Nov. 18 - 24, 2026 Spiritual Director: Rev. Varghese Munduvelil, CFIC  Embark on a 7-day spiritual journey through the heart of Mexico from the world-renowned Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to the healing springs of Tlaxcala, the mystical apparition site in Ocotlán, and the colonial gem of Puebla. This immersive pilgrimage weaves together faith, culture, and history offering Masses in sacred spaces, moments of reflection, and unforgettable encounters with Mexico’s rich Catholic heritage. Cities You’ll Visit & Why They Matter: Mexico City – The Heart of Marian Devotion & Catholic Resistance- Home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited Marian shrine in the world. - Venerate the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego and pray at apparition chapels. - Discover sites of martyrdom and resistance at the Holy Family Church, burial place of Fr. Miguel Pro, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. - Cruise the ancient canals of Xochimilco, remnants of Mexico’s Aztec waterways. - Visit the Plaza of the Three Cultures, where indigenous, colonial, and modern Mexico meet. Teotihuacan – Ancient City of the Gods - Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and walk the Avenue of the Dead. - Reflect on how ancient spirituality gave way to the message of the Gospel. Coyoacan – The Artistic and Spiritual Soul of the Capital - Explore beautiful colonial churches like El Carmen, Santa Catarina, and St. John the Baptist. - Enjoy the charm of cobblestone streets and colorful culture, where faith and art meet. Tulpetlac – The Fifth Apparition Site - Visit the site where the Virgin Mary healed St. Juan Diego’s uncle, revealing her name as Our Lady of Guadalupe. - Pray at the Church of the Fifth Apparition and the miraculous healing well. Tlaxcala – Site of Angelic Healing - Celebrate Mass at San Miguel del Milagro, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared and revealed a miraculous spring. - Collect holy water from this sacred site of healing and transformation. Ocotlán – A Tree Aflame with Marian Grace - Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ocotlán, where the Virgin Mary appeared in a burning tree to Juan Diego Bernardino. - Witness the preserved image that has drawn pilgrims for generations. Puebla – Colonial Glory and Sacred Art - Walk through Puebla’s UNESCO-listed historic center, known for its Talavera tiles, vibrant markets, and Spanish baroque churches. - Visit the Chapel of the Rosary, often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” - Pay homage to Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, patron of travelers, at the Church of St. Francis. Spiritual & Cultural Highlights: - Daily Masses in sacred and historic churches - Guided visits to multiple Marian apparition sites - Opportunities for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal - Authentic Mexican cuisine, including traditional mole poblano - Cultural immersion through local art, history, and sacred traditions

Skaro Annual Pilgrimage

Skaro Annual Pilgrimage

  • Free to attend
  • Please bring a camp chair

The Skaro Pilgrimage is a long-standing tradition in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. It is held every year in mid-August at the historic Skaro Shrine—one of Alberta’s most cherished Marian pilgrimage sites. The evening typically includes prayer, Mass, candlelight procession, and opportunities for Reconciliation.

(FAQ) – Frequently Asked Questions

When does the pilgrimage take place? The pilgrimage is held annually in mid-August. Specific dates and schedule details are released each summer on the Archdiocese website.

Are any of the liturgies in Polish? Vespers are offered in Polish. Other liturgies are typically celebrated in English.

Where is the Skaro Shrine located? At the intersection of Highway 45 and Secondary Highway 831, near Skaro, Alberta.

Directions: Search “Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro” in your preferred maps app or visit: Open in Google Maps

Is there parking? Yes. There is ample parking on-site. Overnight camping is normally permitted as a free-will offering. (Please note: No power, water, or sewage hookups are available.)

Is bus transportation available? Some parishes may arrange buses. Please check with your local parish for availability.

What should I bring? Dress for changing weather conditions. Bring a camp chair, umbrella, blanket, water, and mosquito repellent.

Is Reconciliation offered? Yes. Confessions are typically available prior to the evening Mass.

Is there a candlelight procession? Yes. A Eucharistic candlelight procession traditionally follows the evening Mass.

Are religious articles available? Yes. Pilgrims may purchase devotional items such as candles, rosaries, and sacred images. (Cash only.)

Are washrooms available? Yes. Portable washrooms are available on site.

Is food available? A concession is typically open offering simple food and beverages.

Can I bring my pet? No. Pets are not permitted at the pilgrimage site.

If you would like to support Our Lady of Good Counsel, a collection is taken during the offertory. Donations may also be mailed to:

Our Lady of the Angels
10004 – 101 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 1V9