St. Patrick Students Embody Pilgrims of Hope
This year’s Catholic Education Week theme, Pilgrims of Hope, took on a living form on May 6, as St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School embraced the call to Catholic witness through a day-long pilgrimage at Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre in Ancaster.
Organized by Principal Tina Fricano and Teacher Paul Dobrowolski, the event brought nearly 450 students and staff into nature and into deeper connection with their faith.
“A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, one of personal learning and exploration,” said Fricano.
“The feeling in the air during our pilgrimage is difficult to describe in words. It was felt during the silence of the outdoor liturgy. It was captured in the joy from students playfully rolling down a grass hill or dancing during lunch hour. It was evident in their wonder and curiosity while admiring the Holy Door.”
The day began with a school-wide liturgy, followed by a rotation of spiritual activities that encouraged students to reflect on the presence of God in everyday life. Students journeyed through the Stations of the Cross, took part in age-appropriate workshops in the chapel, and hiked the serene forest trails of Mount Mary, discovering what Fricano described as “the extraordinary in the ordinary.”
Facilitators, including Mary Claire Morgan, Director of Mount Mary, Christina Mines, Director of Evangelization and Catechesis, and Nicole McCowell, Director of Youth Ministry ensured that each student, from JK to Grade 8, engaged in meaningful faith-formation tailored to their age and understanding. A highlight for many was seeing a replica of the Holy Door, cast in bronze like the original in the Vatican, symbolizing the open invitation to God’s mercy and grace during this Jubilee Year.
“The students of St. Patrick were truly Pilgrims of Hope,” noted Dobrowolski.
“Through singing, reflection, laughter, and prayer, they showed what it means to witness their faith in a real and vibrant way.”
“None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Ex Corde Foundation of the Diocese of Hamilton, whose funding covered transportation, facilitators, use of the retreat, and a crowd-pleasing all-you-can-eat pizza lunch for every student and staff member.”
“The day was made even better when after a week of rain, the sun broke through the clouds and began to shine as the buses arrived in the morning with all the students. Truly a sign of hope!”
