For more than two decades, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board has supported students and staff in taking part in the annual “Journey with Christ, Justice for the Poor” pilgrimage, an initiative that raises awareness and solidarity with communities in the Global South.
During Catholic Education Week, the pilgrimage was held individually within our local Catholic school communities, allowing more students across the board to participate and engage in the experience within their own school settings. Some schools chose to walk their school neighbourhood, while others walked the school track. In keeping with the original tradition of an 8km walk, a group of staff and students from Cathedral High School made the trek down to Bayfront Park before heading back to home base.
Throughout the week, students and staff also reflected on themes of faith, social justice, and service while participating in school-based pilgrimage activities designed to highlight the importance of walking in solidarity with others around the world.
“This continues to be a meaningful opportunity for students to engage in faith, reflect on social justice, and take action in support of others,” said Pilgrimage Co-Chair Kathy Ciapanna. “By bringing the pilgrimage into our local school communities, more students were able to take part and witness the impact of this important initiative.”
The localized format helped ensure the pilgrimage remained accessible and impactful, deepening students’ understanding of global justice while strengthening a shared sense of compassion and responsibility across Catholic school communities.
