FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I consider going on a pilgrimage?
As we begin making preparations for our journey, we would do well to remember that a pilgrimage is not simply a religiously-themed vacation, but a serious endeavor undertaken for a great purpose. What are the specific reasons for making a pilgrimage? Certainly many could be given, but traditionally, there are four:
1) To make atonement for sin
2) To venerate a particular place or object
3) To request a significant favor
4) To give thanks for favors received
A more succinct way of stating these would be: Atonement, Adoration, Petition, Thanksgiving. The catechized pilgrim will recognize these as the four ends of prayer. A pilgrimage considered thus becomes a prayer we make with our whole being. The faculties of body, mind and soul come together for a common purpose. Every step we take along the way is another act of adoration, another tear shed for sins, another act of gratitude for favors received, another humble request that our petitions be granted.
Here is a quick take on experiencing a pilgrimage by other fellow Catholics attending the Chartres pilgrimage in France.
How far is the walk?
The total distance is 35 miles.
Day 1 will be 22 miles.
Day 2 will be 13 miles.
(For those pilgrims that walked last year, note: the 2020 pilgrimage was DAY 1 = 24 miles and DAY 2 = 11 miles. The route almost exactly the same, but the second campsite is different this year making DAY 1's walk shorter)
Who should attend?
The pilgrimage is open to families and individuals from around the globe. We especially welcome parishes from across the region to join with us. Our hope is that the pilgrimage will be an annual event and will last a 100 years or more.
Note that it is not an easy walk, and is NOT simillar to events like March For Life, it is rigorous in many areas. Many people have brought children, but you must be prepared that even jogging strollers "struggle".
Is this pilgrimage only for Catholics?
No, we invite all of our fellow Christians to walk with us.
What is the age limit to participate?
Anyone capable of making the walk. There will be a shuttle for pilgrims that may require assistance to the next stop.
Note that it is not an easy walk, and is NOT simillar to events like March For Life, it is rigorous in many areas. Many people have brought children, but you must be prepared that sometimes along the trail even jogging strollers "struggle".
The pilgrimage is not handicap accessible.
Will there be medical supplies/staff available for emergencies?
We don’t recommend depending upon medical personnel being provided. There will be a number of first responders available during any emergencies that arise as well as help assist with any minor injuries.
The staff will not have Epi Pens, inhalers, etc. however they can help administer any medications that you bring.
Will there be parking for my vehicle?
We will have (free) designated parking from Thursday, October 21st to Saturday, October 23rd. Maps of these areas will be posted here and emailed to registrants before the event.
We will run shuttles after mass at the Abbey on Saturday until 6pm. After this time, it is your responsibility to find a ride. Any cars left at Campsite1 past 8pm are subject to towing procedures of the venue. If you are camping at the monastery Saturday night, you still need to retrieve your car before 8pm and drive it back to the monastery.
Will there be campsites?
Yes, Thursday night and Friday night the pilgrims will be camping.
Camping will be in an open field with very limited facilities. Porta potties will be provided at the campsite.
How will I get my large luggage and tent at each campsite?
Transportation for your luggage and camping gear will be provided. Your luggage will be stacked with the other pilgrims gear. We strongly suggest that you clearly mark each item.
YOU WILL NOT BE EXPECTED TO CARRY YOUR TENT OR BACKPACK AFTER ARRIVAL ON THURSDAY EVENING.
You will want to be sure and bring a SMALL personal backpack. This can be used to carry water, snacks, hand wipes, lunch, blister care materials, and personal toiletries.
Will there be bathrooms/toilet paper/hand sanitizer?
Porta potties will be provided at each campsite and at designated break stops along the walk. We suggest that people bring their own toiletries.
Will I need to bring my own food?
Yes, all pilgrims will be expected to bring their own food supplies for most of the pilgrimage. The organizers will provide a paperbag "dinner" Thursday evening, and fried fish Friday evening, and bbq after the arrival mass on Saturday.
Water bottles will be provided at each campsite and at the lunch break. No food or other beverages (i.e. coffee/ tea) will be provided at breaks other than the above mentioned. Pilgrims are responsible for making sure they bring enough food to last for the duration of the pilgrimage. A list of nearby grocery stores is provided below and in the 2021 PIlgrims Guide. It is recommended that you bring food items that will not easily spoil without refrigeration and that do not need to be heated or cooked as there will not be access to a grill or fire pit. Recommended food items are: apples and oranges, dried or canned meats, trail mix and granola bars, sandwich ingredients, bagels, instant coffee, etc...
Below is a list of local stores if you need to purchase last-minute items in Oklahoma:
Dollar General
6414 OK-82, Peggs, OK 74452
(14 miles from campsite)
Antique Cowboy Emporium (Gas & Convenience Store)
6250 OK-82 S toward N 440 Rd., Peggs, OK 74352
(14 miles from campsite)
Wal-Mart Supercenter
2020 Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464
(17 miles from campsite)
Reasor’s Foods (Grocery)
2001 Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464
(17 miles from campsite)
WalGreens Pharmacy
1905 S Muskogee Ave., Tahlequah, OK 74464
(16 miles from campsite)
Will water be provided?
Bottles of water will be provided at each campsite and at each rest stop.
Will there be places to stop and get supplies during the walk?
No. You will need to bring enough food for to fill yourself/campers when you come Thursday evening. The closest store will be 3 miles away.
On Friday, there will not be any stores available.
Saturday afternoon, after arrival at the abbey, the closest store is approximately 20 minutes away.
What kind of weather should I expect?
At this time of year in Oklahoma, the weather can be unpredictable. We recommend checking the weather closer to the time. Please be aware there could be a chance of rain. We recommend that you bring rain gear.
Will there be accommodations at the monastery on Saturday?
We've reserved campgrounds on monastery property to be available on Saturday for pilgrims after retrieving vehicles and luggage. (There will be NO availability for pilgrims inside the monastery cells/cabins on Saturday; clergy and religious will be given priority.) Alternatively, please check our pilgrims guide for recommended local accommodations.
Will there be mass each day? Will confession be available?
Mass will be said for the pilgrims on Friday before lunch, and on Saturday upon arrival at the abbey.
A mass tent and altars will be provided for participating clergy-pilgrims to say mass on Friday.
Priests will be making themselves available for "field" confessions along the walk.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed on the walk nor at the monastery.
What is “Chartres”?
The Chartres pilgrimage, also known in French as the pèlerinage de Chrétienté, is an annual 63 mile pilgrimage from Notre-Dame de Paris to Notre-Dame de Chartres occurring around the Christian feast of Pentecost. This pilgrimage was made popular by Charles Pequy in the early 20th Century and now has an attendance of more than 15k pilgrims annually. More information can be found here.
How can I donate to The St. John Bosco Institute for Boys?
More information about the St. John Bosco Institute for Boys (SJBI) can be found
here.
Donations can be
made here.
List of items to pack
For context and a comprehensive description of what you need, please download the document below:
PLEASE REVIEW PILGRIMS GUIDE
Will there be cell phone reception?
The camp site areas may have limited reception. There will be very limited to no reception during the walk.
Will there be food provided for lunch?
No, you will be expected to provide your own lunch. Our pilgrimage guide lists suggested food to pack and local stores to pick up last minute items BEFORE arriving at the campsite.
Will I need to bring my own tent?
Yes, each pilgrim is expected to bring their own tent and camping gear.
You can find a list of other needed items in our
Pilgrims Handbook.
Can I register and/or pay when I arrive?
No. We ask that all pilgrims register no later than October 15th, 2021. You can register here.
What if I cannot finish the walk?
We have shuttles standing by to assist any pilgrims unable to complete the walk. It is common that many people need assistance during a pilgrimage.
Will there be designated areas for tent setup?
Yes, you will be assigned a designated area to set up your tent - we will have areas specifically for Men, Women, and Families.
What should I bring on the walk?
You will want to be sure and bring a SMALL personal backpack, to carry for both days. This can be used to carry water, snacks, hand wipes, lunch, blister care materials, and personal toiletries.
DOWNLOAD OUR PILGRIMS GUIDE HERE
Is Cardinal Burke participating in the pilgrimage this year?
Cardinal Burke confirmed he was joining this year's walk, but was later hospitalized with COVID. Due to his recovery time, he has canceled all of his appointments for the remainder of 2021, and will not be attending. We hope you'll join us in offering some of your prayers and sacrifices for his full recovery.
