In August of 2016, the earlier tradition of a walking pilgrimage from Winnipeg to Cooks Creek was revived and has been growing annually. For the last number of years, a small but dedicated group has coordinated a walking pilgrimage each year from the outskirts of Winnipeg to the town of Cooks Creek.
Fr. Mykhaylo Khomitskyy and Seminarian Alex Pankiw have lead groups of varying size in the 15-20km pilgrimage. This year, a pilgrimage of 20 km is planned as the Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Immaculate Conception hosts the 67th Annual Pilgrimage.
A pilgrimage is not simply a walk from point A to point B. Rather, it is an ancient tradition that is very much in tune with today's needs. A pilgrimage is a meaningful journey to a sacred place. It provides the opportunity to step out of the non-stop busyness of our lives, to seek a time of quiet and reflection. It gives us the chance to 'walk through' those issues that we have on our minds, whatever they might be. It is a time of simply 'being' rather than always 'doing'.
A Pilgrimage can also be a highly sociable activity, allowing us to enjoy the company of others we meet on the road. It gives us the chance re-energize mentally, physical and spiritually. And it allows us to reconnect with our cultural heritage and the natural world-as well as to refresh our faith or seek spiritual direction.
In Manitoba, we are so fortunate to have The Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Immaculate Conception, and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. They serve as sacred spaces where we can bring our prayers to the Lord, asking the intercession of His Most Holy Mother. We can recall the function that this holy place has served for our Archeparchy, bringing our ancestors into a deeper spiritual union with God.
There are myriad reasons to partake in a pilgrimage, be it physical or spiritual. This year find one of those reasons to join the faithful of the Archeparchy for a portion or the entirety of the pilgrimage weekend.
If you would like to participate in the 20km walking pilgrimage usually takes place on the Saturday of the Pilgrimage weekend, this info for you:
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