Frequently asked questions

Right here, at pielgrzymka.ca.

Anyone who feels up to it. We do not, however, encourage the elderly, the ill, people with heart conditions, or very small children to walk. Youth under 18 may join only with written consent from a parent or guardian.

Each day is filled with the rosary, a conference, testimonies from the leaders and fellow pilgrims, singing and conversation. Attendance at morning Mass is obligatory. Evenings leave time for a bonfire, songs and games, sometimes even a soccer match.

Camping gear: a tent (better to join friends and share one than sleep alone; farm space is scarce and tents are many, so we must use the field wisely), a warm sleeping bag, a blanket, metal or plastic dishes and cutlery, a can opener

Toiletries: UV-filter sunscreen, toiletries, toilet paper, insect repellent, basic medicines such as painkillers, bandages, vitamins

Clothing: sleepwear, warm socks for the night, cotton socks (a pair per day plus a few spares for rainy days), clothing suited to the spirit of the pilgrimage (sleeved tops rather than tank tops), a raincoat, head cover (hat, cap, scarf), sunglasses, comfortable (not new!) thick-soled shoes with a spare pair in case one gets soaked; flip-flops or sandals are ideal in the evening when feet need a rest

Label every bag with your name, surname and phone number. Main luggage, including your tent, sleeping bag and cooking gear, travels by truck from night stop to night stop. No one has access to it during the day; it is unpacked only at the evening camp. Day bags are carried with us or travel in the cars that follow the pilgrimage, and are unpacked at every longer rest stop; they hold our sandwiches, raincoats and spare socks. Water bottles are best carried with you at all times, the road makes you thirsty.

The whole route is about 160 km; we walk about 25 km a day. The road leads through fields, forests and plenty of hills. Be prepared for sand and mud, with the occasional short stretch of asphalt.

Camp conditions: plenty of dust, plenty of walking, very little comfort. Here you must live at peace with nature, with yourself, and with your neighbour.

Wherever you can. There are no showers or bathrooms at the night stops, there are toilets, popularly known as "Johns". There is limited access to cold water for washing; bring a small basin. Most pilgrims wash in their tents.

During the day we eat dry provisions: sandwiches we make ourselves, canned fruit, juice or water. At the night stop there is time to prepare something warm: instant soup, tea. Someone once even fried chips! At some stops visiting supporters cook us a hot supper: soup, bigos or sausages. Everyone looks after their own provisions, packed in the main luggage; food can also go in a small cooler. The luggage truck is inaccessible during the day, so food for the road goes in a day bag or backpack, carried by van from stop to stop.

At the night stops water is drawn from wells (sadly, every well has a bottom, so use it wisely). Well water serves for washing and cooking; it is probably drinkable too, though use your own judgment. We suggest packing bottled water in your main luggage. The vehicles following the pilgrimage supply drinking water at the rest stops.

A nurse walks with the pilgrimage, piercing blisters and giving general first aid. Vans accompany the pilgrimage to carry anyone unwell to a nearby hospital. Such cases are very rare, but it is worth remembering to look after your own health and safety, and that of the person walking beside you.

Night quiet is the sleep and rest everyone needs. It runs from 22:00 to 6:00. During that time no participant may leave the campsite, talk loudly, cook, play, sing or otherwise disturb others.

Registration money pays for, among other things: night stops, water, vehicles, fuel, toilets, walkie-talkies, sound equipment, photocopies, postage, and so on. We are always looking for sponsors.

Speak to anyone on the service team, or send a message through this site. Come to an organizational meeting, usually the third Friday of the month, after the 7:00 pm Mass at St. Eugene de Mazenod church in Brampton, or write to us at info@pielgrzymka.ca.