Unique Year of Faith pin awaits pilgrims

By Nissa LaPoint

Customized Year of Faith pins are available to pilgrims who take a spiritual journey to sites in the Denver Archdiocese.

The lapel pins are emblazoned with the Year of Faith boat logo, a bishop’s miter and the words “Archdiocese of Denver” and “Year of Faith 2012-2013.”

Pilgrims who visit at least seven of the eight sites will receive a blessed lapel pin to show they took part in the archdiocese’s Year of Faith pilgrimage that ends May 19.

The pilgrimage was announced by Archbishop Samuel Aquila as a way to inspire Colorado Catholics during their Lenten and Easter journeys. With an accompanying passport and map (download at www.archden.org, click on Year of Faith icon), pilgrims are traveling to visit the sites—seven churches and a shrine—that stretch from the state’s northwestern corner to the Eastern Plains, Rocky Mountains and the wider Denver metro area.

The map provides a guide on the pilgrimage sites and the passport is used to record the journey and answer unique questions after visiting each place.

The archdiocese will give special recognition to those who visit six or more sites. After six sites, pilgrims will be recognized in the Denver Catholic Register; after seven sites, pilgrims receive the lapel pin and recognition in the Register; and after eight sites, pilgrims receive the above plus a certificate signed by Archbishop Aquila.

The lapel pins are gold, red and green and display a boat, depicting the Church, a cross, the letters “IHS” and the Eucharist. A bishop’s miter crowns the lapel.

For more details and to start the pilgrimage, visit http://yearoffaith.archden.org or call 303-715-3230.