HOMEPAGE for this issue: February 6, 2013 Download PDF Version Click to install/update Adobe Reader on your computer

Faithful invited to make Year of Faith pilgrimage in archdiocese

By Julie Filby

Considering them precious keepsakes, travelers often keep their passports long after they’ve expired.

They tuck them away with other sentimental treasures, bringing them out every now and then to be transported back to a special time and place. That passport, that physical reminder, provides a timeline of experiences—the good and even the bad—that came together to make a journey meaningful.

To inspire Colorado Catholics on their Lenten and Easter journeys during the Year of Faith, the Archdiocese of Denver is offering such a keepsake: a Year of Faith Pilgrim Passport and Map.

The Pilgrim Passport and Map is intended to accompany the faithful as they journey through the archdiocese’s eight Year of Faith pilgrimage sites from Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13, through Pentecost Sunday, May 19.

The sites—seven churches and a shrine—as designated by Archbishop Samuel Aquila at the start of the Year of Faith, stretch from the state’s northwestern corner, to the eastern plains, to the Rocky Mountains, and throughout the wider Denver metro area.

“Pilgrimage always has a purpose,” said Ben Akers, co-chair of the archdiocesan Year of Faith Committee. “You’re taking time out of your busy life and making a concerted effort to visit Our Lord present in that church.

“The Lord is pleased with that,” he continued. “He knows how busy you are. He just wants you to ‘look up’ (at him) every once in a while … imagine the immense joy that brings him.”

The Pilgrim Passport and Map (see pages 9-10 of print edition or click here) lists the sites, their corresponding addresses, and a question unique to each location. To record movement, pilgrims are asked to virtually “stamp” their passport as they journey. Instead of obtaining a traditional rubber stamp, pilgrims can consider their passport “stamped” once they have written the answer to the unique question for a site on their passport.

On or before May 19, pilgrims who visit six or more sites, are asked to send a photocopy of their passport to the Denver Catholic Register and Year of Faith Committee to receive the following recognition:

Six sites: Pilgrims will be recognized in print in the Register.

Seven sites: Pilgrims will receive a blessed Year of Faith commemorative lapel pin and be recognized in print in the Register.

Eight sites: Pilgrims who visit all eight sites will receive a certificate signed by Archbishop Aquila, a blessed Year of Faith commemorative lapel pin, and be recognized in print in the Register.

The first person to submit a completed passport, visiting all eight sites, will be invited to meet with Archbishop Aquila at the chancery in south Denver and receive a blessing from him.

Begin today
To participate, pilgrims can [click here] to download, or cut pages 9-10 from the print edition of the Register, fold it into quarters, then begin planning their pilgrimage route—a route that will come together to form a timeline of prayer and meaningful experiences to be treasured long after Lent and Easter.

“Ultimately we’re journeying toward God,” said Akers. “And in a very intense moment, we get to recall we’re on a journey and renew our energies and devotion to God. Pilgrimage is a wonderful devotion for prayer life during the Year of Faith.”

It is strongly advised to contact a church before visiting to confirm their hours. For more information about the Year of Faith Pilgrim Passport, visit http://yearoffaith.archden.org, call 303-715-3230 or email info@archden.org.