Frequently asked questions

Where can I sign up

On the website pielgrzymka.ca

Who can go on a pilgrimage?

Anyone who feels up to it can go on a pilgrimage. However, we do not encourage the elderly, the sick, those with heart defects, or very young children to go on a pilgrimage. Youth under 19 can go on a pilgrimage only after obtaining written consent from their parents or guardians.

What is done during the pilgrimage?

Each day is filled with: praying the rosary, a conference, testimonies from people leading and participating in the pilgrimage, singing, conversation. Attendance at the morning mass is obligatory. In the evenings there is time for a bonfire, singing and games, sometimes even a football match.

What to take on a pilgrimage?

Tourist equipment: tent (it is better to join friends and sleep together in a tent than alone; there is little space on farms and a lot of tents, so we have to use the space wisely) warm sleeping bag, blanket, metal or plastic dishes and cutlery, can opener

Cosmetics: UV cream, toiletries, toilet paper, mosquito repellent-basic medicines such as painkillers, plasters, vitamins

Clothing: tracksuit for sleeping, warm socks for the night, cotton socks (one pair for each day, plus a few extra pairs for rainy days) clothing appropriate to the spirit of the pilgrimage, i.e. blouses with sleeves, not with straps raincoat head covering (hat, cap, scarf), sunglasses comfortable (not new!) shoes with thick soles, an extra pair in case one gets wet, flip-flops or sandals are perfect for the evening when your feet need to rest

What should I do with my luggage?

Each piece of luggage must be labelled with a name, surname and telephone number. The main luggage, which also includes a tent, sleeping bag and cooking equipment, will be transported by truck from one accommodation to another. During the day, no one will have access to this luggage and it will only be unpacked at the evening stop. We either carry our hand luggage with us or we take it with us in the cars on the pilgrimage. This luggage is unpacked at every longer stop during the day. We eat our sandwiches, raincoats and spare socks in them. It is better to carry bottles of water with us all the time, because we get very thirsty on the way.

How long are the individual sections of the route?

The entire route is about 160 km long. We walk about 25 km per day. The road leads through fields, forests and numerous hills. You have to be prepared for sand and mud, and occasionally a short piece of asphalt.

What are the conditions like on a pilgrimage?

Camp conditions: a lot of dust, a lot of walking, very little comfort. Here you have to live in harmony with nature, yourself and your neighbor.

Where do we wash?

Wherever anyone can. There are no showers or bathrooms at the accommodations, but there are toilets popularly known as "Johns". There is also access to a limited amount of cold water, which can be used for washing. You need to bring a small bowl with you. Most pilgrims wash in their tent.

What do meals look like?

During the day, we eat dry provisions, i.e. sandwiches prepared by ourselves, canned fruit, juices or water. At the overnight stay, there is time to prepare something warm, e.g. Chinese soups, tea. Someone even fried chips once! At some overnight stays, visitors prepare a warm dinner for us, i.e. soup, bigos, or sausages. Everyone takes care of their own provisions, which travel packed in the main luggage; food can also be packed in a small cooler. The main luggage is transported in a truck, which is not accessible during the day. We put food for the road in a handy bag or backpack and these are transported in vans from stop to stop.

What about water?

Water is drawn from wells at the accommodation (unfortunately, every well has a bottom, so you have to use it wisely). This water can be used for washing and cooking. It is probably also suitable for drinking, although here you have to use your own imagination. We suggest stocking up on water in plastic bottles and carrying it in your main luggage. Cars following the pilgrims will supply us with drinking water at the stops..

What does medical care look like?

A nurse goes on the pilgrimage, who pierces bladders and provides general medical assistance. The pilgrimage is also accompanied by vans, which transport the sick to a nearby hospital. Although such accidents are very rare, it is worth remembering and taking care of your own health and safety and the health of the person walking next to you.

What is night silence?

Night silence is a much-needed time for everyone to sleep and rest. Night silence is from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. During this time, none of the pilgrimage participants are allowed to leave the campsite, talk loudly, cook, have fun, sing, or generally disturb others.

What does the entry fee cover?

The money collected at registration covers, among other things: accommodation, water, cars, petrol, toilets, walkie-talkies, sound equipment, photocopies, postage stamps, etc. We are constantly looking for sponsors.

I want to help organize next year's pilgrimage. Who should I contact?

Write down your name and phone number on a piece of paper and contact someone in the service department. Look in the parish bulletin for an announcement about organizational meetings; they are usually held on the third Friday of the month after Mass at 7:00 PM at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Mississauga, or contact us by email.