May is the month of Mary, and on Saturday 3,374 pilgrims gathered together to honor our Blessed Mother in a pilgrimage like no other. The Walk to Mary is a 21-mile walking pilgrimage from the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in De Pere, Wisconsin, to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin. For several years, Relevant Radio® has been a sponsor of the event, and many of our associates and listeners have attended, including Father Rocky, Relevant Radio’s CEO/Executive Director.
Why do people come from across the country for the Walk to Mary? A walker named Sandy from Minnesota told us, “I have so many intentions to pray for, and I write a notecard with an intention for each mile of the way. I’m 70 years old, this is my third Walk, and I had a knee replacement 8 months ago. My orthopedist said do what you can do, listen to your body. But I’m listening to the Holy Spirit too. And with Mary’s help, I will get as far as I can go.”
Some were there not just to pray for others, but to walk on their behalf. So many are unable to make the trek for different reasons, but for those who could, it’s an eye-opening experience. “I had a wonderful time! It was unlike anything I’d ever done before. It was an honor to walk for our Blessed Mother. I felt united to her in her journey to Bethlehem and then to Egypt, and to Christ in His trek to Calvary. It was a beautiful opportunity for prayer and unity with our faith community,” said Michaela Fox of The Merry Beggars.
For some pilgrims, this was their first Walk to Mary, but many others have been coming back year after year. The opportunity to pray, walk, spend time with family and friends, and honor Mary during her month is a special time when memories are made.
One walker Mary has been on the pilgrimage many times, and she shared what brings her back year after year, saying, “The love for my Mother Mary, I
just love her so much and I am very grateful for every single second of my life. I bring my family – my husband, my son, my daughters, my niece, and my nephew. It’s just beautiful. I love my Mother Mary so much. I just love her.”
And for all of you who sent in your intentions for Father Rocky to bring to the Our Lady of Good Help, here’s the proof! He made it all 21 miles to the shrine and brought your personal petitions to the feet of Mary.
To all who joined in the Walk to Mary this year, thank you! Our Lady of Good Help, pray for us!
