Space is limited | Register Now!
Join us on a pilgrimage focused on the beauty and fragility of the Great Rivers and the life-sustaining wetlands along the Confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri. We walk together to observe, listen and learn from the Rivers and the communities of plants, animals and humans that depend on these living waters. We walk together to renew our commitment to care for our common home and to restore humanity’s sacred relationship with the environment. We walk together to be inspired to hope.
“Ecological conversion entails a loving awareness that we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion.”
Pope Francis, Laudato si’, 207, 220
Why?
- > To deepen our reverence for creation and our respect for our common home through the gifts of awe and wonder in nature
- > To understand more fully the importance and fragility of the rivers and their wetlands, and the human capacity to nurture or cause harm
- > To experience ecological conversion of heart that finds hope in the goodness of creation and moves us to action
When?
- > 8:00 am September 27 through 4:00 pm September 28, 2025
- > Rain or Shine; Alternative arrangements will be made in case of severe weather
Where?
- > Trails along the Mississippi and the Confluence
- > Overnight lodging at Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center
How?
- > On foot, about 5 miles per day
- > Transportation from Pallottine to trailheads and back via private vans
- > Pilgrims should be able to walk 5 miles/day at a pace of about 2 miles/hour over natural trails and paved paths with uneven terrain. To facilitate deeper conversation, only 25 spots are available.
Cost
- > A registration fee of $100.00 is required. The full cost of the event, including transportation, meals and lodging, is $220.00 per person.
- > If you can offer any amount of sponsorship funding, you can contribute directly through this link to the Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center. Select Pilgrimage of Hope Program in the drop down. All gifts are tax deductible.
Space is limited | Register Now!
“As never before in history, common destiny beckons us to seek a new beginning . . . Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.”
Pope Francis, Laudato si’, 220
What can I expect as a pilgrim?
Our Pilgrimage paths are along the Mississippi and near the Confluence of the Great Rivers.
We will engage a rhythm of Reflection, Silence, Song, and Educational presentations along the route. Educators and Scientists from the Audubon Society, Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Missouri Department of Conservation will provide ecological education.
Spiritual reflections and facilitation of conversation provided by our leadership team.
Please Consider Becoming a Sponsor
Because we want to make the pilgrimage available to all who are inspired to participate, we are actively seeking sponsors who can underwrite our costs for various aspects of the pilgrimage:
- > $220 provides a full scholarship for one participant
- > $600 will support stipends to our educators
- > $1,600 covers the total cost of transportation
- > $4,500 covers the total cost of lodging and meals
If you can offer any amount of sponsorship funding, you can contribute directly through this link to the Pallottine Retreat and Conference Center. Select Pilgrimage of Hope Program in the drop down. All gifts are tax deductible.
Leadership Team
Amelia Blanton Hibner | Patrick Cousins | Anne-Marie Foy | Dawn Kotva | Celeste Mueller | Brenda Pehle
Questions?
Contact Celeste Mueller at mueller.celeste@gmail.com