On the morning of Wednesday, May 6, students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School took part in a meaningful 10-kilometre pilgrimage throughout the community in celebration of Catholic Education Week. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness,” inspired students to step beyond the classroom and participate in a sacred journey of prayer, reflection, and faith.
A pilgrimage is a purposeful journey to holy places undertaken to deepen faith, seek spiritual renewal, and reflect on the needs of others. For STAHS students, the pilgrimage became an opportunity to connect prayer with action while walking through the heart of the Kenora community.
The pilgrimage began at the school with prayers for students, staff, and Catholic Education. From there, students travelled to several meaningful locations across Kenora, stopping to pray and reflect on different intentions affecting both the local community and the wider world.
At Pinecrest, students offered prayers for the elderly, while at the Armories they prayed for world peace. Additional stops included Notre Dame Parish, the Harbourfront, and St. Alban's Cathedral, where prayers focused on vocations, those experiencing homelessness, individuals suffering from addictions, the sick, and Christian unity.
The final portion of the pilgrimage included stops at the Rotary Peace Park, where students prayed for Truth and Reconciliation, the Kenora Cemetery, and Garrow Park, where reflections centred on caring for the environment. At each location, students gathered in small groups and followed along with a prayer booklet prepared specifically for the pilgrimage.
Despite the chilly and blustery weather, 64 students participated in the pilgrimage, with 12 students successfully completing the entire 10-kilometre route. Throughout the morning, students remained positive, reflective, and determined to complete the journey together.
STAHS extends a special thank you to Notre Dame Parish, Father Rudy, St. Alban's Cathedral, and Pastor Lee for warmly welcoming students into their sanctuaries to pray and warm up along the route.
The pilgrimage served as a powerful reminder that faith is not only learned within school walls, but also lived through prayer, compassion, community, and hope.