Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation

Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation

As we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope, the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, we hear a Spirit-filled call to renew our relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation during this Season of Creation.

We invite you to join Catholics from across the midwest as we journey together in prayer and hope, fostering faith, community, and a renewed commitment to caring for creation.

Catholic individuals, families, faith communities, and organizations are invited to participate. Pilgrims will depart from their respective locations and convene at the Catholic Ecology Center (CEC). You may choose to drive, walk, or bike.

The mission of the Catholic Ecology Center is to deepen faith and foster a stewardship ethic through hands-on encounters with the natural world. We are honored to serve as the host site for Wisconsin's pilgrimage.

Plan for the Day - Saturday, September 20th, 2025

2:00 PM - Pilgrims arrive at the Catholic Ecology Center. Welcome and introductions.

2:30 PM - Pilgrimage walk from JPII Hall to CEC Neu Building on paved road

3:00 PM - Opportunities for guided and interactive prayer and reflection to take place at various locations on the property, most of which will be wheelchair accessible.

4:15 PM - Closing Prayer

As you embark on your journey to the CEC on your own or with a group, we invite you to begin with the Pilgrims Prayer.

The trails at the CEC are free and open to the public from dawn until dusk. Pilgrims are welcome to arrive early or stay later to explore on their own. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and/or dinner to enjoy on the grounds. Expand your pilgriamge experience with a visit to Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, located approximately fifteen minutes from the CEC.

This event is free and will take place rain or shine. For planning purposes, we kindly ask that you register by "purchasing" a free ticket.

Pilgrims are asked to bring their own resusable water bottles. We have refill stations in both of our buildings.

Overnight accomodations

The Bunk Cabins and SIM Retreat House are available both Friday and Saturday night.

Tent camping is available on Saturday night only. Tickets can be purchased as an add-on for $12/tent. Due to the event and other groups on the property, tents cannot be set up until after 5:00 PM Saturday.

Contact info@catholicecologycenter.org for rental inquiries and reservations.

Why pilgrimage?

A pilgrimage is a journey, usually made to a place of spiritual significance, where both the journey and the destination are important and meaningful. It is a break from normal life, meant to help the traveler, or pilgrim, grow and transform spiritually. A pilgrimage can help us remember that we are pilgrims while on earth, journeying to our home in Heaven, even while living out our daily lives. It offers an experience of conversion, of transforming one's very being to orient it toward God's holiness. Growth and conversion happen both individually and communally.

About Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation

Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation is a nationwide initiative launched by a coalition of Catholic and environmental organizations, including the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Health Association of the United States, the National Association of Catholic Social Action and Mission, Catholic Climate Covenant, Catholic Impact Investing Collaborative, Francesco Collaborative, Franciscan Action Network, Franciscan Friars, Ignatian Solidarity Network, Laudato Si’ Movement, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Network Advocates for Catholic Social Justice, the Saint Kateri Conservation Center, the Sisters of Mercy, and many others. The initiative calls Catholics to reflect on the profound relationship between God, humanity, and creation and to take concrete steps toward healing the Earth and renewing their spiritual commitment to creation care. For more information, please visit http://Catholicpilgrimsofhope.org.