Anticipation was in the air on Sept. 26th when a large group of students assembled in front of St. Joseph's building, equipped with hikers, bottles of water, and Rosaries. Yes, the time had come again. OLSWA was about to embark on its annual walking pilgrimage to St. Mary's Church in nearby Wilno. The walk is one of the highlights of the year for many. These sentiments are not found only among the student body. This year the students were joined by Prof. John Paul Meenan, who organized the pilgrimage, and Prof. Michael Schintgen.

Led by a cross bearer, the pilgrims set out from the heart of Barry's Bay into the woods, following the path of the old railway track. The next three hours were a time of both prayer and pleasure. The students took time to recite prayers such as the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and to sing hymns. Some walked in silence, surrounded by the beauty the changing autumn colours. Of course, nature is not without its surprises. Near the beginning of the trail the students found that a portion of the track had been flooded by the rain. Shoes and socks were pulled off, and the water, though cold, was easily crossed. Talking and laughter abounded, and all in all the pilgrimage seemed to go by very quickly.

At last, after passing through Wilno, the pilgrims climbed the final hill and arrived at St. Mary's. Prof. Meenan led the group in prayers of invocation and thanksgiving, including prayers to the Canadian Martyrs, whose feast day it was. Afterwards the students took time to pray in silence amid the gorgeous architecture and religious art of the church. Many were eager to venerate the relic of St. Faustina, and to pray by the ashes of those who died in Auschwitz during the Second World War. After the long trek, it was a joy to rest in God's presence.

When the students concluded praying, they made their way to the nearby home of Prof. Christopher Zakrzewski. He and his family have hosted a dinner for the students after the pilgrimage since the tradition began. There the group was treated to a delicious and hearty meal of potatoes and delicious bigos, a Polish hunting stew, prepared by Mrs. Zakrzewski. And of course, the dinner was topped off with the famous annual pie feast! Whether gathered round the bonfire, sitting under the trees, singing to the music of the piano in the living room or simply curling up in an armchair next to a friend, all found the evening welcoming and enjoyable. While the students certainly appreciated the "luxury" of driving back to Barry's Bay in the later evening, many wished that the pilgrimage had not gone by so fast. It was an event to remember - until next year.