About
Who: Men and young men capable of walking 33 miles in 13 hours.
Why: To glorify God Almighty by penance through bodily mortification and to advance the cause for the beatification of Bishop Simon Bruté.
When: meet at the Vincennes Rivet High School parking lot on June 28, 2024 at 6:00pm CDT / 7:00pm EDT.
Where: we will walk a 33-mile route back to the basilica of St. Francis Xavier and tomb of bishop simon Bruté.
preview the route here.
What to Expect
We will meet at the Vincennes Rivet High School parking lot to load buses to shuttle us to the start point in southern Knox County along the Wabash River. It is highly recommended to be dropped off and picked up or carpool as the drive home on Saturday will be next to impossible even if you live close by. Buses will leave the parking lot promptly at 6:00 PM Evansville time or 7:00 PM Vincennes/Jasper time.
Pilgrims will walk a 33-mile route through Knox County. During the approximately 13 ½ hour journey, pilgrims will offer themselves for 33 intentions formulated by local priests, each mile having its own intention. There are predetermined rest points with water refills and snacks available, and one meal is provided during the pilgrimage.
The hot and grueling journey will conclude with Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier at approximately 10:00 AM EDT, celebrating the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
How to Prepare
- Determine that you can walk for at least 8 miles in about 2 ½ hours without a break.
- Hydrate your body well on Thursday and Friday.
- Tape or moleskin your feet and heels. More will be available at the rest areas. It is also highly recommended that you wear wool socks instead of cotton.
- Treat yourself as runners do to prevent chafing.
What to Bring
- Willingness to sacrifice for others
- Full water container, no more than 1 gallon, that is easy to carry, i.e. a hydration pack or canteen
- Rosary
- Comfortable, broken-in footwear
- Change of socks
- Poncho in case of rain
- Optional snacks and/or electrolytes for yourself
- Optional small flashlight or headlamp
What Not to Bring
- Extra gear or a large backpack - which will only weigh you down
- Change of clothes
- Pets
- Electronics
FAQs
I forgot to sign up. Can I still participate?
Yes. Simply review the instructions above and join us!
Something came up and I can’t make it.
If the need arises to cancel your registration, simply fill out the registration form again with CANCEL behind your name.
Will there be opportunities for confession before mass?
Yes, there will be priests available along the pilgrimage route to hear confessions.
Will there be portable toilets along the route?
No, but toilet paper and shovel will be available.
For any other questions, please contact bruteforcepilgrimage@gmail.com.