Catholic Pilgrimage takes it to the streets Sunday

Niagara Catholic District School Board’s director of education John Crocco is hoping people will be very generous with donations this year as up to 7,000 students from eight high schools take part in the 42nd annual pilgrimage Sunday.

While the various groups and organizations in countries like Rwanda, Haiti, Peru, Guatemala, Dominica and the Dominican Republic rely on the funds raised each year, the need is especially great in the Caribbean nations, Crocco said.

Haiti, Dominica and the Dominican Republic were hit hard by hurricanes earlier this fall, he said.

“We want to provide every bit of assistance we can to our brothers and sisters in need in those countries.”

This year marks the 31st time Crocco, a former Lakeshore Catholic High School principal, has taken part in the pilgrimage, which occurs on the last Sunday of October.

“Students could choose to stay at home, but they come out in nice weather and the rain … we’ve even walked in the snow before.”

The pilgrimage, which raises awareness of, and funds for, various social justice programs, also sees school staff, trustees, family members, Catholic school supporters and Grade 8 students come out to walk between 10 and 18 kilometres.

It’s also the culmination of yearlong fundraising events.

Last year the pilgrimage raised $150,000 and has raised nearly $7 million over the last 41 years.

“We’re very proud of our students and staff,” said Crocco, who travelled with students to help out in Dominica and Grenada when he was at Lakeshore.

The pilgrimage was first started in 1975 by Father James Mulligan at Notre Dame College School in Welland and expanded to include all eight Catholic high schools over the years.

“The schools have long-standing relationships with many of the organizations and groups in the different countries, they’ve formed close bonds with the people,” said Crocco. “They count on the pilgrimage every year.”