December 4, 2012 // Local

‘On the Road Again’ with bishop

Todays Catholic

FORT WAYNE — If you are a teen or young adult, or if you know someone who is, please read on. Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades is leading a Year of Faith pilgrimage following in the footsteps of some North American Saints, including the newly canonized Saints Kateri Tekakwitha and Marianne Cope, Saint Andre Bessette and Venerable Solanus Casey.

“As we discover more about the incredible lives of these souls and more, we will learn more about how God is calling us in our own particular ways,” says Nate Proulx from the Secretariat of Evangelization and Special Ministries.

Young pilgrims from across the diocese will journey by charter bus to the shrines and churches dedicated to some of the most ordinary people, who became extraordinary by God’s grace. Bishop Rhoades, priests and adult leaders will offer reflections and lead prayers encouraging all pilgrims to become saints.

Thomas Zehr, seminarian from Our Lady of Good Hope, reflected on last year’s pilgrimage with Bishop Rhoades: “His example of leadership, enthusiasm and holiness was definitely evident in the time we spent together. His ability to not only talk to an enormous gathering of strangers, but to be able to relate to each person one on one is really a gift.”

Pilgrimages also foster Christian community, as Taya Ashley, a Ball State University student from St. Mary in Decatur, witnessed, “I was injured at the beginning of the trip and the help, support and prayers of everyone was amazing.”

The pilgrimage is open to high school youth ages 16-18 and all young adults ages 18-39. Young adults can register at any time. High school teens must register through parish group leaders.

The gift-giving season of Christmas is approaching and this trip would make a life-changing gift for a young Catholic child, grandchild, or godchild.

Additional information is available at www.diocesefwsb.org/pilgrimage2013.