Since Jean Zwilling took the role of church commission for the DCCW, she did so with the goal to help people understand their faith and bring them closer to God.
By planning the upcoming DCCW Jubilee Passport Pilgrimage on Thursday, August 7, she hopes participants will experience that.
“It’s important to set aside time to do something like this. Otherwise, life gets busy and it doesn’t happen,” Zwilling said.
“Participating in a pilgrimage is great way to come together and share our common faith and grow from each other,” she continued.
Zwilling has organized multiple pilgrimages for the DCCW. This year, she focused the theme around the Jubilee Year of Hope with plans to utilize the diocesan Jubilee passport.
“There are so many gems in the diocese,” Zwilling said. “Most of us don’t have time to set aside for researching travel plans to see them. With the pilgrimage it’s all planned and participants can focus on the prayer experience.”
The pilgrimage starts at 7:30 a.m. August 7 at the Divine Mercy Shrine at St. Paul’s in Sauk Centre and will make stops at Saint John’s Abbey Church in Collegeville, Assumption (Grasshopper) Chapel in Cold Spring, St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, St. Clare’s Monastery in Sauk Rapids and the Crosier Priory in Onamia before returning to Sauk Centre by 7:30 p.m.
Group prayers and activities, such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Mass, a Rosary and informational talks, are planned for each site along with time for private prayer.
“We need quiet time for the Lord to speak us,” Zwilling said.
Experiences unique to the pilgrimage is prayer led by Mother Mary Matthew at St. Clare’s Monastery and a tour of the priory in Onamia.
“Mother Mary Matthew asked if she could take care of the prayer experience when we visit. It will be wonderful, and she know what the pilgrims need to hear,” Zwilling said. “In Onamia, Brother Jim will be speaking and also lead prayer.”
Aside from the prayer opportunities, the $25 registration fee includes the bus ride and lunch. Zwilling recommends pilgrims bring beverages and snacks for the rest of the day.
For registration for lunch or the bus ride, contact Zwilling at 320-492-7069. All payments of the $25 registration fee can be sent to Carol Brunn at 14267 Fairway Lane, Becker, MN 55308.
Zwilling looks forward to welcoming participants, Jubilee Passports in hand, and witnessing the fruits of the Holy Spirit during the pilgrimage.
“We will all experience the same thing by going to these sacred sites together, but the Holy Spirit will work through everyone differently and be touched in different ways,” she said.