DECEMBER 13-15, 2024
8th Annual Advent Beach-Walking Pilgrimage
Presented by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, American Association, USA Registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
Registration for the 2023 pilgrimage is now closed. Save the date for our 8th annual Baby Steps Camino pilgrimage December 13-15, 2024
About the Pilgrimage.
Welcome, dear pilgrim, to the 7th Annual Baby Steps Camino™️, our three-day Advent sojourn of prayer, reflection, sacrifice, worship and fellowship. The word “pilgrim” comes from the Latin “peregrinus,” meaning stranger or crusader. And that is what people of faith are; a people whose home is not this world, but the Heavenly Jerusalem toward which our faith impels us. On this spiritual pilgrimage, many will meet as strangers; some of us will be reunited as Baby Steps Camino™️ friends. We all proceed by our own lights, at our own pace, to each his own intention or burden, yet united in spirit for these few blessed days set aside for God. By the end of our pilgrimage, we hope our efforts on “the way” will unite us all in unique ways that enrich faith, nourish friendship, and better prepare us for the coming of our Lord.
Most Reverend Erik T. Pohlmeier, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
How To Participate
WALKING
The Order of Malta American Association is presenting the Baby Steps Camino™, a 3-day beach-walking pilgrimage from Jacksonville Beach to Our Lady of La Leche National Shrine at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine.
BAMBINO CAMINO™
The Bambino Camino™ is the last two and a half miles of the pilgrimage. This “mini pilgrimage” from Vilano Beach to the Shrine on December 10th is on the final day of the pilgrimage. Register for the Bambino Camino™ on the main registration page and join us for the closing events at the Shrine.
THE SHRINE
Our Destination. Walkers and non-walkers alike are most welcome to join us on the final day for the events at the Shrine.
Pilgrimage Schedule at a Glance
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START AT: St. Peter’s Catholic Church960 Girvin Rd., Jacksonville Beach, FL (bus registrants will board motor coaches to Jacksonville Beach to start walking).
END AT: Mickler’s Landing Beach Park1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (bus registrants will board motor coaches back to St. Peter’s Catholic Church).
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START AT: Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church 545 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (bus registrants will board motor coaches to Mickler’s Landing to start walking).
END AT: GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (bus registrants will board motor coaches to Our Lady Star of the Sea).
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START WALKING AT: GTM Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (bus registrants board motor coaches at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche).
BAMBINO CAMINO WALKING START AT: Vilano Beach Pavilion, 2752 Anahma Dr., Vilano Beach, FL (bus registrants board motor coaches at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche).
END AT: Our Lady of La Leche National Shrine, Mission Nombre de Dios, 27 Ocean Ave., St. Augustine, FL.
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