Pilgrimage Map

What should I bring?

Things to bring on the day of the event:
Our suggestions are a good pair of walking shoes, hat, waterproof jacket, sunglasses, a comfortable day pack, sunscreen, 3 water bottles, lunch, snacks, cell phone, extra hiking socks, and bandaids. You may want to add a “sit upon” or blanket for your lunch break on the beach. Some pilgrims use hiking poles. But, the best thing to bring is a friend! If any of you have some indispensable items you suggest, let us know and we will add it to the list.

What is the Bambino Camino?

We offer the “Bambino Camino™” on Sunday, December 10th! For those who would like to arrive at the Shrine on foot, but, can’t manage a 10 mile walk that day, this is the pilgrimage for you. This will be an easy two mile walk from Vilano Beach, over the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge, to the Shrine led by a member of the Order of Malta who will meet you at the Vilano Beach Pavilion, 2752 Anahma Dr., Vilano Beach, at 10:45am. You’ll arrive at the Shrine in plenty of time for all the events. Buen “Bambino Camino™”!

Do I have to prepare for the Pilgrimage?

Preparing Physically: The first thing that you will need to do is determine your goals for the pilgrimage.

Do you plan to walk all 3 days, 1 day, or The Bambino Camino which is the last 2 miles on Sunday? This will determine your training schedule.
Goal: Walking 1 day, 2 days, or all 3 days Begin training and increase your distance until you can walk 5 miles several days per week. Strengthening your core and legs will also help tremendously. Before the event, you should take a few long walks in the sand to get accustomed…

What if I can’t walk 30 miles over 3 days?

Oh, dear pilgrim, you are a “Baby Steps Camino™” pilgrim if you walk from the parking lot to the Shrine on Sunday, December 10th and join us for the events at the Shrine! You can participate in 1, 2, or all 3 days of walking. We have organized the “Bambino Camino™” , a 2 mile walk from Vilano Beach to the Shrine, beginning at 10:45am on Sunday, December 12th.

“What happens if I start walking and can’t make it the whole way?” We have volunteers who are on call each day if you need to be picked up. You are a phone call away from a ride at any point on the pilgrimage. You won’t be stranded! Join us … Buen Camino.