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
We are especially grateful to the following supporters of Baby Steps Camino.
About the Pilgrimage.
Welcome, dear pilgrim, to the 8th 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
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 15th 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
-
START AT: St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 523 Pablo Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
END AT: Mickler’s Landing Beach Park, 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (bus registrants will board motor coaches back to St. Paul’s Catholic Church).
Pilgrim Social to follow at Sneakers Sports Bar and Grill
-
START AT: St. John Paul II, 127 Stone Mason Way, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 (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 back to St. John Paul II).
Pilgrim Social to follow at Palm Valley Outdoor Grill.
-
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.
Recent Blogs
