DECEMBER 4-6, 2026
10th Annual Advent Beach-Walking Pilgrimage
Presented by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, American Association, USARegistered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #: CH82866
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
We are especially grateful to the following supporters of Baby Steps Camino®.
About the Pilgrimage.
Welcome, dear pilgrim, to the 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 presents 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 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. The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche y Buen Parto (Our Lady of the Milk and Safe Delivery) A Holy Shrine where miracles abound.
Pilgrimage Schedule at a Glance
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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 Ajua Mexican Kitchen & Bar
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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 Pusser’s Bar and Grille
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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 STARTS 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.
TROLLEYS will transport pilgrims to and from the Cathedral Basilica for our closing Mass, which begins at 2pm.
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