“Through the world, into the wilderness, up to Jerusalem….”

The 6th annual Baby Steps Camino™️ pilgrimage saw over 250 pilgrims walk three days and 30 miles. Pilgrims from four Order of Malta Associations, as well as from many US States and even Spain, walked with us this year for their personal sanctification on pilgrimage during this Season of Advent. The weather and beach conditions were spectacular!

Our joyful opening Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach was the perfect start. Enthusiastic walking commenced right after Mass. Our halfway point on Day 1 (“through the world”) meant a treat of an ice cream social at the Ponta Vedra Lodge before the long second half of the day. Then back to St. Paul’s for a Holy Hour, and our pilgrim social to conclude the first day.

On Day 2, we walked “into the wilderness,” a challenging day through coastal conservation land, when the desire to finish the day must overcome the physical elements. Our Holy Hour and Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea brought comfort and rest in the Lord. The pilgrim social at Pussers provided a chance to share the experiences of the day.

On Day 3, “up to Jerusalem,” brings the pilgrims to our destination, the feet of Our Lady at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, America’s oldest Marian Shrine. The pilgrims left the prayer intentions they carried on the “way” at her feet, and spent some time with her before departing the Shrine for our short journey by trolley to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine for our closing Mass.

Plans are already under way for the 2023 Baby Steps Camino™️ on December 8 -10, 2023.