Pilgrims to explore history on the ‘Way of Faith’
Three-mile trek, campus tours at University of St Mary of the Lake

By Michelle Martin
Staff Writer

Pilgrims who make the 3-mile lakeside trek during the “Way of Faith” celebration Sept. 16 and 17 will not only be making a journey of faith, they’ll be making a journey into the history of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The “Way of Faith” is the next major jubilee year celebration in the archdiocese. The guided walk around the lake at St. Mary of the Lake University will feature 14 tableaux depicting scenes from the history of the archdiocese.

“It’s for us to see the whole progression of faith and the challenges we have overcome,” said Father Wayne Prist, chairman of the archdiocesan Millennium Committee. “Not only do we see our legacy, we also see the possibilities for the future.”

And the university, which includes Mundelein Seminary, provides an appropriate place to honor the history of the archdiocese. The seminary’s history reaches back to the founding of the archdiocese in 1844, Prist said.

“It’s a place to really look at people who have walked ‘the way of faith,’” Prist said.

The scenes go all the way back to Père Jacques Marquette’s journey through the area in 1673.

Hosting the event at the seminary also recalls the end of 28th International Eucharistic Congress in 1926, when 750,000 people followed the Blessed Sacrament in a procession from Soldier Field to the major seminary.

Organizers expect nowhere near that many people to make the pilgrimage to Mundelein this time around. The most visitors the university can accommodate over the two-day event is 15,000, said Al Castillo, director of the archdiocese’s Millennium Office.

Area Catholics who decide to go on the pilgrimage will be led in small groups, many by Cardinal George and the auxiliary bishops. So far, walks are scheduled to start every hour between noon and five both days. If demand increases, walks will be scheduled every 20 minutes, Castillo said.
Those who don’t want to make the two-hour walk can sign up for campus tours, including stops in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, the library and administration building. Visitors also will see a 10-minute video presentation, Prist said.

Visitors also can see Our Lady of the New Millennium, the 33-foot statue of Mary that has toured the archdiocese since May 1999.

Those who visit the university for the Way of Faith must have free tickets distributed by the Millennium Office, but it is possible to get tickets both for the pilgrimage and the campus tour on the same afternoon, Castillo said.

Many parishes are organizing trips for large groups, especially parishes that are a long way from the seminary. Bus parking will be provided directly across the street from the university entrance in the Carmel High School parking lot.

People who drive themselves will be asked to park at Mundelein and Libertyville high schools and take shuttle buses.
“We are encouraging people to come about 30 minutes ahead of the time on their tickets,” he said.

Castillo said most people should ask at their parish offices whether the parish has requested a block of tickets. If not, area Catholics can call Kris McDonnell at (773) 427-8745 to ask for tickets.

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