August Pedal Pilgrimage from St. Gertrude's

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Published on Wednesday, 30 November -0001 00:00

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On a sunny day, Sunday, Aug. 15, with winds more reminiscent of Pentecost than the feast of the Assumption, nine bicyclists made the 20-mile pilgrimage from St. Gertrude's in Forest City, through Watkins and St. Nicholas to the Grasshopper Chapel in Cold Spring. The Pedal Pilgrimage is both a physical and spiritual journey up County Road 2. There are prayer stops along the way in the towns, but the ride culminated at the top of Chapel Hill with an outdoor Mass. This was followed by dinner at one of the local restaurants in town.

Most of the riders came from Litchfield, although others came from St. Cloud, Sartell, South Haven and even Arizona. They varied widely in cycling experience, but all made it to the finish. They were supported by two vehicles driven by Wes Edwards of Litchfield and Jim Hughs of Darwin. Judy and Randy Barka of Watkins hauled the bikes back to Forest City after the ride.

At the end of the night one of ,the riders summed up the day with, "It was good exercise, good prayer and good friends."

St. Gertrude's also sponsors a 30-mile pilgrimage on MEA weekend Friday, Oct. 22. This pilgrimage will culminate with prayer and dinner with the Sisters at the Monastery of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. Again this Friday, Oct. 22, bike ride will be broken up for prayer at the various churches along the route. While the prayer will reflect the Roman Catholic tradition, this pilgrimage is open to people of all faith traditions.

Registration: Pilgrims may pre-register by e-mail to St. Gertrude's This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , with Pedal Pilgrimage in the subject line. Or download a registration form from www.forministry.com/USMNRCATHSGCCS. Registration becomes official when a signed registration and liability waver form is accepted with a $30 fee which includes dinner and a T-shirt. If St. Gertrude's is contacted by Oct. 15, arrangements can be made to get back to Forest City. Without prearrangement, pilgrims are responsible for getting home.