The Roman Catholic Diocese of London has selected Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) Church in Sarnia as a designated pilgrimage site, for Sarnia-Lambton to celebrate the jubilee year declared by Pope Francis.
Sarnia Bluewater Roman Catholic Family of Parishes Pastoral Minister Leonia Downie said the age of the church was considered.
"Our Lady of Mercy is selected because it is one of the founding, or one of the older churches in our diocese. So, I think if you look at the church's history, Our Lady of Mercy was established in 1878," said Downie.
OLM was also a pilgrimage site 25 years ago. Downie said pilgrim churches are being selected all over Canada, the United States, and Europ, with the largest at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
"That's where Saint Peter is buried and a lot of the martyrs are buried. A lot of our saints are there and that's where the jubilee comes from. The pilgrim church to journey to," she said.
The faithful will be offered the opportunity for plenary indulgence and participate in corporal works of mercy on July 17, 18, and 19.
"Feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, helping those out... and that's part of our fate, that's part of our Catholic life," said Downie.
The three day event will culminate on Saturday with camino walks from six churches in Sarnia-Lambton to OLM, a final mass, and a barbecue.
"[For example, from] St. Michael's in Bright's Grove it takes three hours and nine minutes. It's 13.9 kilometres. Those people will start out at St. Michael's, there will be rest stops for them and they have their map, and by 12 noon they should be gathered at Our Lady of Mercy for a celebration of mass," she said.
The theme for 2025 "Pilgrims of Hope" was chosen to reflect the world's current challenges, including; war, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and dissonance of the world.