EcoPhilly and its Creation Care Network of parishes and schools joins with Villanova and St. Joseph’s universities for a Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation, a seven-mile spiritual and physical journey between the two schools on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The walk is part of the Catholic Climate Covenant’s nationwide initiative, which is promoting such pilgrimages during the Season of Creation, Sept. 1 to Oct. 4.
The pilgrimage will start at 8:30 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the Villanova University campus and end around 12:30 p.m. at the Barnes Arboretum at St. Joseph’s University. The walk will follow a route along Lancaster and Montgomery avenues.
Held on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” the pilgrimage invites Catholics and everyone to deepen their faith and commitment to environmental stewardship during the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church.
Villanova and St. Joseph’s are both Laudato Si’ Universities and are uniting in care for our common home, a tenant of Catholic social teaching promoted by Pope Francis as well as Pope Leo XIV.
During the walk, participants will engage in prayer, reflection, and discussions on environmental justice, highlighting the connection between spirituality and caring for God’s creation.
All who are able to join in solidarity for a sustainable future are welcome. Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone.
To register and learn more details, visit https://ecophilly.org/pilgrimage.
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