Grotto pilgramage

Annual trek offers insight into upcoming Year of Faith activities in the Archdiocese of Vancouver

Catholic Pilgrims carry a statue of Our Lady during the annual pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission Aug. 18. P.G. Corr / Special to The B.C.

The B.C. Catholic has a story by Karen Murphy Corr this year's procession at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission:

For nine years Squamish tribe elder Wendy M. Charbonneau has led the procession at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission during the annual pilgrimage. However this year, more than in past years, she relied on her love for Jesus and His mother to help her walk the steep hill at Fraser River Heritage Park. 

People from all over the archdiocese joined in the pilgrimage Aug. 18. 

"I've had chronic rheumatoid arthritis in my spine now for several years, but osteoarthritis developed this past year in my shoulders and hips. I also have nerve damage in my foot so I usually use a scooter now," Charbonneau explained softly.

Read the whole story at The B.C. Catholic website.