Marylake Walk 2014

This year,  the trek to Our Lady of Grace, also known as Marylake, will be on Saturday, May 10th, 2014.

Normally the walk is done the Saturday closest to May 13th, when Mother Mary made her first appearance in 1917 to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in Fatima, Portugal  in 1917.  This year, the 13th falls on a Tuesday and so the walk will happen the Saturday prior which is May the 10th.

For more information about the apparition, click here.

For further information about Marylake Augustian Shrine, visit www.augustinians.ca.

 

Having gone a few times to Marylake myself, I can offer a few tips to make your journey a little easier:

• Comfortable shoes are amust,  preferably running shoes. Remember to break in new shoes at least a week prior to walking. Packing another pair of shoes (such as comfortable slippers) to change once you arrive is also recommended.
• Use a backpack, not a purse. A purse will tire out your shoulder whether its a handbag or a one-shoulder strap purse.
• Pack light! You’ll be carrying that weight for more than just a few hours, so make sure to only bring essentials.
• Bring some light snacks. Bringing an apple or a granola bar is both economical and easier than waiting to reach a bakery or coffee shop along the way.
• Use Nivea or some other thick cream on your cheeks. I always find I get windburn when I walk to Marylake, so putting some sort cream other than a thin layer of daily moisturizer helps.
• Start the walk early in the morning.  I normally began walking around 4:00 am so as to get as little sun as possible. I found walking at night when its fresh is alot easier than walking when the sun is beating down on your shoulders. Plus, what’s better than a gorgeous sunrise to encourage you to keep going?
• Don’t travel alone.  Strength in numbers! Walking with a partner or group ensures you are safe and conversation  makes the time go by faster. Before you know it, you’re there!
• Have someone pick you up at the monastery. I’ve been lucky enough to always have a ride back home, usually from my father. If you don’t anyone to pick you up, plan a ride. If you plan on driving yourself home as a last resort, remember to check in with the monastery and leave your vehicle there the night before.

Remember, if you don’t feel well…..STOP!!! There is no harm in sitting down to eat, drink and rest for a few minutes. Don’t ever push yourself past your limit.

Enjoy yourselves and stay safe!!

Inside Marylake Monastery. Photo courtesy of Diana Faria.