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COMMUNITY News:

Archdiocese of Santa Fe Pilgrimages for Vocations 2024 Theme: Beloved Sons & Daughters of the Father

At approximately noon Thursday, June 6, a pilgrimage of approximately 65 men will walk on West Jemez Road to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 3700 Canyon Road, where they will stay for the night.

The men will rise at 3 a.m. Friday, June 5, to continue their pilgrimage at 4:30 a.m. to San Ildefonso Pueblo. They are participating in the annual Pilgrimage for Vocations. They began walking early Monday morning (4 a.m.) from Albuquerque and will end their pilgrimage Saturday morning June 8 at the Santuario del Chimayo.

The Pilgrimage for Vocations started in 1973 with the main goal being prayer and sacrifice for vocations especially to the priesthood and religious life. The pilgrimage has continued to take place during the first week in June each year. The five routes of the June Pilgrimage include Albuquerque, Chama, Costilla, Estancia and Bernal. All routes finish at the Santuario de Chimayo in Chimayo.

It takes one week to complete the 100-mile pilgrimage, with men and women (on separate routes) walking about 20 miles each day. Pilgrims sleep in parish halls or school gyms along the way to Chimayo with local church organizations or families providing meals for the pilgrims.

Closing activities with the Archbishop of Santa Fe begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8 in Chimayo.

For more information about the Pilgrimages for Vocations, visit pilgrimagesforvocations.org.