A Lenten Pilgrimage that includes prayer, penitence and visits to holy sites in the city is planned Saturday.

John Morrell has been one of the organizers of the event for the past eight years. He said the annual event visits Catholic sites in the city beginning with a traditional Latin Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, walk to St. Catherine of Siena Church, a stop at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Stations of the Cross at St. James Church and finish at the Queen of Peace Shrine.

“The pilgrimage itself is a symbol of one’s life,” Morrell said. “There is a starting point and an ending point at the end of life. We have to have certain struggles and the walk is a little bit like the difficulty of our life and seeking to reach the end of the pilgrimage destination symbolizes Heaven.”

The pilgrimage has a long history in the Catholic faith with places such as Fatima and Lourdes but many cannot journey to these faraway sites. A treasure trove is waiting to be explored here in Southeast Texas and these jewels can help renew your spirit this Lenten season, according to information from Morrell.

Participants are asked to wear walking shoes and modest attire, no shorts, tank tops or sleeveless tops. Don’t forget to bring your Rosary and a flower to decorate the Blessed Virgin Mary statue, organizers say.

Entire families, baby strollers and religious banners are welcome. Bread and water will be provided.

There will be plenty of bathroom stops and a 15-passenger van loaned by a local dealership for those in need. Those who prefer to drive their own vehicle can do so in the rear of the walkers.

Commemorative pilgrimage T-shirts will be available for a $20 donation before the pilgrimage.

For more information, call Marilyn at 409-724-1456.

Schedule:

• 8:05 a.m. — Optional shuttle leaves Queen of Peace Shrine, 800 Ninth Ave., for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3648 S./Sgt. Lucian Adams Blvd.

• 8:15 a.m. — Confessions begin at OLOG

• 8:25 a.m. — Place flowers at the statue that is carried

• 9 a.m. — Traditional Latin Mass at OLOG Church

Intermediate stops — Shrine of OLOG; St. Catherine of Siena Church; Calvary Catholic Cemetery; Catholic Education St. James Church; and Way of the Cross

• 2:45 p.m. End at Shrine of Peace

• 3 p.m. — Conclusion of pilgrimage. Shuttle to OLOG Parish Hall