What is the modified pilgrimage?
The term “modified” refers to the way in which families with children, younger than 12 years of age participate in more than one day of pilgrimage. Specifically, since mothers (and fathers) with little children cannot possibly do as much walking as other pilgrims, the families spend the greater portion of their day(s) in the camps praying, singing, learning catechism, playing etc. They are, throughout their time in the camps, organized in a distinct brigade (or more than one, as needed). They also pray together, under their own banner(s), at each Holy Mass. They walk together with the rest of the column only for short distances, usually at the very beginning and very end of each day. They can also (conditions permitting) join the other pilgrims in the field at midday for lunch. Transportation of families between camps each day is provided by the volunteers of the Company of St. Renè Goupil. The Company also gives first priority to families when assisting the pilgrims prepare bivo