Our Pilgrimage
Where to Park
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SHRINE
3648 Staff/Sgt Lucian Adams Blvd Pt. Arthur, TX 77642
QUEEN OF PEACE SHRINE AND GARDENS
800 Ninth Ave. Port Arthur, TX 77642
Where do I park?
PILGRIMS who want to have their own vehicles waiting for them at the end point of the day should park before either shuttle leaves at QUEEN OF PEACE SHRINE. The first shuttle, a 55-passenger bus, runs at 7:10 a.m. and the last shuttle at 8:15 a.m. to OLOG starting point. This allows pilgrims to have the quickest access to their own transport waiting for them at the end of the day.
Parking is also available at the starting point, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, for the 9 a.m. Mass there. Those who choose this option will be able at the end of the pilgrimage to ride the 55-passenger Hotard Coaches Bus shuttle back to OLOG, where they parked their cars. Be aware this option may have longer wait times for the bus at the end of day.
What if I have car seats and strollers needed by my kids on the bus shuttle?
For those with children you should drop off one adult and children first with strollers/wagons at OLOG, then the driver alone proceeds to park at Queen of Peace Shrine BEFORE either the 7:10 am OR the 8:15 a.m. shuttle departure to take you back to OLOG. Keep your car seat in your own car because the walk ends where you park at Queen of Peace Shrine.
Where do I park if I only want to go to Mass?
Park at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church close to their Parish Hall or as directed by Security Attendants.
The Mass and Confessions
Holy Mass begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Church. The Church opens at 7:15 a.m. and Confessions begin at 8:15 a.m. One priest will be available to hear Confessions during Mass.
Confessions will be available in Spanish.
*Please note that Confessions at St. James is not assured.*
This morning’s Mass is being offered by Cannon Jean-Marie Moreau from the St. Francis de Sales Oratory (Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest), located in Sulphur, La.
Latin/English, Latin/Spanish, and Latin/Vietnamese missalettes and Propers are available, as are Chapel Veils, for your use. These should be returned to the table on your way out of the Church.
The Walk
Our Pilgrimage is a 5 mile walk through the streets and thoroughfares of Pt. Arthur, after the Traditional Mass. It begins with opening prayers and Sending of Pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and ends with the final blessing of pilgrims at the Queen of Peace Shrine. This year, the final blessing will be given by Bishop David Toups.
The pilgrimage is made up of 4 legs with stops between each leg.
The first leg is from the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and goes to St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. At this stop rolls and water will be provided for you. You may wish to bring a light lunch or snack to eat at this time. Restroom facilities are available in the school building. Trash bags will be available.
The second leg is from St. Catherine to Cavalry Catholic Cemetery. Here we stop to hear a spiritual talk.
The third leg is from Calvary Cemetery to St. James Catholic Church. We go inside for the Way of the Cross. Restroom facilities are available in Kirwin Hall, located across the grassy area from the church.
The fourth and final leg is from St. James Church to the Queen of Peace Shrine. Here we pray the final prayers and receive the Blessing from Bishop Toups. After this we all gather around the statue to take a group photo.
Water is always available during the pilgrimage and is located in ice chests in the back of the lead trucks. A first aid kit is also available in the lead truck or van following the pilgrims.
Pilgrimage Conclusion
After the final Blessing, all participants are asked to gather around the Queen of Peace statue for a group picture. We will post this picture on this site so you can get a copy of it.
Those participants needing a ride back to their vehicles parked at Our Lady of Guadalupe should look for the bus/shuttles along Ninth Ave. Be prepared for longer wait times due to the number of shuttles available and how many people need a ride.