After the inaugural pilgrimage in 2013, as a result of suggestions from some families with younger children who would like to participate in the Walk to Mary, we have specifically implemented a 1.7 mile segment of the Walk to Mary. It is designed to accommodate children, families and individuals who would like to participate but are challenged to walk longer distances. Many of our elderly pilgrims and pilgrims with physical handicaps participate in the Walk with the Children.

The Walk with the Children is a “smaller version” of the 22+ mile Walk to Mary pilgrimage. It stands alone as its own shorter pilgrimage route that gracefully merges into the last ½ mile of the longer Walk to Mary route.

Pilgrims start and end at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion so you should park at the Shrine. The walk begins at the St. Joseph Grotto on the Shrine’s grounds, exits the Shrine’s grounds and joins the last 1/2 mile segment of the larger Walk to Mary route and ultimately ends at the Apparition Grotto back on the Shrine’s grounds.

Pilgrims participating in the Walk with the Children are invited to attend a 12:30pm CST children’s mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. Immediately following mass pilgrims will begin the Walk with the Children.

Pilgrims who do not attend mass can either start with the larger group beginning right after mass or they can do the Walk with the Children completely on their own any time after mass until 3:30pm CST.