On November 4,  Bishop John Stowe will lead us in celebrating the first year of progress on The Pilgrim Trail.  Hehman Hall, at Christ the King from 6:00-8:00 pm, will provide the opportunity to meet other pilgrims from across the diocese, to share a meal and to hear who we are and where we call home. 

In 2021-2022,  The Pilgrims Trail Steering Committee of interested parishioners across central and Eastern Kentucky worked to develop a sense of community, of church, and of faith across 50 counties. The pilgrim prayer was composed; “the wandering cross” became our symbol; and passports to document our progress along the trail was designed, printed and distributed to all parishes. The Pilgrims Trail Steering Committee also developed a poster, maps and a website presence to assist and inspire pilgrims. All done with our bishop’s approval.

The first poster contest drew over a hundred submissions. Artists were encouraged to use their own artistic style to portray concepts related to Christian pilgrimage in Kentucky.  Two judges, artist and priest, Father Arockiadas, of Winchester, and Fannie Couch, of the Mountain East deanery, selected the winner, Leighton Lockhart, a 7th grader at Elizabeth Ann Seton. The colorful artwork on the inaugural poster of The Pilgrims Trail was sent or delivered to over 62 sites in the diocese, and Ms. Lockhart earned a cash prize of $100. Other winning artists were Jude Wigginton, second place, $50, and Catherine Gerstle, youth
encouragement award, $25, both also from Elizabeth Ann Seton. The third place award, $25, went to the fourth grade class at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary School. Rosie Fedorchuk’s photography class at St. Leo’s also garnered spots among the finalists.
  
Along with the striking poster, a map of the diocese with four travel “loops” listing all 62 parishes, missions and oratories with Spanish and English explanations was sent for display with the poster throughout the diocese. Selected options via Google maps can be accessed on and printed from our page on the diocesan website at https://cdlex.org/the-pilgrims-trail/.

As the diocese upgraded its web presence, The Pilgrim Trail became an Apostolate site, at the bottom of the opening page, where every parish is listed along with their information. “Open, Pilgrims” indicates they can stamp passports and are welcoming pilgrims. Pilgrims can also access a
walking map for Lexington and see suggestions of how to complete the 21mile trail. 

As of this printing, 50 parishes, missions and oratories are open, with three more opening in September. Check the website before you go. 
Soon we expect also to have bookmarks and prayer cards to share with pilgrims—and we are eager to plan a second poster competition in October, 2023 for the official 2024 The Pilgrims Trail poster. 

If you plan to attend the Pilgrims Meal, please email [email protected] or text (859) 519-6385 and type TPT with your first and last name for your reservation. If making a reservation for more than one person, add a number of pilgrims coming in your group along with each person’s name. Bring your PASSPORT(S) with at least 3 stamps or stickers to gain entrance. Christ the King also has a 5:30 mass on Friday. CTK Stamps will be available there on this day. The deadline for reservations is October 24.