Following in the Footsteps of Mother Cabrini
A 42-Mile Pilgrimage to the Mother Cabrini Shrine
On August 20, four junior girls from Our Lady of Sorrows Academy, accompanied by two of our Sisters, boarded a plane for Denver to take part in the Cabrini Pilgrimage—a 42-mile journey completed over two days.
For our students, it was their first major pilgrimage. They were excited for the adventure ahead, but as they considered the many miles before them, there was also a little uncertainty:
“How am I ever going to make this?”
One Step After Another
The answer came simply: one step after another.
Following the good example of the other pilgrims—especially the priests and seminarians—the girls continued on their way. Mile after mile, what had at first seemed overwhelming, gradually became possible.
At the end of the journey, their legs and feet were sore, but their hearts were full of joy and grace.
At the Shrine of Mother Cabrini
Even after walking 42 miles, the girls were not afraid to face one final challenge: climbing the 365 steps to the top of the hill.
There, they could look out over the beautiful landscape and see how far they had traveled during the previous two days.
But most especially, they came to see the heart made of stones that Mother Cabrini had built on that place.
Before leaving, the girls drank a cup of the miraculous water and then began the journey by car back to St. Isidore's, where they attended Holy Mass.
Hearts Full of Joy and Grace
What began with the question, “How am I ever going to make this?” ended with four girls who had walked 42 miles, climbed the final steps to the shrine, and discovered that they were capable of more than they had imagined.
The pilgrimage was an opportunity not only for physical perseverance, but also for prayer, sacrifice, good example, and the many quiet graces that accompany a journey made for God.
What an adventure—and after it all, the girls are already eager to return next year!
Consoling Sisters of the Sacred Heart
September 25, 2026