What is the Pilgrimage for Life?
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"God’s love does not differentiate between the newly conceived infant still in his or her mother’s womb and the child or young person, or the adult and the elderly person. God does not distinguish between them because he sees an impression of his own image and likeness (Gn 1:26) in each one." -Pope Benedict XVI, February 2005 |
The Pilgrimage for Life is an opportunity for Catholic Faithful to gather and pray for those affected by infractions on the dignity of life, and for a reinvigoration of the Culture of Life. Through gathering and processing, participants in the Pilgrimage for Life witness to the world our Catholic teaching on the life and dignity of the human person from conception to natural death.
We invite Catholic faithful from around the state to participate in the Pilgrimage, which will begin with the celebration of Mass at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Huntsville. Pilgrims will then participate in a one-mile prayerful procession, led by the Cardinal, from an abortion referral center to the Texas death row. Pilgrims may also choose to stay at the parish for adoration and guided reflection on the Stations of the Cross and Catholic social teaching.
Throughout the Pilgrimage, all life is acknowledged as sacred. Politics and preference are set aside, all life is welcome: the life of the unborn, the child, the mother, the father, the poor, the wealthy, the imprisoned, the victim, the elderly, the welcomed, and the stranger.
Information for Participants
The Pilgrimage for Life is an opportunity to reflect on the life and dignity of the human person from conception to natural death. Our presence today is one of prayer and reconciliation for all those who strive to promote a Culture of Life, and for those who are deceived by the Culture of Death. This is a witness, not a demonstration. All sloganeering, verbal confrontations, forms of harassment or public shaming, etc. are unacceptable. Please refrain from bringing signs or otherwise making political statements or partisan comments.
Schedule of Events
| Prior to 8:30 a.m. |
Parking for this event is at the Walker County Fairgrounds
3925 State Highway 30 West, Huntsville, TX 77340
Shuttles will transport participants to St. Thomas Catholic Church
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| 9:00 a.m. |
Cardinal DiNardo will preside at Mass
St. Thomas Catholic Church in Huntsville |
| 10:10 a.m. |
Adoration begins at St. Thomas
Adoration is available for those unable to complete the walk |
| 10:15 a.m. |
Meet at Huntsville Health Center (Planned Parenthood)
Note: Bottled water will be provided.
We encourage fasting throughout this time if possible. |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Pilgrimage for Life Walk Begins |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Closing Prayer at the Huntsville Prison |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Luncheon at St. Thomas Catholic Church |
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Shuttles will transport participants to St. Thomas Catholic Church and to the Walker County Fairgrounds |
Parking and Transportation
Parking will not be available at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Pilgrimage for Life parking will be at the Walker County Fairgrounds, located at 3925 State Highway 30 West, Huntsville, TX 77340. Buses will be shuttling from the Fairgrounds to St. Thomas Catholic Church until 9:30 a.m. The bus ride from the Fairgrounds to the Church is approximately 10 minutes, so please plan accordingly to arrive in time for 9 a.m. Mass.
Shuttles will be available to return to the Fairgrounds after the closing prayer.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Plenty of water
- A snack if you will not be able to fast during this time
- Hat and sun block
- Please check the weather and be prepared for rain
Huntsville Hotel Accommodations
- Sam Houston State University Hotel, 1700 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77341, (936) 291-2151
- Holiday Inn Express, 201 W Hill Park Circle, Huntsville, TX 77340, (936) 293-8800
- EconoLodge 116, Huntsville, TX 77320, (936) 295-6401
- La Quinta Inn Huntsville Placement on map is approximate
124 Interstate 45 N Huntsville, TX 77320,
Get Directions(800) 531-5900
- Comfort Suites, 631 I-45 South, Huntsville, TX, (936) 436-9600
Priests and Deacons wishing to concelebrate or assist with Mass should contact Maria Huemmer at (512) 339-9882 or maria@txcatholic.org
Promote the Pilgrimage
- Pilgrimage for Life Participant Information
Información para los Participantes de la Peregrinación por La vida
- Click here for a flyer that you can send via email
- Click here for a printable flyer for the Pilgrimage for Life (click here for the flyer in color)
- Click here for a flyer that you can send via email
- Pilgrimage for Life Press Release and FAQ sheet
- We would love to hear from you if you're planning on coming. Send us an email here. We will also keep you up-to-date on Pilgrimage for Life information.
- Stay involved with the Texas Catholic Conference by signing up for our free email newsletter, the Texas Catholic Voice, and receiving advocacy alerts. Click here to sign-up.
- More Resources
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