Pilgrimage
of Hope for Creation
Close Out the Season of Creation with Villanova, Saint Joe's, and EcoPhilly at the Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation
Date: October 4, 2025
When: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Start: St. Thomas of Villanova Church
End: Barnes Arboretum at SJU
Join us on October 4, 2025, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, for the Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation, a 7-mile solidarity walk from Villanova University to Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. This sacred journey, part of the nationwide Catholic Pilgrims of Hope for Creation, invites you to pray for grace, encounter Christ in creation, and renew your relationship with God, the Earth, and one another during the Season of Creation (September 1–October 4, 2025).
Event Details
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Start: St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova University
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Gather at 8:30 AM, refreshments available
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Welcome by Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. at 8:45 AM
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Walk begins at 9:00 AM
End: Barnes Arboretum, Saint Joseph’s University
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Arrive ~ 12:00 PM​
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Closing prayer by Fr. Rich McCouch, SJ, refreshments
Route: Follows Lancaster Ave. and City Ave. sidewalks with planned stops:
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9:00 AM: Depart Villanova University
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9:30 AM: Stop at Rosemont Chapel
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10:00 AM: Stop at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish
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10:40 AM: Stop at St. Colman's Parish
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11:30 AM: Stop at Waldron Mercy Academy
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12:00 PM: Arrive at Barnes Arboretum, SJU
What to Expect:
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Refreshments, water, and restrooms available throughout the walk, with stops every 30-45 minutes.
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We hope to have around 100 pilgrims join us.
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Please bring your own reusable water bottle.
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We will have repurposed T-shirts for unity.
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Signs and Banners are welcome!
Why Participate?
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Catholics across the U.S. are walking on October 4th to lift a unified voice for Laudato Si’ and creation care as we mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures. You can be a part of this movement and live the Gospel of creation care, right here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Please register via this Google Form. If you are having access issues, click here to fill out the form in your browser.