01-05-2025
Over 100 pilgrims complete 25km walk from Berea to Mariannhill
IN a moving act of faith and devotion, more than 100 Catholics participated in the first Pilgrimage Walk organised by Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Sunday, April 27.
The 25km journey began at the church's Priory on Gumtree Avenue in Berea and ended at St Joseph's Cathedral at Mariannhill Monastery. The walk drew traditional Catholics and priests of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and even as far as Zimbabwe.
Participants included families with young children, accompanied by Metro Police and ALS Paramedics to ensure safety throughout the day.
The day began with an early morning Latin Mass followed by a special Pilgrims' Blessing, before the faithful took to the road bearing banners, a crucifix, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and SA flags. Father François Laiguedé of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church said the purpose of the pilgrimage was 'to pray for vocations to the religious life', particularly in South Africa where the need for more priests is urgent.
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'We walk today to ask the Lord to send labourers into His harvest. This is a physical and spiritual journey — one that we hope inspires many young people to consider a life dedicated to God. Along the way, pilgrims passed through Sherwood, Westville, Cowies Hill, and Pinetown, with rest stops along the route, including outside Sherwood's KFC and the Scout Hall in Cowies Hill. The pilgrims prayed that young people would answer generously to God's call to them, to perhaps consider entering the religious life as priests, nuns or brothers,' said Laiguedé.
Despite the challenging 550m elevation gain, spirits remained high as the group prayed and sang together, drawing attention and support from pedestrians and motorists alike. Arriving at Mariannhill just before 17:00, the pilgrims entered the cathedral singing the Latin Creed, accompanied by the powerful sounds of the church organ. The day ended with prayers at the graves of Abbot Francis Pfanner, the monastery's founder, and Father Eldred Leslie, a respected former parish priest.
Prayers were also offered for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis who died on April 21, and for the election of a new pope ahead of the cardinals' conclave to elect the new leader of the Roman Catholic church on May 7. This faith-filled initiative followed a soccer tournament the day before at St Henry's Marist College, showing the community's deep commitment to spiritual and physical engagement. Participants expressed hope that the pilgrimage will become a regular event, growing in numbers and impact.
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