the Way of stella maris planning team
Ainslea Cardinal
Chairperson of the Chairs
Ainslea's background in public service administration prepares her well to assume a lead role on the pilgrimage team. Her compassion and attention to detail, combined with her problem solving and navigational skills, help her to support both the team and the walking pilgrims. Ainslea will serve as the primary contact for pilgrims seeking information, advice or assistance along their journey.
Ainslea's Spiritual Quote:
"Here I am, Send me." - Isaiah 6:8
Dave Cardinal
Director of Directions
Dave was on his own pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, when he was invited to participate in "The Way of Stella Maris". His response was to volunteer his services to help deliver this event. His practical approach led him to his role in trail support. His responsibilities include: trail signage, setting up water stations, transportation, as well as encouraging and reassuring the walking Pilgrims he encounters along the trail.
Dave's Spiritual Quote:
"Our responsibility is not to feed the 5,000 but to provide the loaves and the fishes." - Dallas Jenkins, Director of "The Chosen"
Maxine Brown
Abbess of the Albergue
Maxine put Jesus at the center of her life in 1997 and hasn’t looked back. Her amazing adventure includes 26 years of marriage, 8 children, dream job of Chaplaincy Administrator at Saint Mary’s University, singer, songwriter, happy hostess, worship leader and Queen of the camper. Her favourite times are when she’s surrounded by family, friends, nature and the Holy Spirit. During the Way of Stella Maris Pilgrimage you will find her tending to the needs of pilgrims at the home-base Albergue (her RV) where all are welcome to relax, commune and recharge.
Arlene Sibley
Apostolic Director of Packing and Unpacking
Arlene completed her first pilgrimage "The Way of Stella Maris" in August 2019 and although she is a weekly hiker, she wasn't sure she could do it. She surprised herself by taking it one day at a time and even learned how to pray the Rosary along the way.
"Full confession though this is what packing for this pilgrimage looked like for me. Five bags in total and I watched Father Rob's Youtube video, not sure where I went wrong??" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWtXGFS7eiQ&t=7s
Sheila Kidd
Angelic Director of Oasis Care
To journey on a pilgrimage is to leave the comfort and familiarity of your daily life. Along the Way of Stella Maris you will encounter hosted water stations under the loving care of Sheila Kidd.
Sheila is a nurse by profession and brings a spirit of care and compassion to her position. She provides an experience of physical and emotional comfort to walkers who welcome her personal attention.
Sheila's official title is "Angelic Director of Oasis Care" and it is truly deserved.
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 10
Fr. Rob Elford
Instigator of Instigations
The Way of Stella Maris grew out of a conversation Rob had with Archbishop Anthony Mancini in the Spring of 2019. Having walked the Camino de Santiago a couple of times he is imbued with a deep sense of knowing the Holy Spirit works through the stillness of the routine of walking pilgrimages. He hopes The Way of Stella Maris will be a source of renewal for the faith of pilgrims and the local church.
"But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength..." -Isaiah 40:31
Jen Jenkins
Archdirector of All the Things
Jen walked The Way of Stella Maris in 2019 and helped out significantly in 2020. We are happy she is now on our planning team! Here are Jen's top ten "The Way of Stella Maris Pro Tips":
1. A sandwich in a backpack for 10km becomes a panini.
2. Take time to take it in. Don't rush.
3. Flies are maggoty on day 6.
4. Praying the rosary on a trail is a beautiful and peaceful thing.
5. There's no quiet way to flip over on an air mattress.
6. Pay attention to the red arrows.
7. At the water stations, drink the Gatorade and take the Werthers.
8. You can get blisters on top of blisters. It's a thing.
9. Spring for the fancy wool socks.
10. B'ys. Seriously. Don't forget the bug spray.