May 27th Update: Covid-19 and The Way of Stella Maris

Dear Pilgrims,

It may not surprise you that, due to COVID-19, we will not be able to conduct The Way of Stella Maris 2020 as we had originally planned. I admit this saddens me greatly but it is reasonable given that our shared overnight accommodations and washroom facilities create a high-risk environment for community spread of the virus.

But all is not lost! We have developed two really exciting six-day pilgrimage options that we hope you will consider. In fact, either of these two options will afford anyone who fully participates an opportunity of deepening in the spiritual disciplines of coming to know the will of God as a journey of one who seeks to follow Christ.

For those of you who have registered and paid for The Way of Stella Maris, please see the directions below to receive a full refund.

Here’s an explanation of the two options:

Option 1: A Day-Walking Pilgrimage from Middle Musquodoboit to Halifax

This is a six-day walk along the original Way of Stella Maris route. Pilgrims will meet at the starting point for each day’s route and maintain appropriate physical distancing as they walk. Water stations will be setup along the route. Transportation to and from the route each day is entirely the responsibility of the pilgrim. I need to emphasize this: If you choose this option, you are responsible to organize your own transportation to the starting point each day and pickup at the end of the day. Covid-19 precautions prohibit us from transporting pilgrims unless to the hospital for an emergency.

Each registered pilgrim will receive a six-day pilgrimage package which will include a spiritual program for each day, readings from Sacred Scripture, reflections and prayers.

After returning home each evening, the pilgrims will meet over Zoom to debrief the day, hear a reflection, and join a small group to help unpack the graces of each day.

This option is only available for residents of Nova Scotia.

The agenda for each day (All times Atlantic Daylight Time: GMT-3)

9:00 – 9:15am Pilgrims meet at trailhead. Overview for the day and prayer.

9:15 – End of trail. Listen. Walk. Pray. Celebrate.

7:00 – 8:00pm Zoom call with fellow pilgrims (including Option 2 pilgrims)

A breakdown of the evening Zoom call will be as follows:

7:00 – 7:05 Opening

7:05 – 7:15 Reflection

7:15 – 7:40 Small Group Discission

7:40 – 7:50 Main Group Recap

7:50 – 7:55 Overview of the plan for tomorrow

7:55 – 8:00 Prayer and Dismissal

The cost for Option 1 is $50.

Option 2: Pilgrimage in Daily Life – A day-walk close to home

This option will provide the pilgrim with a six-day opportunity to explore the spirituality of pilgrimage from home. Each pilgrim will create their own daily route either directly from their own home or trails that are close to their home.

As with Option 1, each registered pilgrim will receive a six-day pilgrimage package which will include a spiritual program for each day, readings from Sacred Scripture, reflections and prayers.

After returning home each evening, the pilgrims will meet over Zoom to debrief the day, hear a reflection, and join a small group to help unpack the graces of each day.

This option is available for anyone, anywhere.

This is a really exciting options because, let’s be honest with ourselves, our faith needs to be worked out and thrive in all aspects of lives. This option will help the pilgrim draw more deeply into the intimacy of encounter with God.

The recommended agenda for each day will be covered in the six-day pilgrimage package. Basically, anyone who chooses this option is committing to a home-based retreat and will join the aforementioned 7:00pm Zoom call to listen to reflections and participate in small group discussions.

The cost for Option 2 is $50.

Directions for a Full Refund:

If you have already registered and paid for The Way of Stella Maris 2020, you will receive a full refund. To receive your refund please follow the following directions:

If you paid by credit card: Please send an email to info@thewayofstellamaris.com clearly indicate your name. If you wish to register for Option 1 or Option 2 above, please indicate your preference and you will be reimbursed the difference ($150.00).

If you paid by cash or cheque: Please send an email to info@thewayofstellamaris.com clearly indicating your name and mailing address. If you wish to register for Option 1 or Option 2 above, please indicate your preference and you will be reimbursed the difference ($150.00).

If you don’t desire to register for Option 1 or Option 2, you will be given a full refund.

Spread the Word:

For those who are unable to choose Option 1, we believe Option 2 is an exciting

opportunity for anyone looking to deepen in their prayer life. If you or someone you know is interested in registering for either of these unique pilgrimage experience please send an email to info@thewayofstellamaris.com or go to our website and complete the form: https://www.thewayofstellamaris.com/2020-plan

Please spread the word.

Let nothing disturb you,

Nothing frighten you;

All things are passing;

God never changes;

Patient endurance attains all things;

Whoever possesses God is wanting in nothing;

God alone suffices.

-St. Theresa of Avila