38 people, one goal, and a shared journey from Olsztyn to Gietrzwałd. On 13 September, donors and staff of the Secretariat of the Foreign Missions set off on a pilgrimage together. See the photo gallery!
On 13 September, 38 pilgrims – Donors and staff of the Secretariat for Foreign Missions of the Priests of the Sacred Heart – set off together from Olsztyn for the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Gietrzwałd. The first pilgrimage of its kind in the Secretariat’s history turned out to be much more than a 19-kilometre walk. It was a time for meeting, conversation, prayer, and building lasting bonds.
Gietrzwałd holds a special place in our hearts. The sanctuary is located just a few kilometres from Olsztyn, where our Mission House is based. It was here, in 1877, that the Marian apparitions took place – the only Marian apparitions in Poland officially recognised by the Catholic Church.
First, Fellowship – Then the Journey
Our pilgrimage began on Saturday, 12 September, with an informal barbecue at the Mission House. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk, get to know one another better, and prepare for the journey ahead.
The following morning started early. At 5 a.m., we set off from Olsztyn, ready to cover 19 kilometres, much of the route leading through the forest along the Way of St. James.
The weather was kind to us for most of the journey. There was some tiredness, of course, but also plenty of conversation, laughter, moments of silence, and prayer. Everyone walked at their own pace, yet we were all heading towards the same destination.
A light rain caught us on the final stretch in Gietrzwałd, but it did not stop us from reaching the sanctuary and sharing the most important moment of our pilgrimage.
At the Shrine of Our Lady of Gietrzwałd
Upon arriving in Gietrzwałd, we took part in the solemn feast-day Mass at 11 a.m. It was a time for prayer and thanksgiving – for the gift of walking together and for all those connected to our missionary work.
Our pilgrimage also included a special missionary touch. Volunteers from ZbieramTO were waiting in Gietrzwałd, offering pilgrims bottled water and sharing information about our mission. They also spoke about our efforts to build wells in Chad, reminding visitors that even during a pilgrimage, we can continue to share what matters to us every day: caring for people in need.
Building Bonds Together
Our pilgrimage perfectly reflected the motto of the Dehonian Missionary Family: “Building Bonds.” For the first time in the history of the Secretariat for Foreign Missions of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, we walked together from Olsztyn to Gietrzwałd. It is hard to imagine a better way to strengthen our bonds.
Thank you to everyone who joined us – for every step, conversation, prayer, smile, and moment shared along the way. Experiences like this remind us that missionary work is about more than projects, fundraising campaigns, and practical assistance. Above all, it is about people, relationships, and a community that comes together beyond the workplace.
It was the first event of its kind in the Secretariat’s history, and we can confidently say it was wonderful!
And now that our first pilgrimage is behind us… what do you think? Shall we meet again next year?
