There are a number of guidelines that you are expected to
follow on the pilgrimage.
1. You are part of a group, with a
group leader. You are expected to do as
the group leader tells you.
2. You are responsible for your own
luggage and your own provisions. You
must ensure that your luggage is placed in a van each day and you must get your
own luggage at the end of each day’s walking.
3. You are responsible for your own
sleeping arrangements. Normally there is
a large tent available for pilgrims, but the organisers now advise that you
bring your own tent. There is no
groundsheet in the communal tents. You must
bring your own mat and sleeping bag.
4. The walk starts very early in the
morning. You will wake to the sound of
religious music, followed by several exhortations to get up and prepare for
departure. You must pack your bags and
tent and eat whatever breakfast you have and be prepared to leave the campsite
within an hour of being woken.(perhaps less, depending on where the chapter is
in marching order). For breakfast, the French provide bread rolls, with hot
chocolate or coffee and sometimes even
teabags with hot water. If you want anything else, you should bring it
yourself.
5. You must ensure that you take enough
provisions with you for each day’s walking.
In addition to food, you will need the chapter booklet, the pilgrimage
booklet and probably some plasters or headache tablets. Water is provided at
various places along the route. Make sure you take a bottle of water at each
stop even if you're not thirsty at the time. Dehydration can catch up with you
quite quickly in the hot sun, and it can very unpleasant and even dangerous.
6. You must make every effort to stay
with your chapter. There may be times
that you need to go elsewhere,( to seek medical help, or a toilet, or some lost
item. You should try to catch up with
the chapter as soon as possible.
7. The chapter is recognised by its
banner and cross. Our chapter has a very
unique (Celtic) cross). The banner and
cross are always at the front of the chapter.
If you are carrying them you must keep pace with the chapter in front of
you. If you are not carrying them you
must stay behind them.
8. You must respect other
chapters. If there is a delay, for
whatever reason, you should not try to overtake another chapter. If confessions are being heard you should
keep a suitable distance from priest and penitent. You should not block the route at any time.
You must always stay attentive, as the group may be asked to move along at very
short notice.
9. There are several organised groups
of pilgrimage assistants, including medical staff, water carriers, campsite staff,
transport staff, traffic coordinators and Mass organisers. You should be respectful of each of these
groups and follow their instructions whenever you encounter them.
10. There are a number of jobs that you
may be asked to help with during the pilgrimage. Each chapter needs to watch for traffic and
pass signals concerning traffic to other chapters. Pilgrims are also required
to carry the banner, flag and cross at various points. You may be asked to prepare a meditation or
read one. You might also be required to
hold the loudspeaker (which can be quite heavy after 14 hours on the road!).
But apart from these 10
commandments, and most importantly of all, you are required to practice all of
the Christian virtues, with a special emphasis on charity and forbearance. The Irish chapter is well known for its
singing and also its welcoming attitude to any pilgrims that join us for an
hour or a day. This is reputation that we would like to keep. Adhering to the guidelines above will help us
all to have a happy and a prayerful pilgrimage
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