With the blessing of the Friars and the congregation gathered for Eucharist at SaintAnthony Friary in Cincinnati this morning, six Friars began their pilgrimage in faith and hope. They will be driving to Hazard and Cumberland, KY before being dropped off in Roanoke, VA to begin a trek to Washington, DC. Along the way they hope to work for food and shelter and to witness to our way of life in whatever way the Lord calls them to.

Celebrant Fr. Frank Jasper blessed a few items as gifts and symbols of the journey. First he blessed and gave each Friar a wide-brimmed hat to protect them as they travel. Next he blessed and gave each a mission crucifix as a symbol of their faith and trust in God. (All missionaries receive a mission crucifix before they leave for a foreign mission.) Finally he gave them a map of Virginia to help them find their way.

Below are a few pictures of the ceremony and the group with a reminder that you can follow the pilgrimage on a special blog set up in connection with our provincial website. just click here: Walking With Hope.

The Friars involved are (l to r back) Fr. Ed Shea, a member of Sacred Heart province and one of the Formation Directors in our Temporary Professed Program in Chicago; Fr. Mark Soehner, a teammate of Fr. Ed's in Chicago and a member of our St. John the Baptist province; Friar Clifford Hennings, one of the newly professed as of yesterday; Friar Richard Goodin who is in his second year of Temporary Profession, and (l to r front) Clifford's classmates and also newly professed Friars of our province Friars Joshua van Cleef and Roger Lopez.

Be sure to follow them and possibly leave your encouragement and comments at Walking With Hope.