Cardinal Burke offered a Pontifical High Mass on Saturday, October 14 at the conclusion of the Three Hearts Pilgrimage, at Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey, in Hulbert, Oklahoma.

Dear Friend,

On this day that Pope Francis has asked us to pray and fast for peace, I wanted to share how over a thousand faith-filled Catholics offered up their pain, sore muscles and blistered feet in a beautiful way.

Many Catholics are familiar with the Camino de Santiago walking pilgrimage in Spain. There are also Marian pilgrimages, taking place in the US and Canada, close to the feast of the Assumption and Our Lady of Czestochowa in August.

Do you know about the Three Hearts Pilgrimage, a sacrificial walk of prayer and penance, held every October, which attracts young and old alike? Thousands have discovered the beauty of suffering for Christ. 

The Three Hearts Pilgrimage began as Our Lady, Help of Christians Pilgrimage. It was initiated by a group of young boys from the Saint John Bosco Institute, who expressed themselves as the next generation of leaders soldiering for Christ. The pilgrimage is a 35-mile journey to Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery in Hulbert, OK As they walk along the journey, their sufferings are offered in reparation for their sins and the sins of the world, and for restoring our Christian Culture, especially families. 

The 2023 pilgrimage was held from October 12-14.  There were 2,015 walking pilgrims of all ages. Women with strollers. Mothers carrying their two-year old toddlers on backpacks. In addition, there were medics, an ambulance standing by, cooks, sound and stage personnel, as well as those who moved the tents and suitcases from each camp site. These photos, provided by Lorraine Marie Photography, offer a glimpse of each of the three days.

DAY ONE

All groups were identified by their banners, which they carried with them throughout the journey.

After the tents were setup, the pilgrims were fed hot soup and bread. At the camp out, the Abbot of Our Lady of Clear Creek Benedictine Monastery gave a 45-minute talk on the Blessed Virgin Mary, why the Sacrament of Marriage is important and on purity. The Abbott stated that pilgrimages are for the faithful to suffer and to obtain prayer requests.

DAY TWO

At 5:15 AM the pilgrims were awakened by bagpipes. After packing their belongings to be delivered to the next campsite, their journey began, with their banners held high. Holy rosaries offered as they marched on, soldiers for the Immaculata. 

Father Nolan, FSSP, on a megaphone, told stories of saints, as well as leading rosaries and singing holy songs. 

Flowers were presented to Our Lady.

Priests heard confessions. At noon, a holy mass was offered.

A pilgrim said that she could feel every tiny rock through the soles of her shoes. She looked at the red dirt and imagined how Christ must have felt as He walked to Calvary carrying the cross. She wanted to cry but kept asking the Holy Spirit to carry her. Every muscle hurt.  Each step felt like daggers into her feet.

After walking 23 miles, the weary and sore pilgrims spent two hours in quiet solace with Our Lord in adoration, followed by Benediction.

DAY THREE

The bagpipes sounded again at 5:15 AM as the pilgrims readied for their last 15 miles, headed to Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey, for a Pontifical High Mass offered by Cardinal Burke. In 2000, His Eminence consecrated the Three Hearts Pilgrimage.

As the pilgrims approached the gates of the Abbey, Benedictine Monks lead the procession to the church, which was the last mile of the walking pilgrimage.

Pilgrims carrying flag banners entering the church, which were placed behind the altar during the Pontifical High Mass.

The church could not hold the 1000+ worshippers present, so many assisted the Holy Mass outside, where Holy Communion was received either on a kneeler or kneeling on the grass. 

Later, Cardinal Burke greeted the pilgrims who came to him for a blessing.

I especially want to thank Lorraine Marie Photography for sharing the photos. Her website is: https://lorrainemariephotography.com/

May God give us the grace to carry our crosses daily.

Yours in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 

Thomas McKenna

Founder and President

Catholic Action For Faith And Family
https://www.catholicaction.org/

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P.S. As we prepare to join Cardinal Burke in His monthly Operation Storm Heaven Holy Mass and Rosary on the Solemnity of All Saints, November 1, let's keep all of these pilgrims in our prayers. Additionally, if you have not had a chance to add your personal intentions, please do so now.

P.P.S. If you are interested in learning more or participating in the 2024 Three Hearts Pilgrimage, visit their website: https://www.threeheartspilgrimage.org