Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation

St. Bartholomew Catholic Parish will sponsor its second Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation on Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Touch the Earth Natural Area, a Sycamore Land Trust property located on Country Club Road west of Columbus. The pilgrimage is part of the 2026 Season of Creation, inviting pilgrims from around the world to take part in a sacred walk of faith and ecological responsibility. Participants will hike the trail with five stations along the way where they will stop to reflect on creation and how everything is connected: the land, water, plants, animals, and people. At each stop there will be a scripture verse, statement from the Laudato Si encyclical by Pope Francis, and a prayer. The pilgrimage will be approximately one and one-half to two hours. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately with long pants and closed shoes. Insect repellent is highly recommended.