4th Annual San Diego Young Adult Pilgrimage

A partnership with the Diocese of San Diego Office for Young Adult Ministry

All young adults (ages 18-39) are invited to join this year's Lenten pilgrimage from the US/Mexico border to Sacred Heart Church in Coronado (with two alternate joining points along the way). Like Jesus journeying to Jerusalem, we will prepare to enter into Holy Week by detaching from everyday life and bringing our prayers before the Holy of Holies, the Tabernacle, culminating the pilgrimage with the Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday.

Full Pilgrimage: Beginning from Friendship Park ($40; young adults only)

Start the day by driving your car to Sacred Heart at 8 AM and parking on the neighboring streets. A bus will transport you to the starting point so your car can be waiting for you at the end of the day.

We will open with a brief prayer service at Friendship Park and be on our way by 9 AM for the full-day pilgrimage of approximately 16 miles. We ask that only young adults join for the full day.

Joining Point 1: St. Charles Catholic Church ($40 for young adults, Free for children)

After emerging from the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, about 5.5 miles into our journey, we will take a break for prayer and restrooms at St. Charles.

This is also an excellent joining point for those preferring to make a shorter pilgrimage of about 10 miles. Plan to arrive at 10:45.

Young adults with children are permitted to join at this location. However, please be cognizant that 10 miles is a significant distance. We recommend only bringing children if you are reasonably confident that they can handle the mileage. All children under age 18 must be supervised by an adult.

We will make our way up the strand and have a picnic lunch (BYO on the beach). Shortly before the finish, we will reach another access point.

Joining Point 2: Glorietta Bay Park ($20 for young adults, free for children)

This stop, which is about 1.5 miles (30 minute walk) from the final destination, is an ideal opportunity for young adults with infants or small children to join. We will aim to arrive here at about 3:00 PM.

We aim to conclude our pilgrimage at Sacred Heart Coronado around 4 PM. There will be time for private prayer and offering of intentions and practical recovery.

Confessions are available until 4:30, and then we will attend the Vigil Mass for Palm Sunday at 5 PM, follow by a provided supper onsite.

Please note that transportation back to St. Charles or Glorietta Bay Park is not provided. We recommended either joining with a friend or family member and shuttling cars (leaving one at the finish and then driving to the start), being prepared to uber back to your car from Sacred Heart, or walking back if you joined at the Park.