Modified Pilgrimage
The term "modified" refers to the way in which families with
children younger than 12 years of age and, in addition, some seniors
participate in more than one day of pilgrimage.
Since mothers & fathers with little children cannot
possibly do as much walking as other pilgrims, the families spend the
greater portion of their days in camp — praying, singing,
learning catechism, playing, etc.
They are throughout organized in a distinct brigade (or more
than one, as needed), praying together at Holy Mass and walking
together when with the rest of the column. Special arrangements for
their transportation and bivouacs are provided by the Director of the
Modified Division and his associates, along with the Company of St.
René Goupil.
A "brigade" is a group of 15-35 pilgrims who form their own
unit/body throughout the pilgrimage, under the direction of a lay
leader called a "brigadier", and organized by him for the purpose of
enhancing prayer, song and fellowship. One could think of the relation
of the brigade to the rest of the pilgrimage, by way of analogy, as a
‘parish within a diocese’.
"Brigades" are the exact equivalent of "chapters" in our
French inspiration and counterpart, the annual Pentecost Pilgrimage to
Notre-Dame de Chartres.
If you have more questions, see the webpage called "Frequently
Asked Questions". Feel free also to e-mail or to phone
the National Coalition at 610/435-2634.