The VI Our Lady of Christendom Pilgrimage – Spain will begin this July 25th with the departure of hundreds of pilgrims from Oviedo Cathedral toward the Covadonga Shrine, where it will conclude two days later after covering nearly one hundred kilometers on foot.
The organization faces this new edition with the expectation of surpassing the participation record set in 2024. Its president, Diana Catalán, has stated in recent interviews that, after the rapid growth of the early years, the pilgrimage has entered a phase of consolidation while continuing to increase the number of registered participants.
A Pilgrimage Already Consolidated
Inspired by the traditional Pentecost pilgrimage between Paris and Chartres, the Spanish march has become the main pilgrimage linked to the traditional liturgy in Spain. The model, born in France more than four decades ago, has given rise in recent years to similar initiatives in countries such as Argentina, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Italy.
The destination is the Covadonga Shrine, a place closely tied to the tradition of the Reconquista, where the organizers propose a penitential pilgrimage offered for the Church, the Holy Father, and Spain.
Increasing International Participation
This year’s edition will bring together 40 chapters, of which 29 come from Spain and 11 from abroad. Among them will be pilgrims from France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Poland, Australia, Mexico, and the United States, reflecting the growing international character of the event.
According to the organization in recent days, the Spanish pilgrimage maintains close collaboration with other initiatives inspired by Chartres, sharing organizational and formation experiences.
Liturgy, Prayer, and Sacramental Life
During the three days of walking, the pilgrims will cover nearly one hundred kilometers divided into chapters, participating daily in the recitation of the Rosary, spiritual meditations—dedicated this year to the virtue of faith—and the solemn celebration of Holy Mass according to the usus antiquior, in accordance with the 1962 Roman Missal.
The pilgrimage will also include around fifty priests, distributed among the various chapters, who will be available to administer the sacrament of confession and offer spiritual accompaniment throughout the journey. Each day will conclude with a time of Eucharistic adoration at the campsite.
A New Modality for Families
Among the novelties of this sixth edition is the introduction of a “mini-route,” designed to facilitate the participation of families with children under six years of age. This itinerary, covering about four kilometers daily and suitable for strollers, complements the full route and the family modality, allowing more families to join the pilgrimage.
The organization hopes that this new modality will help broaden family participation and may become established in future editions if the reception meets expectations.