This Pilgrim’s Progress…
Over the years, it has been a privilege and a blessing to accompany our High School Juniors to Washington DC for what has become known as the DC Pilgrimage. The 2022 pilgrimage was in one word - AMAZING. The culmination was the March for Life, but the entire trip became an opportunity for students to experience integral formation in action. This year included the class of 2022 and 2023 (COVID-19 kept juniors from attending in 2021).
Instead of the normal breakdown of events, I decided to let you know what “this pilgrim” saw, day in and day out, for five days! Each and every student encapsulated virtue. What does that mean? It means instead of seeing them as a bunch of kids to chaperone, I received the grace to see them living out our formation in a tangible and practical way.
I saw PATIENCE in the daily grind of a pilgrimage that included 24 hours on buses (not including drive time in DC), very early mornings, and very late nights.
I saw JOY personified in the heart of a young lady who made sure everyone was having a good time. During meals, she was often see going table to table and just “chattin’ it up”.
I saw ENERGY personified in the actions of a young man who naturally made people laugh and feel included, often moving away from his friend group to “hype up” other people.
I saw COMPASSION when a student gave another student one of her gloves.
I saw TIMELINESS when we walked from one venue to another or had to be on the bus. Students were prompt!
I saw a desire to capture the SPIRIT of the trip in young men who rarely put their cameras away and shared hundreds of photos and videos with the group.
I saw REVERENCE and GRATITUDE as students toured, prayed, and worshiped in The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
I saw CONVICTION as students prayed a Rosary, placing rose petals on the altar for the unborn.
I saw a sense of HONOR and AWE as we placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Literally, no one made a sound. Everyone was focused and inspired.
I saw adult chaperones with the vitality of YOUTH, walking, talking, laughing, praying, and guiding our teenagers. (Seriously we walked 7.8 and 8.2 miles on back-to-back days!)
I saw RESPECT. Students listened to our tour guide, speakers, and chaperones.
I saw students CHALLENGE each other to “toughen up” when the weather was miserable, cold, and wet. Frankly, they challenged me too! BRRRRRRRR
I saw LIVING HOPE as I faced backwards, looking down Constitution Avenue, at a sea of youth who have the time, energy, and willingness to establish a culture of life.
I saw 66 teenagers rising to the challenge to champion the most vulnerable in our society, to speak truth, and to live the Gospel.
At the end of the day, “this pilgrim” learned that virtue in action is powerful and transformative. I am thankful for the privilege of accompanying our students on THE DC PILGRIMAGE 2022.
Meg Bohn has been a Pinecrest Parent for 20 years and has five children, all of whom attend(ed) Pinecrest Academy. Mrs. Bohn is currently the High School Dean of Students.
