Pilgrims on Our Precious Earth

As members of an international congregation, we recognize our obligation and opportunities to develop a world vision and a sense of global responsibility.
~ You Are Sent, Constitution of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, C#26

Margaret Swedish and five other pilgrims traveled from the headwaters of the Athabasca River in the Columbia Icefield of Jasper National Park to Fort McMurray and the tar sands region of Alberta. The pilgrims saw stunning landscapes; they learned about Alberta’s oil sands, their role in support of the industry and what they could do to alter the course toward a new energy future.

A pilgrimage is a long journey, generally to a holy place or a place of special importance to the pilgrim. Pilgrims are often transformed on their journey. Pilgrims who traveled the Athabasca River Pilgrimage experienced beauty, wonder and the magnificence of creation while also witnessing destruction.

And that is the meaning of transformation—will hearts be moved to action? Will pilgrims become change-agents and advocates? How do pilgrims band together for support, for affirmation, for change?

What discoveries are you making on your pilgrimage?

Photos by Margaret Swedish
Top:  Beginning of the Athabasca River
Middle:  Falls at Athabasca River
Bottom:  Economic growth in the oil sands of Alberta