“The way Jesus shows you is not easy. Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain. Do not lose heart! The steeper the road, the faster it rises towards ever wider horizons.” -Pope St. John Paul II; Message for XI World Youth Day, 26 November 1995)
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a patron for young adults, saw many parallels between Catholic life and his favorite pastime, mountain-climbing. He would regularly organize trips into the mountains with his close friends with occasions for prayer, liturgies, and conversations about faith on the way up to or down from the summit.
Following in the footsteps of Blessed Pier Giorgio, and reflecting on the words of Pope St. John Paul II, we hiking up South Piedra Lisa Trail, where Fr. Michael Niemczak and Fr. Jason LaLonde will offer the Holy Mass outside, weather permitting. Join us as we share in great conversation, prayer, and finally, the source and summit of our faith – the Holy Eucharist.
The South Piedra Lisa Trail we are taking is 4-5 miles round trip (pending - stay tuned). Some trail details and a packing list are included below.
Food + Water: 1-2 quarts per person. We will be getting an early start to beat the sun, but make sure you bring enough water to stay hydrated! A backpack is not a bad idea if you have one, but not necessary. Also bring food and snacks for the trip. We will be taking breaks, and starting our hour fast before we reach the area where Mass will take place.
Weather: You may want to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light windbreaker or jacket.
Other things to bring: Backpack, rosary, journal if desired, food/water, good shoes or hiking boots with ankle support.
After what would become his final climb, Bl. Pier Giorgio wrote a simple note on a photograph: "Verso L'Alto", which means "to the heights." So join us - here we go – Verso L’Alto!