ON EAGLES’ WINGS, 280 members of the class of 2024 embarked on Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s annual senior pilgrimage from the campus to the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano.
ON HOLY THURSDAY, MEMBERS OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024 EMBARKED ON AN ANNUAL SENIOR PILGRIMAGE FROM THE SCHOOL CAMPUS TO THE MISSION BASILICA IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
The approximately 13-mile trip took place on Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Triduum, the holiest days of the Church year. The timing is designed to remind pilgrims that a pilgrimage is not just a long walk, it is a spiritual journey.
Patrick Visconti, Santa Margarita’s assistant principal of Mission Integration, said, “The pilgrimage began in 2000, as the new school was seeking to establish traditions. As it developed, parents became a big part of the event. Parents now staff eight checkpoints along the route, each with a different theme, and reinforce the spiritual and faith-filled component of the pilgrimage.”
The pilgrimage marks the beginning of the end for the seniors as they prepare to leave their high school years behind and transition to college and beyond. This year, a new tradition was added. Each participating student wore a badge indicating who or what they are praying for along the route.
Football linebacker Noah Sulick, who is the son of SMCH’s president Andrew Sulick, had the idea to carry a wooden cross for the entire 13-mile journey. At the end of the pilgrimage, the students removed their prayer badges and placed them on the cross.
Along the route, moms, dads and alums from different booster clubs such as Lacrosse, Football and Cheer, staffed the way stations. The checkpoints included a place in Ladera Ranch where the students’ names and messages were inscribed on the sidewalk.
Parent Heather Bandura was this year’s co-chair with Melissa Kirby.
“I get a lot out of it,” Bandura said. “I attended Rosary Academy, so I know that all Catholic schools are rooted in tradition. The Santa Margarita pilgrimage is one of those traditions that, I believe, helps the kids get in the right mindset for Holy Week, and it’s the kickoff to all their senior events.”
Her elder daughter graduated last year, and she walked the pilgrimage then. She plans to stay involved until at least 2027, when her son, now a freshman, will graduate.
According to Visconti, the day begins and ends in prayer.
“We have a kickoff ceremony at 7:45 a.m. with prayers and blessings, and then the walk begins at 8 a.m. Many school administrators, teachers and a chaplain also accompany the pilgrims.”
Visconti pointed to a prayer that sets the spiritual direction for the journey from the beginning:
Teach me, O God, to see my life here on earth as a pilgrim’s path to you, my rest, and my home. Give me the grace to tread it courageously in the company of my community of faith. Help me not to get discouraged when the road gets tough, not get disheartened when tiredness creeps in, nor fearful when the unexpected happens, for I know that I never walk this journey alone. You are there supporting me every step of the way with endless mercy, compassion, and love. May I always be aware of your presence and support along the way and ever be a witness to this as I encounter other pilgrims on my way. May I experience the freedom to seek after you, the freedom to hope, and the freedom to love as I journey from Santa Margarita Catholic High School to the next chapter of my life. Amen.
The event has occurred every year for the past 24 years, with a modified version during the pandemic years. The students arrive at the Basilica around noon and are treated to pizza provided by the Mission Basilica School.
Senior Lauren Kirby enjoyed every minute.
“I was a little nervous because it was so long,” she recalled. “I’ve done cheer and Pilates, so I didn’t expect it to be so daunting, but I stayed up front until the end. The most surprising thing was that I didn’t realize it would also have a spiritual impact. I walked with my best friend, and it was really special to be able to do that with them while having time for reflection and prayer, especially during Holy Week.”
Kirby will head to Texas Christian University in the fall but will still be on her pilgrimage.
“I love my school, and I’m so sad to leave,” she said. “The pilgrimage definitely exceeded my expectations – I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t realize the fun I would have.”