You are invited to “AFJN Walks with the Camino of Maryland in Support of the Day of the African Child” on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:45 am for a ONE-DAY WALK of the Camino. While the full Camino is several weeks long (June 8 – 21), AFJN will only be participating in a one-day segment. The day will begin at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20017) and end at The Avalon School St. Catherine Laboure Church in Wheaton, MD and total 10.4 miles.
This “Camino” or walking pilgrimage is similar to ones like “El Camino de Santiago” or making pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Guatemala, or Medjugorje. Many people are not aware that we can make similar Caminos or pilgrimages here in the USA.
AFJN will meet at the Our Mother of Africa Chapel in the Basilica at 11:45 am for a short prayer. Afterwards we will walk together to the Crypt Church for Mass (the ‘official’ start of the Camino). The next destination will be the Saint John Paul II National Shrine (saying a Rosary at 2:00 pm). Then we will visit the Little Sisters of the Poor/ John Paul II Seminary (all relatively close together in the Brookland-CUA neighborhood). The longest leg of the journey will be to St. John the Evangelist Historic Church (Our Lady Queen of Poland Church) in Silver Spring, MD. Followed by another long-but-not-as-long leg to our final destination at The Avalon School, St. Catherine Laboure Church in Wheaton, MD.
Important:
- Provide your own transportation to the Basilica and back home from St. Catherine’s.
- Bring your own water and snacks. Please eat that morning.
- Prepare for a 10.4 mile walk.
- Have proper footwear.
- Wear proper clothing for the weather
- Get into walking shape.
- There are a few hills.
- Wear a bright-colored clothing.
Offer up any inconveniences for special intentions. Pray hard. Grow closer to God.
Invoke St. Elizabeth Ann Seton often. Pray for Africa. Enjoy being outdoors. Tell others!
Camino Printable Flier below:
