Shrines, saints, and the open road

Written by Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS 

It is with a profound sense of purpose and joy that I share with you our unique spiritual journey with the Men's ministry God Squad - Heroic Men of Canada. It isn't a retreat confined to four walls, but a pilgrimage of the open road, a journey by motorcycle across the vast landscapes of Canada and the United States, visiting five or six national shrines and churches. More than just a physical ride, it is a spiritual adventure deeply inspired by the lives of saints, particularly Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles, the courageous founders of the Salvatorian family.

The year 2025 has been declared a Jubilee Year by the Holy Father, a time specifically dedicated to the profound theme of hope. In our rich Christian tradition, pilgrimage stands as a privileged and powerful form of prayer during such a sacred year. A pilgrimage is a deliberate stepping out of the ordinary rhythms of daily life to encounter God more deeply, on the road, in the quiet contemplation of the journey, in the hallowed embrace of sacred places, and in the profound communion shared with brothers.

This is precisely why we have conceived this special Motorcycle Pilgrimage of Hope. Our route will take us to national shrines of Canada that resonate with our Salvatorian spirit, places that powerfully remind us of our fundamental call as Catholics: to make the Saviour known to all people, everywhere, and by every means possible. This journey is a tangible expression of our faith, a testament to our commitment to Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.

The Journey's Structure: Fueling Body and Soul​

Today (July 28, 2025) is Day One of our journey. Each stop along our route will follow a simple yet profound structure, designed to deepen our spiritual resolve and understanding:

• Learn about the place: We will delve into the history and spiritual significance of each shrine or church, exploring its connection to Salvatorian spirituality and the broader Catholic tradition.
• Reflect on the journey: Guided by carefully selected keywords such as logo, courage, clothing, and threshold, we will engage in meditation. These words are not arbitrary; they are powerful prompts for men seeking to understand their identity in Christ, to embrace the courage required for spiritual battle, to discern the "clothing" of virtue, and to cross the "thresholds" of new spiritual growth.
• Pray for hope and vocation: Drawing inspiration from the profound writings of Blessed Francis Jordan and Blessed Mary of the Apostles, we will lift our prayers for an increase of hope in our lives and for clarity in our vocations.
• Offer intentions: Before we fire up our engines for the next leg of the journey, we will pause for daily mass and communal prayer, whether it be the Rosary, Decem (10 day novena) of St Joseph Terror of Demons, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, or another devotion, offering up the intentions we carry.

​The overarching intention of this pilgrimage is to discover, deepen, and strengthen our vocation, to uncover the best version of ourselves, which is, in truth, God's version of us. Traveling in the company of saints and fellow pilgrims will provide a unique crucible for reflecting on this divine call, challenging us to grow into the person God created us to be.

How you can join us: A brotherhood of prayer
Even if the open road on two wheels isn't your path, your participation is vital and deeply valued. We invite you to join us spiritually by sending us your prayer intentions. We will carry these intentions with us, remembering you and your needs at every shrine and sacred place we visit. You can send your intentions to: [email protected] or on the Heroic Brotherhood https://brotherhood.heroicmen.org/c/prayer-request

Know that you will be remembered in our prayers at every stop, forging a powerful spiritual brotherhood that transcends physical distance.

​A word of thanks and a call to action
I am profoundly grateful to God for this extraordinary opportunity and to all those who have contributed their time and effort to bring this project to fruition. Special thanks are extended to the friends who have dedicated themselves to this vision, and to God's Squad Canada, for their support and friendship.
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Start the engines of your hearts, open them wide to the grace of God, and let us ride together into this Jubilee Year with unwavering hope! ​