A Pilgrimage of Hope: Our Lady of the Prairie Inspires Diocese-Wide Journey

A Diocese-Wide Journey Sparked by a Sacred Commission from the Studio of Saint Philomena

Seven young pilgrims are walking 90 miles across Minnesota, carrying not only a replica of Our Lady of the Prairie, but also the shared hopes of the Diocese of New Ulm.

The eight-day “Pilgrimage of Hope” began on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm with a Mass of rededication led by Bishop Chad Zielinski. The rededication officially places the diocese under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her locally meaningful title Our Lady of the Prairie.

This special title, and the pilgrimage it inspire, are closely tied to the Studio of Saint Philomena. Last year, Bishop Zielinski commissioned Damien Walker to create a life-size painting of Mary that reflects the landscape, history, and spiritual heritage of the diocese. The completed work has become a symbol of healing, beauty, and Marian devotion, now traveling, in replica form, to twenty Area Faith Communities during this sacred journey.

The pilgrimage, coordinated by the Diocesan Office of Evangelisation, includes daily Masses, Holy Hours, Rosary processions, and community gatherings. From the Schoenstatt Shrine in Sleepy Eye to the Sisters of Mary Morning Star in Ghent, and finally to a welcome home celebration at St. Mary’s in New Ulm, the journey threads together communities with prayer, testimony, and faith.

The Pilgrimage of Hope will begin on Sunday, June 22 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, journeying across 20 designated Area Faith Communities throughout the Diocese of New Ulm. Along the way, seven young adults will carry a replica of Our Lady of the Prairie, the newly completed painting by artist Damien Walker, to each site. A special moment in the pilgrimage includes a blessing of the Minnesota River headwaters in Ortonville by Bishop Chad Zielinski on Tuesday, June 24.

On Wednesday, June 25, Damien will join the pilgrims in Willmar to speak about the meaning behind the painting and the spiritual journey of creating it. We are humbled to see the reach and resonance of this work, art born in a quiet studio in Rangiora, now carried with love across the American prairie.

The pilgrimage will conclude on June 29 with a closing Mass and celebration.

Read the full article on the NU Journal website...