Couple allow use of their property every year to keep the annual pilgrimage going
The B.C. Catholic
For 23 years, pilgrims from across the Lower Mainland have gathered each year at Fountain Lake near Lillooet, B.C., to worship God. But this year’s pilgrimage may be the final one.
Debbie and Cecil Mitchell, organizers and hosts of the three-day Fountain Lake Pilgrimage, this year Aug. 12-14, announced they might be unable to keep hosting.
“Debbie and Cecil donate their property every year to keep the pilgrimage going,” said Deacon Rennie Nahanee of St. Paul’s Parish in North Vancouver, who gave several talks about his personal experiences and the Year of Mercy. “Debbie’s health isn’t so good, so she’s not sure if they will continue (hosting) the pilgrimage next year.”
Deacon Nahanee has an emotional connection to the three days of Mass, the rosary, and the Way of the Cross. It was there that he met First Nations Deacon Leonard Sampson who influenced him, also a First Nations member, to become a deacon.
“I’ve been up there before as a lay person, and I liked my experiences up there,” he said. “So this time I wanted to go back as a deacon and assist Bishop Emeritus Monroe and Father Bob Haggarty, OMI.”
Bishop Emeritus David Monroe of Kamloops and Father Haggarty, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Lillooet, have both been involved with the pilgrimage for many years.
“Many people have made a point every year to keep coming” on the pilgrimage, said Bishop Monroe. He found the pilgrimage was an inspiration for many individuals, especially First Nations’ members. “Several of the First Nations women come from Bridge River, B.C., which Father Bob looks after. They are very consistent with being present at the pilgrimages.”
Bishop Monroe also noted the dedication of the Mitchells to the pilgrimage. They prepare their field, set up a shelter for the Blessed Sacrament, and provide lunch for the pilgrims. At the end, “We had to take all the tents and structures down. Everyone pitched in, and it was really quite wonderful to see how quickly it was taken down.”
The pilgrimage location, 20 kilometres east of Lillooet, allows pilgrims to experience God’s presence through the beauty of nature.
“The highlight of the pilgrimage was a little bird that attended actively the whole time,” Bishop Monroe laughed. “Every time we gathered together, this little bird would be hopping around within the circle of the gathering, or perched on a person’s head, knee, or shoe.”
Deacon Nahanee said he and his wife Emma found the beauty of the location moving, likening it to the mountain on which Moses received the Ten Commandments, as he felt as though the ground beneath their feet was holy.
“One evening Emma noticed there was a lightning storm that stayed up in the clouds,” Deacon Nahanee said. “Looking at the sheet lightning, we were reminded of the amazing power of God and nature. You can’t help but think that, because of the beauty of the place as God’s creation.”
Deacon Nahanee remains hopeful about the future of the pilgrimage. “I hope the pilgrimage continues, but maybe it needs to have younger people helping out. That would be an excellent new start for the pilgrimage. I will continue to attend the pilgrimage every year.”
