The Order of Malta American Association is presenting the Baby Steps Camino™, a free 3-day beach-walking pilgrimage from historic Beaches Museum Chapel in Jacksonville Beach to Our Lady of La Leche National Shrine at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine. This three-day Advent sojourn of prayer, reflection, sacrifice, worship and fellowship begins Dec. 10 through Dec. 12.

Join us for Mass, Confession, Holy Hours, and pilgrim socials as we walk in this ancient method of prayer during the Holy Season of Advent.  This pilgrimage is offered for the pilgrim’s personal spiritual growth and to raise awareness of the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, a primary work of the Order of Malta.  Pilgrims are welcome to join us 1, 2, or all 3 days of the pilgrimage.  A guided “mini-pilgrimage”, the Bambino Camino™, a 2-mile walk from Vilano Beach to the Shrine on December 12th, the final day of pilgrimage, is an easy walk for pilgrims of all abilities.  Non-walkers are also most welcome to join us on the final day for the events at the Shrine. 

Pilgrimage Schedule at a Glance

DAY ONE: DECEMBER 10TH, 2021

START AT: St. Paul’s Catholic Church
435 1st Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL

END AT: Mickler’s Landing Beach Park
1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

DAY TWO: DECEMBER 11TH, 2021

START AT: Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church
545 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

END AT: Exxon Station  
2700 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

DAY THREE: DECEMBER 12TH, 2021

START AT: Exxon Station
2700 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

BAMBINO CAMINO START AT: Vilano Beach Pavilion
2752 Anahma Dr., Vilano Beach, FL

END AT: Our Lady of La Leche National Shrine, Mission Nombre de Dios
27 Ocean Ave., St. Augustine, FL