The Walk to Mary in San Francisco

Each year, the parish community of Star of the Sea Church in San Francisco joins in collaboration with the original Walk to Mary in Wisconsin, where this beautiful pilgrimage first began. On the same day, we unite spiritually with the thousands who walk there in prayer and devotion.

Mariella Zevallos serves as the California Coordinator for the Walk to Mary, helping to foster and strengthen this spiritual unity between our parish community and the pilgrimage in Wisconsin. Contact: mariella@starparish.com or call 415-751-0450

The pastor of Star of the Sea Church, Fr. Joseph Illo, leads the local participation in this devotion. As we walk, we pray the Holy Rosary, entrusting our intentions to Our Lady and reflecting on her presence and guidance in the life of the Church.

Preparing mind and body.

A pilgrimage is an experience of very personal contemplation, reflection and prayer, so each pilgrim approaches it with his or her own unique relationship with God. You might prefer to walk intimately with a spouse or close friend or walk with the group as we pray the Rosary along the way. You should feel free to walk your journey in whatever way best opens your heart to the whispers of the Holy Spirit.  We only ask that you respect the sacred spirituality of the other pilgrims, understanding that, while all walk the same path, God has given each his or her own journey.

In preparation, you might find it helpful to do an examination of conscience, asking yourself what is holding you back from fully and freely being the person God created you to be.  What is it you fear? Who do you need to forgive?

Some might find Eucharistic Adoration meaningful in preparing for the Walk.  Others might find the Sacrament of Reconciliation helpful as a way to bring peace to their hearts.  The biggest thing is that you prepare your heart for openness. Make room for the Holy Spirit! Ask our Lady for her intercessions!

If it rains, our hearts will still shine. 

What To Bring

Our Pilgrimage takes place no matter the weather conditions. Even though our walk won’t take more than one hour, pilgrims are advised to dress appropriately for the day’s forecast and prepare by bringing some of the following: 

1. A small backpack to carry items
2. Appropriate dress for the walk – remember the walk will take place rain or shine. It is always appropriate to dress in layers.
3. Bring a water bottle
4. Snacks are encouraged if you plan to stay the day in San Francisco
5. Rosary
6. Comfortable walking shoes that have been broken in
7. Sunscreen
8. Dry and wet tissues

After the Walk we will have a 12 Noon Latin Mass at the Carmelite Monastery. After the Mass all are invited to visit our parish’s Annual Marian Art exhibition held in the parish-school auditorium. There are affordable restaurants close to Star of the Sea Church. Also the Blessed Sacrament is exposed 24/7 for Eucharistic Adoration. Rest before returning home.

A little bit of history…

The Walk to Mary started in Wisconsin, Champion, 13 years ago. On the first Saturday of May, each year, people walk from the Shrine of St. Joseph to the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.

The Walk to Mary has become a beloved pilgrimage, drawing pilgrims from every state to Northeast Wisconsin. Each year, in May, the faithful walk in devotion from the National Shrine of St. Joseph to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.

The Walk to Mary Across America As interest continued to grow, many pilgrims expressed a desire to host a Walk to Mary in their own regions. In response, the Walk to Mary – Across America began in 2022. Today, this pilgrimage takes place in many locations, inviting people across the nation and the world to walk together in prayer and unity. We brought the Walk to Mary to San Francisco, California, now Star of the Sea Catholic Church, is the only parish in San Francisco, California that hosts a Walk to Mary in conjunction with the Walk to Mary in Wisconsin.

Mariella Zevallos is the coordinator of the Walk to Mary in San Francisco, California. Star of the Sea is the only Catholic parish in the state of California—and with other participating states, that hosts this Marian walk, held on the same day as the Walk to Mary in Wisconsin—the home of the original Walk to Mary. To learn more about the Walk to Mary: Visit Walk to Mary across America

A glimpse to the Walk to Mary in San Francisco

2023

Shine or rain we walk and pray together! 2024

We pray, we meet new friends, we get closer to Jesus through Mary!

2025

Our Lady of Champion: The first and only approved Marian apparition in the US. Wisconsin, 1859.

Visit THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CHAMPION

Prayer to Our Lady of Champion

Official prayer composed by
Most Reverend David L. Ricken, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay