Romanian Youth Prepare for Annual Pilgrimage to Nicula Monastery
Hundreds of Romanian youth will walk 11 miles from Iclod to Nicula Monastery to honor the Virgin Mary in a cherished annual pilgrimage.
CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA — Hundreds of young faithful are expected to take part in the 16th edition of the annual “Youth Pilgrimage on Foot,” which will follow the route from Iclod to Nicula Monastery in celebration of the Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Annunciation.
The pilgrimage will take place on Saturday, March 21, with His Holiness Samuel Bistrițeanul, Vicar Bishop of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj, as the special guest. Participants will gather at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cluj-Napoca at 11:30 a.m. for a prayer and blessing from Metr. Andrei of Cluj, Maramureș and Sălaj before traveling by bus to Iclod, the starting point of the 11-mile walking route.
Along the way, pilgrims will stop in Gherla for rest and lunch at the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Holy Martyrs of Brâncov, before concluding at Nicula Monastery around 6:45 p.m. for veneration of the miracle-working icon of the Theotokos and Vespers. The event, organized with local youth associations and Orthodox institutions, invites priests and youth from surrounding towns to join in a tradition that has grown into one of the diocese’s most significant spiritual gatherings.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Daniel will lead a spiritual journey through Romania.
