A virtual pilgrimage to Jasna Gora: that is what is being proposed this year by the Catholic internet portal “Opoka” and the mobile telephone network Plus. Traditionally, in Poland, August is the month of pilgrimages to Czestochowa of Catholics from all over the country. This year, as explained by the President of the “Opoka” foundation, Father Jozef Kloch, those – e.g. the disabled – who cannot take part in the long journeys on foot, which often last ten days or more, can still participate virtually thanks to the network, in the daily liturgical celebrations of the pilgrims, sharing the particular atmosphere of the spiritual exercises during the pilgrimage. The itinerary of the individual groups can be followed at all times thanks to the cell phones of pilgrims; and thanks to the wifi service, the radio stations of various dioceses will report on important events during the pilgrimage and transmit message from the participants to families and friends. So far 13 groups of pilgrims have declared their support for the project, but enrolments remain open till 1st August.
