International Spiritual Pilgrimage

International

Spiritual Pilgrimage

Program

Catholic pilgrims from outside Canada are invited to sojourn with the 2026–2027 young adult community at St. Therese Institute, taking part in a structured schedule of formation.

September 4 to December 14, 2026
CAD $8,500, accommodation and meals included
All St. Therese community programming

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Personal Formation

Community

Catholic Studies

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Personal Formation

Center your heart in Christ through prayer and sacraments, in a place where the structure of each day supports these life-giving disciplines. The program matches you with a personal mentor, who encourages your growth in confidence and discernment. The fruit of this year will be a deepened appreciation for your own unique identity and a healthy new vision of your personal mission.

Community

Together, we commit to being present to this community for the duration of the Gap Year program. St. Therese becomes your home for four months, with recesses for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and some weekends. In community, the uniqueness of your personal journey is integrated with accountability to a greater meaning: the shared life within the Body of Christ.

Catholic Studies

Receive a grounded intellectual formation through core courses on Sacred Scripture, Church history, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Christian morality, and philosophy. This foundation provides practical perspective on the part your own life is meant to play in the great story of the ages.

What is Community?

Community is the essence of the program. You will study, work, play, and pray together throughout your time here.

Every community member shares a similar goal to deepen their faith. As you will see, there are many expressions of such desire.

What is Personal Formation?

You will be led through an incredible personal and spiritual formation process, with one-to-one mentoring throughout the year.

Why Catholic Studies?

Catholic Studies focus on knowledge of Scripture, Tradition, and Church history, as well as developing foundational understanding of Catholic Theology and classical Philosophy.

Such coursework prepares Catholic men and women to live as leaders and saints in the Church and in the world.

Jesus, brimming with life, wants to help you make your youth worthwhile.

Pope Francis, Christus Vivit (109)

Are you prepared for your next chapter?

Before moving into your next season of life, take the time to stop and put the most important pieces together.

Uncovering and embracing your deepest identity and mission will empower everything else you’ll ever do.

You don’t have to do it at St. Therese, but if you intend to lead a life that is worthy of the soul within you, you have to do it somewhere.

Don’t wait.

The details

Program

Fall Spiritual Pilgrimage, for international program applicants.

Fees

CAD $8,500 total, including residential accommodation and meals.

Status

Residential formation, not enrolment in a degree program.

Immigration

The pilgrim obtains and maintains their own authorization to enter Canada.

Dates

September 4 to December 14, 2026.

Location

St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Community

You sojourn with the 2026–2027 young adult Catholic community.

Life Changing

Formation Program For Young Adults

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"Since coming to St. Therese, the Lord has helped me to be grateful for so much. In prayer, community life, and classes, I have often been led to a place of awe and joyful incredulity, often catching myself thinking, "Can life really be this good?"

Jacob Anderson

2019-2022

Nothing has taught me real friendship. quite like community life at St Therese!...The Community life here has been a safe place to learn how to reorientate my relationship from being selfish to selfless.

Juliana Kautz

2020-2023

"I had no intention [of attending] until a week before the start… I was experiencing a time of darkness. Looking back now, I see that being here is the culmination of a long search for healing. I’m right where I should be: in His merciful hands."

Sebastian Aguilar

2020-2022

The way of life at St. Therese taught me to encounter Jesus in each little task with a “yes”, ultimately paving the way for my vocational “yes”. Some days, my “yes” to love looks more like a maybe”... That’s when I remember the teachings of St. Therese, how Jesus delights in my small efforts, and wants to be everything for me.

Sr. Kaitlyn Deck

2014-2017, 2019

A Day in The Life

Good Morning

6:15 AM

7:00 AM

7:20 AM

8:00 AM

8:45 AM

9:25 AM

10:00 AM

Your Guide

Read about a typical morning at St. Therese Institute, told from the perspective of Beth Reitzel.

Wake Up

My alarm goes off. I glare at it for a moment before I decide to accept this day as a blessing and push myself out of bed. I know some people woke up earlier to exercise, pray, or just enjoy the quiet morning hours. There are always people having conversations in our cozy coffee room by the time I get down there, but it’s all I can do to get dressed and ready for the day on time! Lord, bless my day!

Morning Prayer

It’s time for Liturgy of the Hours in the chapel. I love starting our day with Morning Prayer, knowing that priests, religious, and lay people around the world are praying the same prayers. Reflecting on the psalms and scripture readings is a wonderful way to start the day. We remember God’s goodness and mercy—and it’s a missionary work too! We pray on behalf of all those who have no voice to do so. Though many of us have gravelly voices this early in the morning, the songs and chanting are absolutely beautiful.

Personal Prayer

Personal prayer is one of my favourite times. After praying as a community, some people stay in the chapel and others go for a walk, but I like to find a comfortable chair to curl up in and spend some quiet moments with God. I often journal or read the Mass readings. Above all, I do my best to listen to God and to reflect on how I can respond in love in all I do today.

Mass

I love Mass at our parish community of St. Bruno! Sometimes I volunteer to read, but I always like participating and being with the people. It is such a blessing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and I know this is where I find the strength I need for the rest of the day. Of course, Fr. Pius’ homilies, filled with stories and truth, are always a highlight.

Breakfast

Even the most difficult mornings become great when I’ve eaten the Eucharist and had a good breakfast! I really appreciate how we have the options of porridge, toast, and fruit, along with yogurt or fried eggs depending on the day. The conversations that happen around the table are always worthwhile. I especially love to hear how God has spoken to others through prayer and the Mass. Each week a chore group washes the dishes after breakfast, but today I have a few minutes to sit and enjoy the company of others in the coffee room. With cozy couches and chairs, and good friends, the coffee room is one of my favourite places. You never know what the conversation there will be!

Praise & Worship

There is little I enjoy more than praying through song! Depending who’s leading praise and worship, we might have guitar, keyboard, and percussion, and maybe bass, ukulele, or fiddle joining in. Whatever the arrangement, it is a beautiful time of community prayer that never fails to lift my spirit.

Class Time

This morning we have Critical Thinking, a class that I am learning to love. Though it sometimes gives me a headache from thinking hard about things I may never fully understand, I truly enjoy the challenge and how the class is often discussion based. I appreciate the professor’s patience in explaining new concepts until we have a solid understanding of them. It’s refreshing to be expected to think for myself and be encouraged to ask questions. I’m rediscovering the childlike curiosity inside me and recognizing what a gift it is.

Good Afternoon

12:00 PM

12:45 PM

1:25 PM

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

Your Guide

Christian Bekolay recounts what the usual afternoon routine looks like. Let’s take a look at the lunch-and-beyond experience.

Lunch Time

Ahhh food… Glorious food. Most days lunch is soup and sandwiches. What a variety of soup though! I lift the pot’s lid just enough that the aroma fills my nose and I can try to guess what kind it is. With the snow falling this morning, this soup will be so wonderfully comforting. I do a quick scan of the dining hall, I spot a table with a few empty chairs and make my way over. Meal time for me is all about encounter. I enjoy asking the Mission Year participants about their class and what nuggets of truth and beauty they can share. Often that simple question can get us going for the entire meal. I get excited about profound reflections and often forget about the food. My heart is getting stuffed rather than my mouth! Ah, but I can’t forget about the food for long—this soup is just too good!

Chore Time

I’m on kitchen dishes this week—one of my favourite chores. As I go into the kitchen, praise of the cooks for a wonderful meal pours from our lips. I imagine the kitchen crew must love their job for all the well-deserved compliments they receive. They truly are amazing! After a quick prayer, we begin to wash the pots and pans. There’s something special about chore groups. To me, it never feels like “work.” Quite the opposite—it’s another opportunity to converse and laugh (sometimes to tears) with each other. Through chores, we get to know each other so well and our friendships deepen thanks to this shared experience of doing little things well out of love.

Adoration

It’s that time of day when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for our adoration of Christ. The veil between heaven and earth seems so thin at this time. Most days for me, the veil between being awake and asleep also seems thin! Ah, what a fruitful struggle. I find comfort in our dear little St. Thérèse’s words: “For having slept during my hours of prayer… I’m not desolate. I remember that little children are as pleasing to their parents when they are asleep as well when they are wide awake.” Journaling helps keep me focused and aware. I’ve attempted to keep journals in the past, but here at St. Therese, I’ve discovered a deeper love for it. I bring my frustrations, concerns, joys, and thanksgivings, and offer them up in prayer through my writing. Looking back at my entries, I can see many areas of growth, which brings me joy!

Study Period

Some days I enjoy studying in the classroom or one of the lounges, but today I go to my favourite spot: the library. The ambient lamp light, the wood desks, the old book smell… this room is deliciously steeped in an academic atmosphere. I’ve learned that by dedicating each study period throughout the week to a specific class, I usually have enough time to accomplish my assignments without having to take extra time out of my day. I trust that God will give me the grace I need to accomplish what He desires in the time given to me. “Lord you take over. Minimize the tasks and multiply the minutes!” After what seems like a good long slog of reading, I think “Wow! That was quite the marathon! My brain feels like it worked out,” but only 15 minutes have passed! “What? I just read seven pages! I never read that fast!” Thank you, God, for how you bless the time I spend intentionally.

Recreation Time

Study period is over, and not only did I finish my morality readings, but I also found time to write a reflection paper! My brain is feeling pretty exhausted. As much as I’d like to take rec time today to study more, I know I need a break from mental work. Maybe a board game would be nice right now? I do love board games! I still have a few that I haven’t pulled out yet from my collection. What sport is scheduled for today… Floor hockey, hey? You know what? I’ll wait till Saturday and play a board game then. Right now, I’m heading to our gym. The exercise will be good. I’m not all that great at hockey, but I think running about and waving a stick around sounds pretty fun at the moment.

Good Evening

5:30 PM

6:15 PM

7:00 PM

7:30 PM

9:30 PM

Your Guide

The day is not over yet! Cheyoon “Yoona” Shin helps to bring this article to a close as she wraps up her day of St. Therese life.

Supper

Ahh, what an amazing day! The waft of rich food has been calling to me since rec time and now it’s finally time to eat! Yay!!! You can feel the excitement in the air as people start heading down to the dining hall. At St. Therese, you never know what’s on the menu for supper! Sometimes I miss food from home. Being Korean, I’m not totally used to Canadian food yet, but I think I’m starting to grow very, very fond of it. Oh my! What’s that I see? Barbeque chicken, steamed vegetables, and… RICE?!?!” They’ve even got soy sauce! I am so ready to dig in and dive into some good table conversation! I can’t wait to find out what kind of discussions will happen at this time.

Pastoral Accompaniment

Normally I have chores after supper (I’m on “chop-chop” this week – that’s veggie prep in the kitchen!), but today I have my weekly Pastoral Accompaniment meeting. My dear PA! She is someone who mentors me, is with me in my victories and struggles, and who gives me feedback. She walks with me on my journey here at St. Therese. How wonderful it is to have her! This is a great opportunity to embrace a special kind of bond: the openness with a sister who’s lived the way of life here and knows the challenges and graces. It was hard to open up at first, but once I did, how awesome it is to have such a close relationship with my PA! Like, I’m talking uber-awesome! It’s so good to voice my thoughts and review what’s been going on this week. It’s in this time that I start to recognize the things that have taken seed in my heart and see, by embracing my ‘littleness’, a glimpse of the fruits and blessings God is showering me with today. The more I share, the more I understand my disposition of heart, and what a great blessing that is!

Rosary

What a beautiful way to come back to prayer in the evening: by recollecting and meditating on the mysteries of Jesus’ life! I always find a great sense of peace and rest when we gather for the rosary. Mary, our dear mother, always waits for me patiently to come into her arms to ask me how my day is going. She is so consoling, always interceding for me, on good days and bad. I don’t keep anything from her because I know she loves me and I know she wants to bring me closer to her Son. I can lay down my joys, worries, and desires without any trouble. She knows my deepest needs and tends to them with such care and love. The next thing I know, we’re singing Salve Regina at the end of the rosary. A chorus of voices resound in the chapel. It is so beautiful I can’t help but raise my own in song.

Class

It is time for class! Foundations of Catholicism is one of the most fruitful classes I have here at St. Therese. I’m learning so much more from the Catechism than I thought I would at first. I appreciate the humor and lightness in the open dialogue in class. One person asks a question or shares something that stood out to them and then there’s an incredible flow of shared ideas, which is so beautiful to be a part of. The engagement of the Catholic faith and the passion to know it is so alive in this class! I love it! Writing those reflection papers take a lot of vulnerability, but I’m beginning to see their value at the end of the day.

Evening

Class is now over. What a full but amazing day! I see some people bringing out board games or cards and others chatting on their phones with their families in the lounge. Still others pick up their instruments to play. Oh, the amount of lively energy here, and at this hour! I shake my head in amazement at the life and the love in this place! While dorm time doesn’t start until 10:30, there are people who like to go to bed early, including me! I am ready for sleep and for another great day tomorrow! Goodnight!

Special Occasions, Events, and Activities

From from apple picking to fun evening “Kitchen Parties,” from movie marathons to hosting weekend retreats, life at St. Therese is full of variety.

"Kitchen Party" Entertainment Evenings

Every person has a talent of some sort. We love to celebrate the diverse pallet of God-given gifts that grow and flourish within the St. Therese community. From green beginner to seasoned expert, poet to puppeteer, musician to actor, writer to dancer – everyone is encouraged to get involved and participate in an act of some kind on these lighthearted evenings, full of supportive cheers and encouraging chortles. These evenings bring the community together in a beautiful and dynamic way.

Formation Program Retreats

Retreats happen throughout the year as part of the formation program. We have our Orientation Retreat in October, The “Road to Emmaus: Journeying with Christ” retreat in November, as well as retreats for Holy Week and at year-end. These semi-silent retreats include prayer, sessions, and reflection times. The concept of a silent retreat can be scary if you’ve never done one, but it is amazing how many times participants reflect, “I can’t wait until the silent part of the next retreat!”

Open Retreats and Conferences

Our Advent and Lenten Conferences are larger weekend events, open to public registration. They are fantastic opportunities for older teens and adults of all ages to come and experience a bit of what living and learning at St. Therese Institute is like. For us, they are also an opportunity to give to and serve our guests through hospitality, leading music, facilitating discussion groups, visiting during meal times, and more.

Lord of the Rings Movie Marathon Weekend

Weekly movies (and the faith-filled cinematic discussions that follow) are another part of the community life at St. Therese. BUT… there is one movie marathon to rule them all: our annual Lord of the Rings weekend! We turn St. Therese into Middle Earth for a weekend, complete with home-forged LotR-themed snacks, a costume party, and of course, a full watching of the movie trilogy, extended edition. Studying Catholic author J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic battle between the powers of good and evil from a Christian perspective is also a valuable part of our curriculum!

Mini-Pilgrimages

There are several shrines and pilgrimage sites within a short drive of St. Therese Institute. Every year we make a day-pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Little Flower, located 45 minutes north at St. Theresa Parish, Wakaw, SK, to celebrate the Oct. 1 Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. We also love to visit the Mount Carmel Shrine 10 minutes east of us near Carmel, SK. These pilgrimages are an opportunity to go deeper into prayer and spiritual devotions and to bring an experience of our community life to other communities for others to witness.

It's Sno Fun in Saskatchewan

Who keeps saying that “Saskatchewan is flat?” Well, we know different! Bruno is surrounded by rolling hills and some of them are perfect for sledding. Each February, we host an outdoor “Sno Fun” day. It’s a perfect opportunity to get outside and do some sledding, roast some hot dogs and marshmallows over a open fire, skate, and have an amazing time together enjoying the wintertime wonders of God’s creation.

Acts-of-Service Afternoons

Scattered throughout the year are opportunities for everyone to work together on a common project, learning from each other and building friendships. In Fall, we partake in a few afternoons of apple picking, pie making, potato digging, leaf raking, and tree trimming. Winter might see a few directed maintenance projects getting accomplished around the building and Christmas decorating. Spring will bring a spring cleaning afternoon, tidying up inside and out in preparation for having guests arrive for the Spring Courses weeks and Commissioning. Doing it together makes a big chore move quickly. The fun and laughter that erupts throughout the tasks are indicative of the playful, joyful atmosphere of the St. Therese community.

And More!

There is so much more that we do out here in the middle of the Canadian prairies! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see.

“The sense of identity and peace that I received through formation at St. Therese is something I carry into my everyday life. I could not do the work that I do without the knowledge that I am known and loved by God and that the small actions I take have inherent purpose when they are done with love.”

Real Transformation

Embark on a spiritual pilgrimage…into an extraordinary vision of who you are and how you can choose to live.

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What it costs?

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$8,500 CAD

CAD, total program fees for the Fall Pilgrimage.

14 weeks

September 4 to December 14, 2026, in residence.

Room & board

Accommodation and meals are included in the fees.

What the fees do not cover

Any outstanding balance of the pilgrimage fees, together with the participant’s personal expenses, travel costs, and other expenses not included in the pilgrimage fees, are the responsibility of the participant and/or the participant’s parents or family, as applicable.

Read this part carefully. It is the part applicants most often get wrong.

We provide a letter confirming the invitation

On acceptance, St. Therese Institute issues a letter confirming the nature, purpose, location, duration, fees, and residential arrangements associated with your stay.

The immigration authorization is yours to obtain

It is the sojourning pilgrim’s own responsibility to obtain and maintain the necessary immigration authorization to enter Canada in order to take part in the St. Therese community and formation programming.

This is not post-secondary study

Pilgrims are not enrolled at St. Therese Institute as post-secondary students pursuing a university or college degree program. The stay is residential, personal, and spiritual formation.