Don't allow church's marchers to urinate on my lawn

The recent annual Polish Pilgrimage started in Chicago and overnighted at the Carmelite Shrine on Ridge Road in Munster. I live on the route and have found over the years that I am required to sit in my yard as they pass. In the past my son and I have both witnessed people peeing in our yard…

Pilgrims trek through rain for religious journey

HAMMOND | Rain showers and threats of hail didn't stop pilgrims from completing a religious walk Saturday from Chicago's South Side to Munster.

Pilgrims trek through rain for religious journey

Albert Sagula, of Chicago, cools his feet Saturday in the pond at Harrison Park in Hammond. He was among thousands of participants for the 24th annual Marian pilgrimage from Chicago's South Side to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville.

Pilgrims trek through rain for religious journey

Thousands of walkers head south Saturday on Hohman Avenue in Hammond as part of the 24 annual Marian pilgrimage from Chicago to Merrillville. The march culminates with a Catholic Mass celebrating the assumption of Mary the mother of Jesus into heaven.

Pilgrims trek through rain for religious journey

Walkers carry a portrait of Jesus with them Saturday on their 30-mile trek from Chicago to Merrillville during the 24th annual Marian pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville.

Pilgrims trek through rain for religious journey

Walkers take a break for lunch Saturday at Harrison Park in Hammond. More than 5,000 Catholics left from St. Michael the Archangel Church in Chicago for a trek of more than 30 miles to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Merrillville.

Polish pilgrimage journeys through NWI

Polish Catholics pray Saturday outside of St. Michael Catholic Church on Chicago's Southeast Side before embarking on a more than 30-mile annual trek to the Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Merrillville. The pilgrims reached their destination Sunday.

Polish pilgrimage journeys through NWI

Marchers walk down down Avenue O in Chicago on Saturday at the onset off their annual two-day trek to Merrillville in observance of the Catholic Church's Aug. 15 feast day for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Polish pilgrimage journeys through NWI

Polish Catholic marchers make their way down Ewing Avenue in Chicago on Saturday as they trek toward Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Merrillville. Catholic believe the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, ascended to heaven at the end of her life.

Pilgrims march

HAMMOND | Agnes Klikuszowian of Worth, Illinois and Anna Koenig of Hickory Hills, Illinois, right, serve polish sausages to hungry marchers at Harrison Park.

Pilgrims march

HAMMOND | The pilgrims march down Hohman Ave. to Harrison Park for their lunch break before heading to the Carmelite Shrines in Munster.

Pilgrims march

HAMMOND | The pilgrims march down Hohman Ave. to Harrison Park for their lunch break before heading to the Carmelite Shrines in Munster.

Pilgrims march

HAMMOND | Nurse Anna Olechno of Chicago tends to foot blisters and other ailments as the marchers take a break at Harrison Park in Hammond.

Pilgrims march

HAMMOND | The pilgrims march down Hohman Ave. to Harrison Park for their lunch break before heading to the Carmelite Shrines in Munster.

Pilgrims march

HAMMOND | marchers take a lunch break at Harrison Park in Hammond before continuing on to the Carmelite Shrines in Munster.

Pilgrims march

CHICAGO | Donna Szara of Chicago waits outside of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Chicago for the start of the pilgrimage to Merrillville.

Pilgrims march

CHICAGO | During a break in their 2-day trek to Merrillville, Jon Boratynski of Chicago has a sandwich.

Pilgrims march

CHICAGO | During a break along the route, Lucy Zagozdon of Chicago adds cushions to her feet as a precautionary measure.

PILGRIMS_05

CHICAGO | During a break along the route, Lucy Zagozdon of Chicago adds cushions to her feet as a precautionary measure.

Pilgrims march

CHICAGO | Pilgrim marchers make their way down Ewing Ave. in Chicago as they trek towards Merrillville.

Pilgrimage

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