ATLANTA—The eighth annual Holy Week Pilgrimage for Immigrants on Wednesday, March 23, is an act of faith, solidarity and hospitality.

“2 Miles of Solidarity and Love” will start at Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Highway, NE, Atlanta, with prayer and fellowship at 1 p.m. The walk begins with a police escort at 1:30 p.m. Walkers should bring water for the beginning of the route. All are welcome to participate.

Walkers will pray as they follow a route along Buford Highway to Clairmont Road to Briarcliff Road, with the conclusion of the walk at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Atlanta.

The seventh-grade students of Immaculate Heart of Mary School will present a Living Stations of the Cross. The pilgrimage ends with a chili dinner in the lower level of the church.

Pilgrims will pray that faith communities and the nation will search for ways that favor a spirit of solidarity and justice in keeping with the 2011 pastoral statement by the Catholic bishops of Georgia on immigration reform:

“We, and our brother bishops throughout the United States, continue to call for comprehensive, family-based, federal immigration reform for those seeking the same opportunities for their families that were the dream of our own immigrant ancestors. Sacred Scripture teaches that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, that we are redeemed by Jesus Christ and that we are called to share the burdens of others. Scripture demands special concern for aliens, strangers and others who are vulnerable.”

Volunteers are needed to walk, pray, take pictures and videos, and serve as drivers. Donations of water bottles are also needed.

To make a donation of water or to volunteer, contact Mark Bracken at mark.bracken654@gmail.com.