Extreme Way of the Cross

Set off from a place you know to a place you’re yet to discover. From the you you know, to the changed you. Don’t waste time, go to EWC.

Sign up for a route

Hit the road. Don’t be satisfied with discussions; don’t wait to do the right thing or for opportunities that may never come. The time for action is now! JPII

meditations

The task of every man is to be the creator of his own life. All men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece. JPII

going first time

The EWC is not about pampering yourself, it’s a challenge.
It’s not about comfort, it’s about pain.

The Extreme Way of the Cross is nothing like traditional pilgrimages in a group, where it’s safe, where there’s singing, a priest to look after you, electricity. It’s not like that at all. The EWC means a dark night. And struggling to overcome your weaknesses…

How should I prepare?

True about EWC

EWC for the soul

Take up your cross

It has to be extreme

Brace yourself as it will hurt

Are you taking up the challenge of the Extreme Way of the Cross?

We call it extreme as you must walk a minimum of 40 km at night. By yourself or lost in reflection. Talking and picnicking are not allowed. It must hurt so that you get out of your comfort zone and tell God “I’m not here because I expect You to do something for me but because I want to meet You”

Beautiful people

See how it is on the EWC

Begin with the soul

Once upon a time

You take part in the EWC at your own risk. Having participated in it for several years we can tell you what’s useful to take with you, what you must have and what to pay attention to.

You must:

take food with you (food, drink, a thermos flask with hot tea, water), have energy-boosting food: chocolate, chocolate bars, halva; all packed in one backpack,
take the description of your route with you or a mobile device with the EWC app and the GPS trace of your route
take warm clothes, comfortable and waterproof shoes suitable for long hikes (in some places the route may be muddy and slippery),
have waterproof clothing, suitable in case of temperature changes and unfavourable weather conditions,
take a fully-charged mobile phone, a flashlight (preferably a headlamp), a small first-aid kit, reflective bands (or preferably a reflective vest),
check the local weather forecast,
inform your family that you are going,
arrange for someone to take you home in case you need to finish early; – remember that the EWC includes risk and that you acknowledge that unpredictable events may occur,
plan how you will get back home after the EXTREME WAY OF THE CROSS,
check carefully the course and nature of your route.

You should:

take a wood cross,
take hiking poles (such as Nordic walking poles),
have a map of the area where your EWC will take place.

Please bear in mind that the more you put in your backpack, the more you will have to carry and the more tired you will be. The maximum size of one group is 10 people. You may also set off on your own, with one other person or with a smaller group.

In most regions the EWC will take place on 22^nd March 2024. To check the date of the route you would like to select, please go to trasy.edk.org.pl/en

The Extreme Way of the Cross started in 2009. Its originator is Rev. Fr. Jacek WIOSNA Stryczek together with Męska Strona Rzeczywistości (Men’s Side of Reality) community and the WIOSNA Association. The first EXTREME WAY OF THE CROSS took place in 2009 on the route from Krakow to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska.

Remember that you are responsible for yourself on the Way. The EWC is not a pilgrimage, there are no meal breaks, no marking of the routes, no assistance that would facilitate walking the route. Neither first aid nor transport back home are provided.

Participation in the EWC is free of charge. Everyone sets off at their own risk. This is not a pilgrimage, therefore you don’t pay anything to walk the EWC. However, you can make a donation to the EWC to support the project.

Your desire to change is most important. The night route is just a tool. It is a time of reflection and solitude.

Reflections on the Stations of the Cross provide food for thought. You must not talk.

You can select your route on the EWC website and app. You can then follow the satnav route on your phone.

If you do so, take a power bank with you. You may also print out the description of the route.

You must follow the EWC requirements:

40 km at night;
alone or in a small group, no talking;
the EWC is not a fitness challenge, it is a route of reflection;
you can eat and drink, but you must not have picnics.

IMAGINE THAT YOU’RE GOING ON EWC

IT WILL BE FAR

Extreme – more and farther than you’re used to. You have to step out of your familiar world.

IT WILL HURT

It doesn’t have to, but it might. It usually hurts. That is a good time to start praying.

THERE WILL BE WEATHER

Some weather. That’s why you should take more clothes than usual. Just in case.

ALONE

You can walk in a small group, but always remain in focus. In silence. EDK is an individual prayer.

FOOD

You should bring food with you. You can eat and drink, but no picnics.

SAFETY

Everyone sets out at their own risk. It’s worth securing a way to get back.

HOW TO JOIN THE EVENT/EWC HOLY MASS

During Lent, in many places in Poland and around the world, the EWC event is organized. A common Holy Mass after which pilgrims set out for a journey through the night. For many people, it is an important and motivational meeting. After that, everyone sets out on their own journey. Alone or in small groups, but observing the rule of silence and focus. The app contains special reflections to assist in contemplation. The real goal of EWC is to change your life, it’s not just a night of adventure. If you want to join the event, search for a route on the map and check when and where the Holy Mass is organized.