Roger Lopez sports a hat as he walks on a path through an Arlington golf course Tuesday. Following the orders Jesus gave to the apostles, the monks brought as little as possible on the journey, relying on strangers' kindness.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
From left, Roger Lopez, Mark Soehner, Joshua Van Cleef, Richard Goodin, Clifford Hennings and Ed Shea walk beside an inner city thruway in Arlington as a driver stares. On their journey from Roanoke, the friars have been mistaken for Jedi wannabes and Shaolin monks.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
One of the friars holds rosary beads as he walks to Washington. During their travels, the friars have been approached by many strangers. "Dressed like we are in our habits, it's like a walking sign that says, 'Tell us your life's problems,'" explains friar Cliff Hennings.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
The friars visit the Lincoln Memorial Tuesday. The group planned to find one more place to spend the night and then arrive at their destination, Monastery of the Holy Land friary in Washington on Wednesday.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
From left, Richard Goodin, Joshua Van Cleef and Ed Shea paint outdoor furniture for Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington, where they did chores in exchange for staying a few nights.
Linda Davidson-The Washington Post
Joshua Van Cleef recites a prayer during mass at the rectory for Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington before he and his fellow travelers depart for Washington.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
The friars recite a prayer with the Rev. Tim Hickey, foreground right, during mass at the rectory for Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
From left, Roger Lopez, Mark Soehner and Ed Shea move furniture at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. The friars have slept on a trampoline, picnic tables and in basements during their trip.
Linda Davidson-The Washington Post
Before the friars start out on the final leg of their trip, Roger Lopez hugs the Rev. Tim Hickey after mass to thank him for his hospitality.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
The friars wear cords that have three knots signifying their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They each brought a blanket, toothbrush, water and change of underwear for their walk from Roanoke to Washington. The group also brought one cell phone for emergencies.
Linda Davidson-The Washington Post
The monks walk through a golf course in Arlington on Tuesday. They said many strangers have helped them on their way, including a woman who gave them all her money even though she recently had been forced from her home.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
The friars do chores for an Arlington church where they stayed for a few nights. "Anything can happen when you live in the moment, one step at a time," said Mark Soehner, 51, one of the mentors to the young friars. "But to find that out, you have to be willing to take that one step."
Linda Davidson-The Washington Post
Joshua Van Cleef paints outdoor furniture for Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington
Linda Davidson-The Washington Post
The Rev. Tim Hickey, far right, talks with the friars as they take a break from chores. They had been doing yard work and painting at Hickey's church.
Linda Davidson-The Washington Post
From left, Ed Shea, Mark Soehner, Roger Lopez and the rest of the group walk past a road sign for the Pentagon. After six weeks of walking, the monks finally were near the end of their journey.
Marcus Yam-The Washington Post
Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Sam Funt
Text Editor Christopher Dean Hopkins
