IRONWOOD -- A crowd of people gathered in downtown Ironwood to welcome and walk alongside Bishop Alexander Sample to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.

It was one of his four stops on his weekend trip.

Bishop Sample traveled across the Upper Peninsula to bless the U.P. in a sign of the cross formation. To mark the sign of the cross, he planted a wooden cross at each of the churches he visited.

Don Pelkola says what the Bishop is doing is very moving.

"He's following the footsteps of Bishop Baraga, crossing the U.P. Just listening to his message you couldn't help but be inspired; hopefully we carry that forward into our daily lives," said Pelkola.

The two-day trip kicks off the new "Year of Faith" called on by Pope Benedict XVl. The Pope called this to be a "Year of Faith" to renew people's faith in the Lord around the world.

"To awake in our people an awareness of this year of faith so that we will all be strengthened and renewed in our faith during this coming year of faith so that we are ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ and the gospel with others," said Bishop Sample.

At mass Sunday morning, Bishop Sample said in order to reinvigorate the faith in people that have fallen astray, it starts by strengthening those who already have faith.

Denis Stephens says Bishop Sample's sermon was inspiring.

"I consider myself relatively Christian. However, I see I have a long way to go, and I will work at becoming the person I need to be," said Stephens.

During his estimated 1140 mile trip, the Bishop says he realized the faith is strong among people in the U.P., but hopes it continues to grow.

Bishop Sample concluded his trip at Drummond Island Sunday evening.