Many people may not fully understand the deeply personal and
religious nature that is the act of pilgrimage. Taking a trip to Rome, Lourdes, or
Medjugorje with your spouse, spiritual director, or parish may sound to some like an
excuse to take a few days off from work to experience a new culture and try new
foods. However, a pilgrimage is not a vacation.
Vacation is defined as, “a period of suspension of work,
study, or other activity; usually used for rest, recreation or travel”. On vacations, we relax, detach from our daily
stressors, and treat ourselves to great foods, luxury, and fun activities.
Pilgrimage on the other hand has a much different meaning.
A Pilgrimage is defined as, “a journey, especially a long one, made to some
sacred place as an act of religious devotion; as to pay homage.” A Pilgrimage
is not a time for detachment, rest, or pampering, but rather a time of deep
reflection, modesty, and prayer.
In 2016, during the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis delivered
a speech containing his thoughts on the act of Pilgrimage to a sea of thousands
of pilgrims making their own pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Square. He said:
“A Pilgrimage is not
the same as a Vacation… Making a Pilgrimage to shrines is one of the most
eloquent expressions of the faith of God’s people… It would be a mistake to
think that those who go on a pilgrimage live a spirituality that is not
personal but rather of the masses. The reality is that the pilgrim carries
within him his own history and faith and the lights and shadows of his own
life. Each person carries within his or her heart a special wish and a
particular prayer. Those who enter the shrine immediately feel they are at
home, welcomed, understood, and supported.”
Clearly a Pilgrimage is not a “break” from responsibilities
like a vacation is – rather it is a calling. It reminds us of our
responsibility to our faith as disciples of Jesus. On a Pilgrimage, we
encounter God in the very places where He has revealed himself. It can be a
challenge – it can take us out of our comfort zone and incorporate tedious
travel or navigating difficult terrain. It
is a transformational experience that changes lives, and brings us closer to
our faith in ways we could never imagine through sincere and concentrated
prayer.
To share your own experience of how Pilgrimage has changed
your life, email us at jenny@206tours.com
