Hey there,
I’ve been blessed to visit a few sacred sites in my life.
As a child my parents took me to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, where Our Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego in the year 1531. Unfortunately, I was young enough that I don’t have a lot of clear memories from that trip.
A few years ago my daughter and I traveled to Vatican City and we visited St. Peter’s tomb and The Scala Sancta … the Holy Stairs that Saint Helena brought back from Jerusalem that were the marble steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during his Passion.
And there have been many other “smaller” religious sites I’ve visited over the years.
Even though I’ve been to these sacred places, I’ve not yet been on a pilgrimage.
Making a pilgrimage is more than a vacation to visit a sacred site and marveling at the beautiful art or the rich Catholic history. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey.
This week’s issue of Genuflect travels into the world of pilgrimages … what they are, what makes them more than a vacation, how to plan one, where to go, and even how to make a virtual pilgrimage.
It is said that our life here on Earth is a pilgrimage toward our heavenly home. According to Pope Benedict XVI, making a pilgrimage allows us “to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendor and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe.”
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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What is a Pilgrimage?
According to Verso Ministries, “Pilgrimages have been happening for millennia, across different faiths and destinations all over the globe. And yet, it’s not likely an everyday topic of conversation, and the practice of pilgrimage has changed dramatically over the years. If you’re wondering what a modern-day Catholic pilgrimage is and how it’s changed from its ancient roots, this is a perfect place to start.”
What is a Catholic Pilgrimage? | Verso Ministries
The Point of a Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage can be defined as a journey to a place of religious significance. But in looking at pilgrimages in Scripture and throughout history, it becomes clear it’s so much more.
What is The Point of a Pilgrimage? | Simply Catholic
The Scallop Shell Symbolism
The scallop shell symbol guides pilgrims along the path of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Here’s how the shell has come to symbolize pilgrimages in general over the centuries.
How The Scallop Shell Became a Symbol of Pilgrimage | Aleteia
7 Reasons to go on a Pilgrimage
If you’re not sure if you should go on a pilgrimage or are considering one, here are 7 of the biggest reasons to do it.
7 Reasons to go on a Catholic Pilgrimage | Verso Ministries
How to Select a Pilgrimage
You’ve made the decision to make a pilgrimage. But where should you go? And with whom? There are still lots of decisions to be made. Here are some considerations to help you research and discern your options.
How to Select a Catholic Pilgrimage | Salt + Light Media
Top Catholic Pilgrimages
There are a handful of pilgrimages that millions of Catholics and non-Catholics make each year. Here is an overview of 5 of the most popular ones.
Top Catholic Pilgrimages in The World | Cora Evans Blog
US Pilgrimage Sites by State
Americans don’t have to go overseas to make a pilgrimage. There are plenty of sites where miracles occurred, where Saints lived, and even an approved Marian apparition. Here’s a list by state so you can plan a local pilgrimage.
Sites by State | Catholic Pilgrimage Sites
Make a Virtual Pilgrimage
Not everyone is able to physically travel on a pilgrimage. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience your own pilgrimage. Here are 15 ways to go on a virtual pilgrimage … from Our Lady of Lourdes and Fatima to the Via Dolorosa and The Camino de Santiago Virtual Challenge. There’s something here for every Catholic.
Make a Catholic Virtual Pilgrimages | Harvest Journeys
Preparing For a Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage requires planning logistics from transportation, itinerary, packing, etc. Melvin Ullrich adds that “you need to make sure you ‘pack’ spiritually as well.” Here are 3 ways to prepare spiritually to ensure your pilgrimage is a far richer experience than any vacation.
3 Things You Must do Before You Make a Pilgrimage: A Spiritual Preparation Guide | Tekton Ministries
A Guide to Pilgrimage
Modern Catholic Pilgrim says, “Pilgrimage is one of the Church’s oldest prayer practices, and we have the opportunity each and every day to set out on the journey right in our own communities.” Here they provide a spiritual handbook on how to make a pilgrimage in 5 steps.
Self-Led Pilgrimage | Modern Catholic Pilgrim
How to Make a Fruitful Pilgrimage
Michael O’Neill points out a pilgrimage is not a vacation. It’s a “spiritual journey that can be life-changing if approached in the proper way.” Here are 5 tips to do just that.
Tips For Making Your Next Pilgrimage Fruitful | Chicago Catholic
Pilgrims vs. Tourists
A pilgrimage is not just traveling to a sacred site. Father Richard Rohr explains there’s a difference between being a tourist and a pilgrim. Here’s what you need to know.
Pilgrims, Not Tourists | The Center for Action and Contemplation
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