Why Go On A Pilgrimage?
A plaque placed at the start of an ancient pilgrimage route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick, the sacred mountain dedicated to St. Patrick, Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’ located in County Mayo, is inscribed with these words from the 15th-century Gaelic Book of Lismore:
‘Going on pilgrimage without change of heart brings no reward from God; for it is by practicing virtue and not mere motion of the feet that we will be brought to heaven.’
Six centuries later, Pope Francis said that going on pilgrimage is “one of the people of God’s most eloquent expressions of faith.”
The most profound journeys are the ones that take us not just across the world, but deep into the heart of what it means to be alive. A pilgrimage isn’t about the miles traveled; it’s about the moments that linger in our memory long after our feet have stopped moving and we have returned home. It’s about seeking answers we’ve barely dared to ask, finding connections in the quiet spaces, and discovering a sense of peace in the rhythm of our travels. This kind of journey invites us to strip away the noise of daily life and listen to the whispers within our own hearts. It’s a chance to step out of the routine and into the extraordinary, to see the world and ourselves in a new light. Whether it’s a path walked by millions over the centuries or a road less traveled, a pilgrimage is the beauty of the search, the courage it takes to ask big questions, and the strength we find in seeking the answers.
What is a pilgrimage?
Difference between traveling and pilgrimage…
So, why go on a pilgrimage?
At its heart, a pilgrimage is a journey with purpose, a voyage embarked upon not just through the landscapes of the world but through the landscapes of the soul. It’s an ancient tradition, as old as humanity’s quest for meaning, where the destination holds spiritual or personal significance. But ask anyone who’s set their heart on such a path, and they’ll tell you: a pilgrimage is so much more than visiting a sacred site. It’s really about the journey itself – the challenges faced, the insights gained, and the transformation that occurs along the way. A pilgrimage invites us to pause, to step away from the rush and demands of our daily lives, and to walk, literally and metaphorically, towards something greater.
It doesn’t need to be a grand undertaking. Rather, it’s an opportunity to reflect on our lives, to ponder deep questions, and to seek answers or peace. For some, it’s a journey to connect with the Divine, to walk paths hallowed by faith. For others, it’s a quest for healing, a way to honor a memory, or simply a means to understand themselves and the world around them on a deeper level.
What makes a pilgrimage unique from other travel is its intentionality. It’s not a trip taken on a whim, but a deliberate choice to seek growth, healing, and connection. In a world that often values destinations over journeys, a pilgrimage reminds us of the power of the latter. It teaches us that the steps we take matter, that the moments of quiet beauty and challenging ascents alike shape us, and that sometimes, the act of searching is itself a form of finding.
While both traveling and going on pilgrimage involve leaving our familiar surroundings to explore new places, the essence of these journeys lies not just in their outward paths but in their inner intentions.
Traveling on vacation often seeks to satisfy our curiosity about the world, to relax, or to experience new cultures, landscapes, sights, and cuisines. It’s about adventure, discovery, and sometimes escape, offering a break from the routine of daily life. We travel to see, to learn, and to enjoy, moving from place to place, collecting memories and experiences.
A pilgrimage, however, is a journey of a different kind. This doesn’t mean there aren’t times of fun and laughter, far from it, but It’s travel with a deeper purpose, a voyage not just across the earth, but into the depths of our own hearts and souls. A pilgrimage touches on the realms of spiritual travel and mindful travel. The destination of a pilgrimage is usually a place of spiritual significance, chosen for its sacredness or its connection to profound personal, faith, or cultural narratives.
But more than the place itself, it’s the intention behind the journey that defines a pilgrimage. Pilgrims set out not just to see a new place but with an expectation to experience a transformation within themselves. It’s a journey undertaken in search of spiritual growth, healing, or a deeper understanding of life and one’s place in it. The rhythm of a pilgrimage is often slower, more reflective than other types of travel. It invites moments of silence, contemplation, and connection with the Divine or with deeper aspects of oneself. Unlike a tour or vacation, which can be a journey for the senses, a pilgrimage is a journey for the soul. It asks us to look inward as much as outward, to find meaning in the journey itself, and to return not just with souvenirs but with insights and a renewed spirit.
Christian pilgrimages have existed since the disciples first ran to see the empty tomb. Emperor Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, journeyed to Jerusalem in the year 326, collecting and acquiring many relics that she brought back to the Byzantium court. And from 385AD, we have the first pilgrim’s travel and guidebook, ‘pereginatio egeria,’ written by Egeria, a Spanish noblewoman who undertook a three-year pilgrimage to the Holy Land. By the beginning of the Middle Ages, the heyday of Christian pilgrimage, it had become a fundamental part of European Christian life. It was a difficult and dangerous journey, so the reasons for undertaking such a perilous trip were as powerful as they were numerous. Those reasons still apply today…
1. Finding Yourself
In the constant rush of our daily lives, filled with endless tasks and the noise of technology and expectations, it’s easy to lose touch with the core of who we are. Amid the roles we play and the masks we wear, the true self whispers quietly, yearning to be heard and understood. A pilgrimage offers a precious pause from this tumult, a journey into both the vastness of the world and our inner landscapes. It’s a chance to strip away the superfluous, to confront the raw and real reflections of our soul amid the silence that such a journey affords. Walking a path that countless others have trod in search of meaning and transformation, we find a unique solace in the rhythm of our steps and the quiet of our thoughts. The journey itself, with every step taken, acts as a mirror, reflecting not only the external beauty of our surroundings but also the inner beauty of our most authentic selves. It is in the simplicity of the pilgrimage where we can truly ask ourselves – who am I beyond the confines of my everyday life? The challenges we encounter along the way, the moments of discomfort and doubt, are not merely obstacles; they are teachers. Each trial on the path offers a lesson in resilience, a test of our spirit, and a chance to shed the layers that no longer represent who we are or who we wish to become. It is through these trials that we discover our true strength, our deepest values, and our capacity for love, empathy and compassion.
2. See the sacred sites
To witness the sacred sites of the world is an experience that transcends sightseeing. It’s a journey deep into the heart of spirituality, history, culture and personal significance. These sacred sites, whether it’s the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, the remains of ancient Ephesus or Corinth, Chartres Cathedral, or the site of St. Patrick’s first Irish church, stand as physical manifestations of human faith, devotion, and quest for understanding across ages and cultures. Visiting these places allows us to step into and take our place in a continuum of belief and tradition, connecting us with the countless souls who have come before in search of faith, wisdom, solace, and connection. There’s a profound sense of continuity and community in walking paths worn smooth by the feet of pilgrims over millennia, in touching stones that have been caressed by hands lifted in prayer, and in breathing in the silence that has absorbed centuries of contemplation. This journey to sacred sites is a dialogue between the past and present, offering insights not only into the spiritual practices and artistic achievements of ancient peoples but also into our own place within this vast history of human endeavor. It’s an opportunity to witness the expressions of faith that have shaped civilizations, influenced art and architecture, and inspired countless individuals to acts of greatness and humility. Moreover, the experience of being physically present at these sites can evoke a powerful emotional and spiritual response. There’s a certain magic in standing in the same spot where history was made, where prayers have been offered up for generations, and where the tangible meets the transcendent.
3. Connect to the Divine
Embarking on a pilgrimage with the intention to connect to the Divine is a deeply personal journey, not confined to any single faith; rather, it is a universal quest that speaks to the heart of human existence. The act of setting out on a journey is an expression of faith – a tangible step towards the intangible, a physical manifestation of the desire to deepen one’s relationship with the Divine. The external journey mirrors an internal one, where each step forward on the path is also a step deeper into the self, peeling away the layers of ego and noise to reveal the essence within. For many, the pilgrimage is a conversation – an ongoing dialogue with God, where questions are posed, answers are sought, and often, where the beauty lies in the act of seeking rather than in the answers found. It’s a journey that encourages humility, patience and openness, qualities that foster a deeper connection to the Divine. The experiences along the way, from the challenges of the journey to the moments of unexpected beauty, are seen as encounters with God. They serve as reminders of the presence of something greater than us, both guiding us, and comforting us in turn. These encounters, whether they come in moments of awe at the beauty of creation or in the kindness of fellow pilgrims and strangers met along the way, affirm the sacredness of the journey and the presence of the Divine in the mundane. To connect to Christ on a pilgrimage is to acknowledge the sacredness of the journey itself. It’s an acknowledgment that the path we walk is hallowed ground, made so by our intentions and by the presence of the One who walks with us every step of the way.
4. Searching for meaning and purpose
In the vast expanse of our lives, there lies a deep-seated yearning for something more – a quest for meaning and purpose that transcends the superficial layers of existence. This search is as old as humanity itself, a fundamental drive to understand our place in the universe, to uncover the why beneath the what in our lives. A pilgrimage offers a unique and profound avenue for this exploration, providing a physical and symbolic journey that mirrors the internal quest we all face. Setting out on a pilgrimage in search of meaning and purpose is an act of courage. It’s a declaration that the answers we seek might not be found in the comfort of the familiar, but along the paths less traveled, in the silence of the ancient sacred sites, under the canopy of the stars, or in the company and conversation of a fellow pilgrim. The journey is less about the destination and more about the transformation that occurs within us as we step out of our ordinary existence into the realm of the extraordinary. The act of walking, of physically moving toward something, is a powerful metaphor for the internal journey. Each step is a movement away from the known towards the unknown, from certainty to questions that have no easy answers. It’s in this space of vulnerability and openness that we often find the insights and revelations we are searching for. The pilgrimage becomes a canvas upon which our deepest questions about life, purpose, and our own potential are painted in broad strokes of experience and reflection.
7. Experience shared humanity
The pilgrimage journey is a profound reminder of our shared humanity, a deeply moving experience that transcends cultural, religious, and national boundaries. In the act of walking the same paths as those who have sought meaning before us, we are reminded that, at our core, we all share the same hopes, fears, joys, and desires. The pilgrimage strips away the superficial distinctions that often divide us, revealing the fundamental connections that bind us together as human beings. On this journey, the simple acts of sharing a meal, exchanging stories, or offering a helping hand become powerful affirmations of our shared human experience. Pilgrims from diverse backgrounds come together, their differences rendered insignificant by the common purpose that unites them. The unity is not just theoretical; it is lived and felt. The challenges of the journey, the moments of awe at sacred sites, and the quiet reflection at day’s end are experiences that transcend language and belief, forging bonds of understanding and empathy. Experiencing shared humanity on a pilgrimage teaches us valuable lessons that extend far beyond the journey itself. It challenges us to carry this sense of unity back into our daily lives, to approach others with the same openness and empathy we found on the path. It inspires us to act in ways that honor our interconnectedness, to build bridges where there are divides, and to see the stranger as our fellow pilgrim on the journey of life.
5. Widen your horizons
As you navigate the paths tread by seekers of ages past, you encounter landscapes that whisper the stories of centuries, cities that breathe history, and sacred sites that pulse with the spiritual fervor of the countless souls who have sought solace and enlightenment within their embrace. These encounters are not merely sights to be seen but experiences to be lived, each offering a lesson in the diversity and complexity of human belief and expression. This journey challenges you to confront your perceptions and biases, to ask questions with an open heart and mind, and to listen to the answers offered not just in words but in the silence between them. It is in this space of openness and humility that true understanding begins to blossom. You learn that wisdom is not the sole province of any one culture or faith but is woven throughout the shared story of humanity. The people you meet along the way become mirrors reflecting aspects of yourself previously unseen. Conversations can enrich your perspective, offering glimpses into lives and worldviews dramatically different from your own. These interactions, marked by the shared vulnerability of the journey, foster a sense of connection and empathy that transcends language and creed. Returning from a pilgrimage, you find that the horizons of your understanding have been irrevocably expanded. The journey has not just altered your perception of the world but has transformed the way you see yourself within it.
8. Enjoy the solitude
In the modern world, where solitude is often crowded out by the constant buzz of technology and the demands of daily life, a pilgrimage offers a rare and valuable opportunity, even when traveling with other pilgrims, to embrace solitude in its most profound and enriching form. This journey, inherently personal and introspective, provides the space and time to disconnect from the external noise and connect deeply within oneself. Solitude on a pilgrimage is not about loneliness; rather, it is about finding peace and clarity within one’s own company. It’s in these quiet moments, away from the familiar distractions, that we can hear our inner voice more clearly. This voice, often lost amidst the cacophony of our routine lives, holds insights into our deepest desires, fears, and joys. The act of walking alone, with only the path ahead and one’s thoughts for company, becomes a powerful form of meditation, a moving contemplation that can lead to profound self-discovery and inner peace. The solitude experienced on a pilgrimage allows for a level of reflection that is rare in the hustle of everyday life. It invites us to ponder life’s big questions, to delve into the recesses of our mind and soul, and to confront the truths that lie there. This journey of introspection is both challenging and liberating, as it forces one to face oneself squarely, with all the vulnerabilities and strengths that come to light.
6. Get inspired
A pilgrimage has the unique power to inspire, fueling the spirit with new vigor. This inspiration comes not only from the sacred sites themselves, but also from the profound dedication and faith of others encountered along the way. While I am an ardent follower of Christ, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t touched and inspired by the faith of my Muslim brothers and Jewish sisters when I have visited Jerusalem, or the Mayan faithful in Guatemala. It’s simply awe-inspiring and deepens my own faith to see others’ devotion in action. Observing the depth of commitment others have to their spiritual paths offers a window into the universal quest for understanding and connection. It’s a reminder of the power of faith to guide, sustain, and uplift. Such encounters challenge us to reflect on our own beliefs, to find common ground in the shared human experience of seeking, and to appreciate the beauty and richness of diverse spiritual expressions. The inspiration drawn from a pilgrimage is not fleeting; it transforms. It can shift the way we view the world, encourage us to embrace our life journey with a renewed sense of wonder and commitment, and inspire us to live more fully in alignment with our deepest convictions. The faith and devotion of others, even those of different religious traditions, become beacons of possibility, showing us the myriad ways to navigate our existence with grace and intention.
9. Heal and let go
The journey, undertaken with a heart open to change, provides a unique opportunity to confront and release the burdens we carry, whether they stem from past traumas, grief, guilt, or the myriad forms of suffering that mark the human condition. Healing on a pilgrimage is both a physical and spiritual process. The act of walking, of physically moving through space, mirrors the inner journey of moving through emotional, spiritual, and psychological landscapes. Each step can be a step away from pain and towards recovery, a tangible manifestation to heal. The physical exertion involved in the journey, coupled with the solace found in nature and sacred sites, facilitates a release, allowing pilgrims to shed layers of hurt and sorrow, making room for new growth and understanding. The pilgrimage also offers the chance to let go, to release the things that no longer serve us – resentments, fears, limiting thoughts and beliefs. This letting go is not an act of forgetting but of forgiving: forgiving others, forgiving life, and most importantly, forgiving oneself. It’s about accepting our past, with all its imperfections, and choosing to step into the future unburdened. The pilgrimage journey encourages this process, providing countless moments of solitude and reflection in which one can confront inner demons, make peace with them, and ultimately, let them go.
Some final thoughts
Pray to travel with a pilgrim’s heart. Be open to new experiences. Manage your expectations. Pack simply and lightly. Be flexible and adaptable, accepting changes as unexpected graces. Trust in God’s providence and protection. Allow the kindness of fellow pilgrims and complete strangers to guide your way. Ultimately, pilgrimages help us to see ourselves, our homes and families, our churches, and our world with the eyes of God: eyes of faith, grace, and wonder.
