Pilgrimage of Faith

This fall I was privileged to participate in a Walking Pilgrimage with the Diocese of Metuchen. With over 700 faith-filled people we walked nine miles in preparation for Consecration to Christ through Our Lady of Guadalupe. I was overwhelmed by the experience which I went into underprepared (I didn’t even listen to the instructions to bring a water bottle). I thought it was just going to be a long walk with some of my Sisters on a beautiful Fall day. It turned out to be a much more profound faith experience, culminating in the great honor of carrying a candle in procession with the Blessed Sacrament for the last three miles. The whole day was filled with prayer, conversation with strangers and friends, fellowship, singing, and silence.

This walking pilgrimage reminded me of another pilgrimage experience I had in 2009 during World Youth Day. We walked for about 13 miles for the Vigil and closing Mass in Sydney, Australia. Looking back, that event was also one that had a profound impact on my spiritual life.

In beginning this Advent season, I want to go back to this pilgrimage experience. I want to remember the feeling of having nothing and just walking. Just as I was not alone that day of the walking pilgrimage; I am not alone in my lifelong pilgrimage to heaven. I am so blessed to have my family, my community, and the Church to journey together and grow deeper in faith.

During Advent, I am thinking about how Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. Mary carried the Son of God within her womb, so too we carry Jesus to one another, to the world. We are called to go to the little forgotten places and bring Him there to all people. Somehow in the simple rhythm of walking, God is speaking to my heart and reminding me of the journey that He has called me to and promised to be with me always. In preparing my heart for the coming of Christ this Christmas, I hope to keep this in mind.