16 Jan 2020
“The invitation is open to all, so what’s keeping you?”
As we begin to settle into the rhythms and routines of 2020, we look ahead to a year full of potential, with new opportunities just waiting to be discovered. Many of us will decide that this will be the year to do something different – and what better way to embrace the spirit of faith, hope, and love than by joining us on one of our 2020 MSC pilgrimages? This year, we will be going on pilgrimage to Fatima in May/June, and to Lourdes in September.
Every year, people travel with us on pilgrimage for different reasons. Some may be struggling with illness, grief, stress, or other personal challenges. Other wish to take part in a traditional pilgrimage journey with like-minded travellers, sharing stories, experiences, and reflections on life. Many wish to simply pray, reflect, and offer thanksgiving for their blessings.
The experience of pilgrimage is different for every individual; the major common denominator, however, is joy, and an awareness of something bigger, of something more. A sense of something special comes into being on a pilgrimage; the Holy Spirit moves amongst those making the journey, while strangers become friends and unite in the solidarity of faith. Community spirit comes out in force – no matter where you may find yourself in the world, the message of God’s love overcomes all cultural barriers in a true celebration of faith, togetherness, and intimacy with God.
“A powerful, life-changing experience.”
Historically, pilgrims would leave their homes, their families, and all of their creature comforts, embarking on journeys that could stretch to hundreds of miles with nothing but what they could carry on their backs. Today, the circumstances of pilgrimage may be less extreme, but they are nonetheless powerful for it, and modern-day pilgrims continue to leave their homes and their daily comforts behind in the quest for spiritual fulfillment.
“Pilgrimage is about freedom,” says Fr Alan Neville MSC. “It’s about walking to the horizon – and when you get there, you keep on going. It’s about taking part in something that is at the same time enjoyable and profound. I’ve yet to meet one person who regretted making the trip. For every one of them it has been a powerful, even life-changing experience. The invitation is open to all, so what’s keeping you?”
If you’d like to find out more about the pilgrimage experience, you are welcome to read all about our 2019 pilgrimages to Fatima and Lourdes. All are welcome to take the first steps towards another wonderful pilgrimage journey with us over the coming months, and make 2020 a year to remember.
******This year’s Pilgrimages have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic we hope to resume in 2021.******