Why Pilgrim

The anonymous nineteenth-century author of The Way of a Pilgrim, a spiritual classic, opens his book with “by the grace of God I am a Christian, by my deeds a great sinner, and by my calling a homeless wanderer of humblest origin, roaming from place to place. My possessions consist of a knapsack with dry crusts of bread on my back and in my bosom the Holy Bible. This is all!”

His words strike a chord with those of us who are restless seekers, wayfarers in search of answers to compelling questions or holy experiences. Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Christians who see life itself as a sacred journey, coming from God and returning to God.

Pilgrimages by followers of Jesus were first made to sites connected with his birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection. Surviving descriptions of Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land date from the 4th century, when pilgrimage was encouraged by church fathers like St. Jerome. In 333 was the famous Bordeaux Pilgrimage. It was the first of a whole series of pilgrimages that have left interesting and detailed accounts of the route, the peoples through which they passed, and the sites identified with those mentioned in the Gospels. Later in the Middle Ages pilgrimages gained popularity. Pilgrimage was long and very dangerous - not at all like a holiday. Some required many years and a life savings of money. The pilgrims would usually travel in groups, and stay in monasteries or inns overnight.

People go on pilgrimage for all sorts of reasons - perhaps to say sorry to God for something they done wrong (penance), or because of illness and the desire for God’s healing, or in hopes of an experience of enlightenment or clarity, or with a desire to begin a new life. The anonymous Russian pilgrim was plagued by the question, “How does one pray constantly?” On a pilgrimage we separate ourselves from the everyday concerns of the world and spend time in the presence of God and our trusted companions, rely on hospitality, and gradually make our way to a place of spiritual significance. Much has been written on this fertile topic in recent years.

Paul Almond and I are planning a St. Aidan’s pilgrimage to the Holy land in early November and invite you to prayerfully consider journeying with us. A scholarship fund is also being developed for those who may need assistance.

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March 2008