19 June 2023

Unearthing Sacred Traditions: How Catholics Can Embrace the Faith in Ancient Pilgrimage Traditions

Pilgrimages were a way of life for Catholics in the past. The Faithful walked to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, to Canterbury in England, or to any one of the countless other shrines.

From ChurchPOP

By George Ryan

"When you're walking up to this ancient city of Jerusalem... it is altering your whole sense of existence."

Are we losing sight of the spiritual traditions that lie at the heart of our Catholic faith?

On this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, hosts Ryan Scheel, Ryan Dellacrosse, and Father Rich Pagano with guest Father John Tetlow embark on a pilgrimage, retracing Jesus' path in the Holy Land.

These sacred locations, deeply intertwined with biblical narratives, serve as vivid reminders of our spiritual heritage. They do not just follow a trail on a map, but a spiritual journey!

Father Pagano captures the essence of their transformative experience: "When you're walking up to this ancient city of Jerusalem... it is altering your whole sense of existence."

A testament to the power of unity and solidarity, they encounter vibrant communities in Bethlehem bound by a shared faith and break bread with families who have carried the Christian tradition for generations.

"These Christian families that have been in this area since the beginning...we're going to get the opportunity to eat with them, learn from them," Scheel says.

Their journey culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site traditionally held to be where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.

The weight of this moment is clear in Father Pagano's words: “When we experience Mass in the celebration of the Holy Sepulcher, this is going to be the greatest pilgrimage of my life."

In overlooking the rich tradition of pilgrimages, we risk losing a vital facet of our faith: the ability to immerse ourselves in the Gospel's narratives and connect with a global Christian community. Remember, a pilgrimage is more than just a trip - it's an opportunity for spiritual growth.

"A pilgrimage is not a trip, but a way of life. It's not a vacation, it's something where we grow closer to Jesus Christ and to one another," Father Tetlow shares.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the Bible's stories, not just through reading but through touching, smelling, and seeing the places where they happened?

Embarking on a pilgrimage might just be the spiritual reawakening you need!Let’s rediscover the rich Catholic tradition of a pilgrimage!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comments are subject to deletion if they are not germane. I have no problem with a bit of colourful language, but blasphemy or depraved profanity will not be allowed. Attacks on the Catholic Faith will not be tolerated. Comments will be deleted that are republican (Yanks! Note the lower case 'r'!), attacks on the legitimacy of Pope Francis as the Vicar of Christ (I know he's a material heretic and a Protector of Perverts, and I definitely want him gone yesterday! However, he is Pope, and I pray for him every day.), the legitimacy of the House of Windsor or of the claims of the Elder Line of the House of France, or attacks on the legitimacy of any of the currently ruling Houses of Europe.