What is Pilgrimage? Part 4: Representative Pilgrimage

We tend to think of pilgrimage as something which the individual undertakes, perhaps joining others to give it a corporate dimension.  In Catholic tradition, however, there is one other strand to consider.  Not everyone is free or able to go on pilgrimage.  Especially in earlier ages it took a lot of time, physical strength and stamina as well as money and it was dangerous.  One might commission another to go on one’s behalf or a parish, guild or confraternity might contribute to the expenses of a few who would go on behalf of the many.  They would help the pilgrims get ready and would support  them in prayer before and during their journey.  The pilgrims on their part would pray for their sponsors in the holy places and would bring back stories, souvenirs and relics from their journey.

Dianne and I are grateful for your prayers and encouragement and for the time and support that St. Mary’s has provided. We will bring back our experiences, pictures and remembrances and share them with you. (Please plan to join us on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 pm) Above all, we pledge ourselves to pray for you in Nazareth and Bethlehem, on the Mount of Olives and in Jerusalem, above all at the place where our Lord died for us all and the place where he rose again to bring us eternal life.

God bless you.