PILGRIMAGE
A journey of Spiritual Significance
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” – Revelation 12:1
Step out in faith
What is a
Pilgrimage? Throughout time, many things have led us to journey. Perhaps it is a pivotal moment in life or a need to offer prayer. Perhaps it is even the desire to find an extraordinary cure. Is the pilgrim searching for God? Or is the pilgrimage a way of revealing God’s plan for the pilgrim? In the end, the answer is not found in the motivation. The answer is not found in the destination. The answer is found in the journey. The answer is found in the discovery.
Uniting us to something greater than our human existence.
There is something the human soul longs to experience and we spend our lives in search of it. This experience we seek, whether we know it or not, is relationship with God. Creation is always in search of its Creator as they are made for one another. The root of all our problems in this life is separation from him. God created us to have a personal relationship with Him, now and forever. “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God and that is what we are.” – John 3:1 During life’s journey, the pilgrim seeks to find that union with Christ. During life’s journey, pilgrims seek to find that union with Christ. During a pilgrimage they just may find it.
Transcending our differences
God wants us to know His love and experience His fulfilling plan for each of us. “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” – 1 John 4:12 In union with Christ and His Mother we learn to look beyond race, social status, gender, language, and age to see the face of our Creator in all people.
Focusing on a promise of protection
We have all experienced moments that are painful, loss of loved ones, diseases, etc. God can transform all those painful, disappointing, and sad events in your life, so that they are for your good and happiness. “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 Pilgrimages are usually undertaken for three main purposes: • Devotion • Reconciliation • Healing Find your resolve in the sacred experience of a pilgrimage.
We can experience this
By His cross, Jesus took upon Himself all of our sufferings. By His rising from the dead He brought us new life. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” – John 3:16-17 During Jesus’ ministry, people came in a pilgrimage from miles around to hear Him speak. Today we can still gather together as a people of God on pilgrimage and hear His voice.
An invitation for all
This is an invitation for all to bring their hopes, fears, sorrows, and joys to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” – Revelation 3:20 At the time of Jesus birth, both the Shepherds and the Wise Men made pilgrimages to see Him. Our response should be that of the wise men. Let us gather together and, with the guidance of our Lady, our Star of Hope, encounter our Lord.
Walk with us
Whether you have been close or far from God in the past, He is waiting for you. “To go in a spirit of prayer from one place to another, from one city to another…help us not only to live our life as a journey but also gives us a vivid sense of God who has gone before us, who himself set out on man’s path, who does not look down on us from on high, but who has become our traveling companion.” – St. John Paul II The answer is found in every footstep taken in faith.
Prayer of the Heart
“Father, I believe that you know me and love me. I have not always chosen to love You, and have broken my relationship with You. Thank You for sending our blessed Mother to lead me into Your arms Lord Jesus, I open the door of my heart and I invite You to be at the center of my life to be my Savior and my Lord. Direct me by Your Holy Spirit and help me to live with You my whole life. Amen” Our Lady of Guadalupe…pray for us.
-Our Lady of Guadalupe
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
dioceseoftrenton.org/guadalupe