The Little Pilgrimage of Our Lady

Autumn is the time of year in which my feet become antsy for a pilgrimage. But this autumn, what with all the restrictions varying from one state to the next (never-mind an overseas destination) makes a pilgrimage difficult to make. With this in mind, and my feet just itching to move, I decided I needed to look at my own backyard. What are the spiritual attractions in my own area which would make for a good pilgrimage and who might want to trek with me? Thankfully, the search was fruitful and a great travelling companion was found who had a great enthusiasm for not just one, but multiple prayerful walks.

First Pilgrimage

Our first pilgrimage began with Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, conveniently nestled between our homes. Our goals would be to pray for our bishop (Paprocki), the priests and deacons of our diocese, for strong families, and for our nation during this very tumultuous time. We would then walk to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Here, we would pray the rosary in a beautiful Mary Garden of marigolds, roses, and a small pond with a fountain. With that done, we planned on concluding with our petitions before the icon for the diocese, The Mother of God, the Life-Giving Spring. As we set off, we asked the Holy Spirit to guide our steps and the route we would take.

Not coincidentally, along the route God places us on, there is a Jewish Synagogue. I’ve passed by many times and have always been curious about going in. As we were about to pass, a gentleman was just leaving and I ran over to ask if it was open, and if so, would we be allowed to go in. He replied that it was all locked up, but he’d be happy to give us a tour!

My travelling companion and I were thrilled and he was most gracious in answering all of our questions. What struck me the most at the time was the large Hebrew letters above the sanctuary. I was told this was the “Shema”. This comes from the book of Deuteronomy chapter 6, verse 4, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is God, the Lord alone!”

When we finished our tour, this verse echoed in our hearts as we continued on to the mother church of our diocese to pray our rosary and our prayers before the Marian icon. As we entered the vestibule, much to our delight we found a reflection for us to take on the Shema! We were greatly consoled and new our little pilgrimage was not just a desire for us, but a necessity. With our prayers complete and our souls nourished, we walked to our next destination: an old-world bakery and cafe with outdoor seating where our bodies could be refreshed for the rest of the trek home.

State Capital

My friend and I agreed we must do this again before the weather turns and most importantly, before the elections. Two more friends joined us on this trek. The only addition was to go to the feet of our state capital to pray for our nation. First Timothy 2:1-3 tells us,

I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live peaceful and quiet lives with all devotion and propriety. To do this is right and acceptable to God our Savior.

The world today is anything but peaceful and quiet. There is so much at stake and many people living in fear of viruses, rioting, or what the future holds. God does not want us to live fearfully. How often in scripture He tells us to be not afraid, or not to fear what kills the body but DO fear what kills the soul. There is much need, now more than ever to pray to stay the course and not to fear, so of course, we decided we need more of these little pilgrimages.

“The Little Pilgrimage of Our Lady”.

We have another planned for the end of the month and will be bringing other women along with us. We’ve also given an official title to our expeditions, “The Little Pilgrimage of Our Lady”. I do believe The Blessed Mother is calling us to action. She has always been there for us in our greatest needs. She knows we need her now, to lead us in prayer.

My challenge to you is to make your own little pilgrimages. You don’t need to travel far. Look to see what is doable in your own backyard and take some friends with you. Mother Mary has always been with little groups of friends who call on her. Or, maybe she’s the one doing the calling. There is so much teetering in the balance for our world. Although our votes do matter, what matters, even more, is joining in prayer for ourselves, our neighbors, our country, our world.

If we read a bit further in Deuteronomy in chapter 30:19,

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live…

Pray my friends. Go on a Little Pilgrimage of Our Lady. Invite your friends to trek with you. Pray for your bishops, priests, and deacons, for your families and marriages, and for life. Pray, we may choose the blessings so that we and our children may live.