Holland Catholics made a walking pilgrimage to the cathedral in Grand Rapids the weekend of August 20 & 21, 2016. It was a time of spiritual discovery as our steps were prayers. Parishioners joined in at three varying distances depending on their ability. Our pilgrims stopped at local parishes on their way up to the cathedral for meals and hospitality. Thank you to all those who hosted us and helped make this possible. May God continue to make us instruments of his mercy.
What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a journey a pilgrim makes to a sacred place for the purpose of venerating it or to ask for heavenly aid, and ultimately to come to know God better. Christian pilgrimages were first made to sites connected with the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Shortly after, pilgrimages started being made to Rome and other sites associated with the Apostles, Saints and Christian martyrs, as well as places where there had been apparitions of the Virgin Mary. In the past, pilgrims would leave their homes, families, and comforts to walk for hundreds of miles with nothing but what they could carry on their backs. Just as the pilgrims from the early centuries, we modern pilgrims also leave our homes, families and comforts in order to journey to sacred places.
Year of Mercy
Pope Francis has announced the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy beginning on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and concluding on November 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
