Why do people go on pilgrimage?
Translated by Qiu Lihua
Editor's note: Faith Wen Walter published "Accompanying Travelers—The Pilgrims' Home in Santiago, Spain" in the 39th issue of this magazine, introducing her and her husband Nate Walter to hosting pilgrims to Santiago in Spain. Ministry of Road Travelers.
The Camino de Santiago and the John Muir Trail are both well-known backpacker trails. Travelers from all over the world set foot on these two trails every year, either with religious feelings or to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but they all have to endure. Only through physical discomfort can we reach the end.
personal retreat
Our family currently lives in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage ends. Countless people walked from five to thirty-five days (or even longer) to reach the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of James, son of Zebedee and one of the Twelve Apostles, is said to be buried place.
When it comes to pilgrimage, most people may immediately think of a Muslim’s trip to Mecca, a Catholic’s walking trip to Rome, or a trip to Jerusalem. Few people would think that a pilgrimage has anything to do with them, nor do they think that they may also need to make a pilgrimage. journey of. However, the concept of pilgrimage has become increasingly popular among people from all walks of life in recent years. Today’s world is busy and stressful. People believe in being overly busy. They always feel pressured to answer: “What’s the next step?” , reflect deeply after major events, so that your emotions and spirit can move on.
As Christians, embarking on a pilgrimage allows us to intentionally carve out holy space, bringing us closer to God and clarifying matters that God may be calling us to think through. This can be thought of as a personal extended retreat. Walking in cycles every day, followed by bathing, hand-washing, eating, and going to bed, simplifying life to the most basic style, clearly understanding that God provides our daily meals every day, and a sense of intimacy and grace naturally arise in our hearts. , can be particularly liberating. Generally speaking, when we are busy and immersed in a self-sufficient "normal" life, we cannot experience God in this way.
Preparation before departure
If you feel that God may be inviting you to embark on a pilgrimage, you'd better start actually preparing emotionally and spiritually for the journey. Martin Sheen's film The Way is a good introduction to what a pilgrimage looks like and how communities are formed along the way.
The documentary "Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago" records the complete journey of six pilgrims from their starting point to Santiago de Compostela. In addition, some pilgrims shared their experiences and answered questions in online forums. For example: CaminodeSantiago.me, and the American Pilgrims on the Camino page on Facebook.
Of course, you are cordially welcome to visit the Pilgrim House website: PilgrimHouseSantiago.com, or contact me via email in English: faith.walter@iteams.org. I would be happy to help you prepare for your pilgrimage or introduce you to additional resources.
Author profile
Faith Wen Walter graduated from Wheaton University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. She and her husband Nate Walter engaged in pilgrim evangelism ministry in Spain. They have three sons and one daughter.
Translator profile
Qiu Lihua, from China, once taught in the foreign language department of the university. Now living in Southern California, USA, he has served at Clear Spring Valley Christian Church for many years. Currently working at a Christian private high school. Like all good things.