Thursday’s Thoughts
Pilgrimage - a Way of Life
I hope you’ll want to join me this Thursday as I explore thoughts about pilgrimage. Today, I will look at four international pilgrimages I have taken.
Photo taken during my pilgrimage to Spain.
“Pilgrimage” can seem like such a highfalutin spiritual word, but really, it is not. My personal working definition of pilgrimage is “A Sacred Journey of wholeness and invitation to live, learn, listen, and linger with Jesus throughout the unique and ordinary days of my life.”
Pilgrimage has been an important part of my journey of spiritual formation. The concept of “pilgrimage” first took up residence in my soul many years ago when I heard a pastor speak about an upcoming trip he was leading to Israel. He commented that Christians did not travel to Israel as tourists but as pilgrims.
Even though I didn’t know what “pilgrimage” meant, since I was a teenager, my heart had leapt every time I heard someone speak of traveling to the “Holy Land.” A few years later, Ron and I were privileged to join a tour group to Israel, and indeed, that trip was a life-changing opportunity to live, learn, listen, and linger in the ancient land where Jesus walked.
From the rooftop of our hotel in the Old City of Jerusalem, Ron captured the sun rising over this ancient city, which is sacred to three monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
A year later, I was welcomed to join an official “pilgrimage” to Spain. During this time, I was introduced to Ignatian spirituality during a four-day contemplative prayer experience at the Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Center in Manresa, Spain. The trajectory of my spiritual journey and my relationship to Jesus changed forever in Manresa.
In 2023, my husband and I embarked on an epic journey to Italy, Germany, and France. Although not officially billed as pilgrimage, Ron and I were intentional about pilgrimage practices during the two weeks we spent in Italy. I loved “pilgriming” with my hubby.
Joining a throng of visitors at Vatican Square on a rainy May day in 2023.
On April 27, 2026, we met up with a group of fellow pilgrims, headed to the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne in northeast England, to live, learn, and worship together in this ancient region, often referred to by the Celts as a “thin place” where the atmosphere separating heaven and earth seems porous, and God’s closeness feels especially real.
A little less than two weeks back home, I continue to unpack so many pilgrimage moments from The Holy Island. All are good. Some seem very personal. Each created a layer of spiritual formation, and I believe some of my encounters will result in spiritual transformation.
Many spiritual practices of the Celts resonate deeply. I will share some with readers in subsequent blog posts. Until then I hope you’ll enjoy a few photos with brief comments.
Fellow pilgrims. I’ve known some of these folks for several years. Others quickly became new friends. As usual, Ron was taking the photo, so he is not in it!
This is the village at low tide. The tide is critical to the rhythm of life on Lindisfarne. It is not accessible each day for six to eight hours since the causeway is flooded by the North Sea twice a day. This typically means safe crossing is possible approximately three hours after high tide until two hours before the next high tide. Most businesses are open only during low tide, which fluctuates daily and can create some interesting shopping challenges.
St. Cuthbert’s Island at high tide. Many pilgrims walk to the island during low tide.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these pilgrimage photos.
Blessings on your journey,
