A Journey of Faith: My Pilgrimage Through Poland

When I first began working in pilgrimage travel for Select, I never imagined how deeply it would touch my heart. Each journey has become a new way of encountering God through sacred places, the people I meet, and the stories of faith that continue to inspire me today. My recent pilgrimage to Poland was an experience that left me both humbled and renewed.

This was my second time visiting this beautiful, faith-filled country, and as someone with a deep devotion to many of the Polish saints, especially St. John Paul II, it felt even more profound. Poland is a land of saints and survivors, where the story of Catholicism is written not just in its churches and shrines, but in the courage and resilience of its people. While there were countless unforgettable moments throughout our time there, a few stood out to me in a very special way.

The Rebirth of Warsaw

Our pilgrimage journey began in Warsaw, a city that wears its scars and its strength side by side. Walking through the streets of  Old Town, I was struck by how beautifully it has been restored after being nearly destroyed in World War II. The magnificent building facades, cobblestone streets, and vibrant market square seem to whisper stories of both devastation and renewal.

It was also here that we reflected on the courage of Poland’s modern heroes, especially those of the Solidarity movement, who fought for freedom and truth under communist oppression. The story of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, the young priest who inspired the movement through his fearless preaching and was ultimately martyred for his faith, has always moved me. Standing in a country that has endured so much, but continues to produce saints and witnesses like him, reminded me that faith can indeed move mountains.

The Sacred Silence of Auschwitz

Nothing can truly prepare you for a visit to Auschwitz. The air itself feels heavy with memory. As we walked those solemn grounds, there were times when silence fell over our group, the kind of silence that invites reflection rather than demands it. It was sacred ground, and every step felt like a prayer in honor of those who lost their lives there.

This was my second time visiting Auschwitz, and I found myself even more deeply moved than before by the witness of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan who offered his life for another prisoner. Standing near the very place where he made that unimaginable sacrifice, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe and gratitude. His love for Jesus and for his neighbor is something I strive to live out in my own life. His courage, born of faith and selfless love, became a living example of Christ’s words from John 15:13: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. That moment reminded me that holiness isn’t something distant or unattainable, but it’s real, human, and possible, even in the darkest of places.

Kraków and the Legacy of St. John Paul II

From there, we traveled to Kraków, a city that radiates faith. Every corner seemed to hold a story, whether a chapel, a relic, or a saint’s memory. It was here that we learned more about Poland’s rich Catholic roots and the incredible witness of St. John Paul II, who once walked these very streets as a young seminarian during the war.

One day,we visited Zakopane, the mountain town that St. John Paul II loved so dearly. The weather was foggy and cold, and the peaks were hidden from view, but even without seeing the mountains, we could feel the peace and holiness of that place. It was humbling to stand where he had so often found rest and communion with God through nature. It was a quiet reminder that even when the view is hidden, God’s presence remains.

Another day brought us to his hometown of Wadowice, where his simple family home has been transformed into a shrine. Standing there, it was easy to imagine him as a boy, praying with his family, serving at Mass, and unknowingly being prepared for a future that would touch the lives of so many across the world. It was so special to have a beautiful pilgrim’s Mass at the very church he grew up in.

Though we were a large group, everyone traveled together so well. There was such kindness, patience, and genuine care among the pilgrims, a spirit of unity that felt like an extension of the pilgrimage itself. At many of our stops, Jeff Cavins, our group leader, gave talks that helped us connect what we were seeing with the deeper truths of courage, forgiveness, and God’s love. It wasn’t just a tour; it was like a retreat that unfolded across the magnificent landscapes of Poland and within each of our hearts.

The Message of Divine Mercy

Our final stop was the Divine Mercy Shrine, a place that seemed to pull together all the emotions of the trip. Standing before the image of the Merciful Jesus, I felt surrounded by grace. Hearing about St. Faustina’s visions and her call to trust in God’s mercy was the perfect way to end our pilgrimage. After the places of perseverance and pain we had seen, here was the message that ties it all together: that no matter what we face, Jesus, I Trust in You – Jezu, Ufam Tobie!

A Gift Beyond Words

Poland will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s a land of special saints and witnesses, including St. John Paul II, St. Faustina, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, and their stories continue to inspire the faithful around the world. My devotion to these holy men and women has only deepened through walking and praying in their footsteps.

Working in pilgrimage ministry with Select has given me the gift of seeing faith alive in every generation and of witnessing the transformation that happens when pilgrims open their hearts to grace. My time in Poland reminded me that a pilgrimage doesn’t end when you come home. The journey continues, in prayer, gratitude, and a renewed desire to live out the faith that so many before us have courageously lived and died for.