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500 Pilgrimages for Mary – Modern Catholic Pilgrim
Has it ever occurred to you that becoming a pilgrim can be as simple as stepping outside the front door? We at Modern Catholic Pilgrim (MCP) give people the opportunity to dive into pilgrimage right where they are through our 500 Pilgrims for Mary project this May....
Ireland-the Land of Abundant, Surprising, and Fascinating Catholic History
A Marian apparition site, Benedictine monastery, and a JFK mosaic inside of a cathedral – what more could you ask for out of a trip? We were able to see all of these and more on our mother-daughter trip to Ireland two years ago. Our 10-day trip took us around the...The God Quest: Faith-Based Travel
Exploring the difference between taking a vacation and making a pilgrimage.
By Denise Bossert
One of my favorite Bible stories comes from the book of Ruth. It is the prototype for all faith travel. It captures the mysterious dynamic of the life-changing pilgrimage experience.
When one stands in Bethlehem and looks out over Shepherds’ Field, the stories rise to the surface and people of faith cannot help but stand in awe, remembering.
Standing there, you remember the angels who sang to shepherds in that field, announcing the Messiah’s arrival, but you also remember the things of the Old Testament: the fall of Jericho and Rahab who helped save God’s people. You think of her son Boaz and Bethlehem where he lived. Your mind goes to Naomi who left Bethlehem and traveled to Moab (Jordan) with her husband during a time of famine and settled there until her husband and both sons died. But mostly, you think of Ruth, Naomi’s daughter-in-law. Ruth provides us with a glimpse into the mystery of pilgrimage, what it is, how it changes us, the gifts it yields.
After Naomi lost her husband and sons, she returned to Bethlehem along with Ruth.
Ruth’s words to Naomi become the mantra of every pilgrim. Ruth looks over her shoulder at what she is leaving behind, and then she locks her eyes on Naomi and says, “Where you go, I will go. Where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
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