Traditionally, pilgrims walked as they made a pilgrimage. While part of this stemmed from the predominant method of traveling before modern transportation, there was a spiritual component to the long and potentially challenging journey of reaching the holy site. While walking may not be an option in today’s world, you can map out a walk as part of your pilgrimage. Get the family involved and plan a walk around the Belmont Abbey campus, take a tour of St. Lawrence Basilica, or walk around St. Patrick’s campus and the neighboring park to find a quiet moment in Dilworth.
Prayer is at the heart of any spiritual journey, but how do you pray in a different way on a pilgrimage? Peterson recommends reflecting on Christ as a pilgrim, beginning with Psalm 84 before you set out and praying Psalm 122 at your destination. The Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have posted Jubilee prayers on their websites. Ideally, you’d make time to go to confession and Mass as part of the pilgrimage as well.