You want to go on a pilgrimage. Okay, great! But where should you go? See the artistic glory of the Vatican? Ride a boat on the Sea of Galilee?
Decision paralysis is a real thing. But here are some tips to help you discern the best pilgrimage destination for you.
Determine which place interests you most.
The starting place for discerning where to go on pilgrimage is you! After all, who wants to go on a trip to a place they have no interest in?
Maybe you’re named after St. James and want to travel the Camino to his shrine in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Or maybe you love reading Scripture and want to go to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and his Apostles. Consider all your pilgrimage options in light of your life story and look for connections.
Ask God where He wants you to go.
God knows you better than you know yourself. He sees the ways you need to grow, the people you need to meet, and the places you need to be.
This doesn’t mean God won’t let you exercise your freedom in choosing a destination, but it’s worth praying about it. Our Lord may have a special place in mind for you. He probably won’t reveal it to you in a supernatural way. But His grace will work with your free will in guiding you.
Learn more about different destinations.
If you know someone who has traveled to a pilgrimage destination, ask them about their experiences. They may reveal things about the trip that pique your interest! If you don’t know anyone who has gone on a pilgrimage, ask your priest. He may be able to put you in contact with a pilgrim or may know about different destinations himself.
Don’t forget to consider practical matters.
It’s one thing to desire a destination — it’s another to get there. Don’t let your dreams overshadow practical thinking. For example, do you have the budget to afford your trip? Who will you travel with? Are there any health or safety risks in your destination you should be aware of?
A good pilgrimage company will know these things and guide you through a valuable, safe, and spiritually uplifting trip. Verso Ministries has expertly led over 2,000 pilgrims on successful pilgrimages, providing each of them with all the tools they needed to enjoy their travel thoroughly. We can help you book the right trip for you and plan all the logistics.
Start planning your pilgrimage with us here!
