CHARLOTTE — Making a pilgrimage to a holy place is an ancient practice that endures today. During this pivotal year, marking both the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’, the Laudato Si Movement – North America invites Catholics to join in a Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation to rediscover the beauty of God’s creation through prayer, reflection and action.
Pilgrimages can be a short walk through a garden or parish grounds while saying the rosary or other prayers. A pilgrimage could also be a longer trek through a wooded area, to a place of natural beauty or ecological significance, a farm or a place of ecological destruction. The mission of this type of pilgrimage is to restore our relationship with God, with each other, and with the Earth and to cultivate a renewed commitment to caring for creation. The only requirement is that part of the walk be outdoors and the pilgrimage song or prayer is used.
Dan Misleh, founder and executive director of the non-profit environmental association Catholic Climate Covenant, said, “This year, as Catholics, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on our role in creation care. Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation are about healing – healing our connection to the Earth, to one another and to God. It’s about acknowledging our disconnection and choosing to take tangible steps toward reconciliation. This is not just a journey of the body, it’s a pilgrimage of the soul.”
Pilgrimages can be organized by parishes, youth groups, ministries or other organizations. They will take place across the United States during the Season of Creation (Sept. 1-Oct. 4), but they can be held at other times of the year.
Plan a pilgrimage
For information about joining a pilgrimage in the Charlotte area, email Lynn Dransoff: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Marise Robinson: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For assistance in planning and developing a pilgrimage, contact Dr. Catherine Wright, Ph.D: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For additional information, visit www.catholicpilgrimsofhope.org or contact Sister Rose Marie Tresp, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..