With three local sites – and more in neighboring dioceses - how do you determine where you want to go? Take the time to research – and pray over – potential sites and see where you feel called to go. Then, either individually or as a family, determine your intention for making the journey. That intention could be anything from praying for the universal Church or the diocese to a family need or one inspired by the life of the patron saint of the site. You also can ask family members and friends for their intentions, write them down and carry them with you to the site. Doing so is a wonderful way to teach children the importance of praying with and for others.
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.