9/8/24 Pilgrimages
I wonder how pilgrimages were for pilgrims in medieval times. They went to see a holy site and perhaps ask the saint associated with the site a request or they did in penance for a grievance. They traveled from the safety of their homes to a place where the culture and language was different, taking with them what they needed (perhaps only the well-off could go). They went on horse, donkey or cart. Nowadays pilgrims travel by train or plane to their starting destination and then walk. The pilgrimage gave the pilgrims, as they do now, time to think, reflect, ponder. It gave them time to share their story and meet other pilgrims.
I wonder if St. Ignatius planned his 30 day Spiritual Exercises as a pilgrimage, as the retreat takes about the same amount as traveling on the Camino Frances. Each of the weeks of the Camino are associated with the person: Week one is the body (building up one’s physical endurance for the camino), Week 2 is associated with the mind, corresponding to the meseta for long stretches of plains, perfect for solicitude and reflection. Week 3 is associated the Spiritual or the soul, looking for peace or resolution. Week 4 is the last week to Santiago.
In Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, Week 1 God’s great love for us and our sinfulness. Week 2 focuses on Jesus life on earth to save and heal the world. Week 3 centers on the passion of Jesus. Week 4 focus on the Resurrection and Jesus invitation to follow him.
I also thought that J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is a pilgrimage. Frodo and Sam take a pilgrimage with companion along the way to rid middle Earth of the Ring
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| Hector, Vera, Carolyn, Heidi |
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Impossible is just an opinion.
El Camino al éxito es la actitud.
–Sign in Lorca
La vida es una obra teatral que no importa cuanto haya durado, sino bien que haya sido presentada. —Seneca (en Estella)
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