Pilgrimage is not merely touring sacred sites, but a journey into the depths of our hearts where God patiently waits. Each step becomes an opportunity for profound self-examination, holding our lives up to the mirror of the Lord’s will.

Our culture has taught us to demand comfort as a right, limiting our ability to sacrifice and endure discomfort. This vulnerability leaves us to easily lose peace when facing difficulties. Our reduced capacity for resilience has made us, seemingly, enemies of the cross.

Pilgrimage serves as an effective remedy, embodying Jesus’ teaching: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mt 16:24). Through renunciation and sacrifice, we encounter the risen Christ who shares his wounds with us.

On pilgrimages, we experience what happened to the disciples of Emmaus: crestfallen at Christ’s death, they unknowingly met him on their journey. Jesus accompanied them and led them to share the bread of life — the gift of himself.

When encountering Christ, pilgrims gain clarity of route and purpose. We are not tourists or wanderers, but wayfarers traveling the most sacred path: Christ himself. The journey doesn’t culminate at a physical destination but becomes a lifestyle that redirects our priorities. Our route is sacred, and our destination is true life.

A paradox emerges during pilgrimage — greater difficulties often yield greater joy. The more challenging the path, the deeper the experience. Pilgrims develop capacity for both sacrifice and enjoyment, as these qualities are intertwined; those who cannot sacrifice themselves cannot truly experience joy either.

With Christ as companion and path, our eyes open to God’s constant gifts and blessings. We learn to be present and recognize his face in fellow travelers. Pilgrimages help us develop the gift of appreciating God’s presence and graces, to receive gifts and crosses with gratitude.

But, no pilgrim journeys alone. God provides companions for mutual support, making us faithful through shared weakness. As Pope Francis said: “What is fidelity? It is weakness well accompanied.” No one returns from pilgrimage alone, for we meet the Church as a mother and feel part of a family — we cannot live our faith in isolation.

This raises important questions: “Do I have good spiritual company?” and “Am I good company for others?” As we approach the heart of the Church, we encounter people who transform our lives, and we transform theirs. Like the disciples of Emmaus, realizing Jesus is alive compels us to share this news, the Good News — our vocation and meaning in a life with Christ.

Pilgrimage offers an opportunity to encounter the living God and experience Jesus as the way, truth and life. “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Our wounds allow us to embrace the cross. Our joys foreshadow heaven’s feast. Our companions reveal the living Church.

Through pilgrimage, we recognize the presence that never abandons us. Ultimately, we are called to be witnesses of the living Christ in and to the world.