Are we losing sight of the spiritual traditions that lie at the heart of our Catholic faith?
On this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, hosts Ryan Scheel, Ryan Dellacrosse, and Father Rich Pagano with guest Father John Tetlow embark on a pilgrimage, retracing Jesus' path in the Holy Land.
These sacred locations, deeply intertwined with biblical narratives, serve as vivid reminders of our spiritual heritage. They do not just follow a trail on a map, but a spiritual journey!
Father Pagano captures the essence of their transformative experience: "When you're walking up to this ancient city of Jerusalem... it is altering your whole sense of existence."
A testament to the power of unity and solidarity, they encounter vibrant communities in Bethlehem bound by a shared faith and break bread with families who have carried the Christian tradition for generations.
"These Christian families that have been in this area since the beginning...we're going to get the opportunity to eat with them, learn from them," Scheel says.
Their journey culminates at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site traditionally held to be where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
The weight of this moment is clear in Father Pagano's words: “When we experience Mass in the celebration of the Holy Sepulcher, this is going to be the greatest pilgrimage of my life."
In overlooking the rich tradition of pilgrimages, we risk losing a vital facet of our faith: the ability to immerse ourselves in the Gospel's narratives and connect with a global Christian community. Remember, a pilgrimage is more than just a trip - it's an opportunity for spiritual growth.
"A pilgrimage is not a trip, but a way of life. It's not a vacation, it's something where we grow closer to Jesus Christ and to one another," Father Tetlow shares.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the Bible's stories, not just through reading but through touching, smelling, and seeing the places where they happened?
Embarking on a pilgrimage might just be the spiritual reawakening you need!