{"id":41152,"date":"2013-08-15T06:00:53","date_gmt":"2013-08-15T11:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.austincnm.com\/?p=41152"},"modified":"2013-08-15T16:22:06","modified_gmt":"2013-08-15T21:22:06","slug":"reasons-to-go-on-a-pilgrimage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atxcatholic.com\/index.php\/2013\/08\/reasons-to-go-on-a-pilgrimage\/","title":{"rendered":"Reasons to Go on a Pilgrimage and Suggested Destinations"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Reasons<\/p>\n

It is still the year of faith.<\/p>\n

We had a lot of talk and excitement with one year preparation, and now we\u2019re almost a year into it. The excitement has tapered, and \u00a0it\u2019s easy to overlook. We still have time to make this a time of renewal of faith, and I have one simple suggestion – go, be a pilgrim.<\/p>\n

A few months ago, I wrote a post about visiting churches<\/a> when I travel, and Rita Suva wrote a great post about how to Travel like a Catholic<\/a>. One of the great traditions of the faith is to take a dedicated trip to a sacred location for the intention of spiritual growth and renewal. It\u2019s true that the custom is older than Christianity, but that doesn\u2019t mean that we don\u2019t do it in uniquely Catholic ways. Catholic Culture has some great tips and suggestions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The word pilgrim often evokes images of Thanksgiving for many of us Americans. Even in the church, pilgrimage is often used more in symbolic terms of our life as a spiritual journey instead instead of a physical peregrination.<\/p>\n

\"10This is the year of faith, and it\u2019s easy to see it as a concept with no tangible application in your life, but the Church has suggested pilgrimages as one of the best ways to participate in the Year of Faith. There\u2019s a pilgrimage option for everyone. Some are quick day trips close to home, or you can go all out and travel to some of the holiest sites of our faith. It will all depend on how much time, resources, and money you have to spend.<\/p>\n

There are many great organizations that lead Catholic tours, but you don’t \u00a0have to go on a guided pilgrimage for it to be a real pilgrimage. It can be just a quick road trip with the family or friends. Keep it simple, it’s not about being a tourist or cramming in the busiest schedule. It’s all about seeking Our Lord and encountering a deeper relationship through your journey. This can happen within a 30 minute drive or traveling half way around the world.<\/p>\n

Trips are exciting and getting caught up in the moment\u00a0\u00a0is easy. Remember to keep prayer at the center of your pilgrimage, especially around the Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the sacrament of Confession.<\/p>\n

Sure you can vacation to superficial destinations such as theme parks and malls, but in the end, but in the end, they just take all your money. I’m not saying that those vacations are bad, but I am urging you to consider sometimes taking a trip for the sake of your soul and not just about fun. Pilgrimages can be equally, if not more, instagram-worthy.<\/p>\n

I have a few suggestions for destination for your pilgrimage. Theses are just a few select ideas, and all travel times marked are based from Austin. Feel free to add any suggested destinations in the comments.<\/p>\n

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Pilgrimage Destination Suggestions<\/h2>\n

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Day Trips within the Diocese of Austin<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"St<\/p>\n

In the Diocese of Austin, the following four sites have been designated by Bishop Joe S. V\u00e1squez for the Year of Faith plenary indulgence<\/a>:<\/p>\n