Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage has become more popular in recent years, perhaps encouraged by certain television programmes that follow groups of pilgrims walking well-known pilgrimage routes, like those to Santiago de Compostela. Traditionally, pilgrimages were meant to be physically and spiritually hard.

The first pilgrimage in which I took part was when I was 17. I was staying with a French family in Paris on an exchange visit. The family with whom I was placed were devout Roman Catholics as was their daughter who was my exchange partner. The pilgrimage was over a weekend with a small group of older Girl Guides. It was led by a Roman Catholic priest. We started by taking a train to the outskirts of Paris. I don't remember where. That was the easy part.

Our long walk on a wet spring weekend was not so easy. I especially remember a cafe stop for lunch. The priest had discovered that I was a Presbyterian. Over the meal he asked me to explain the difference between how I understood Holy Communion in my Presbyterian church and the Roman Catholic mass. I was studying A level French at the time, but to do this explanation was a challenge for me to manage in French. It seemed I didn't do too badly as 'Father' congratulated me, while also adding some theological clarification from his point of view.

After that linguistic and theological challenge we continued our wet walk, eventually arriving at a barn to spend the night. We were provided with empty hessian sacks which we had to fill with straw for our beds. Although tired, it was not easy to sleep. I found myself lying awake listening for mice. It was a relief when dawn came and another cafe visit for hot chocolate and fresh bread. The walk that day was shorter and drier.

It was so exciting to reach our destination, Chartres Cathedral, and to see its magnificent stained glass windows. We were given a private tour of the building, before assembling with the priest at one of the many side altars, where he led the Mass. This was before Vatican 2, so the service was entirely in Latin. I only understood a few words. Everyone in the group, who were all Roman Catholics,  received a wafer of bread, except me. Although I understood why, it was hard to be left out.

Our return to Paris was easy, entirely by train. The whole experience was unforgettable and  often remember it.

Pilgrim remember

for all your pain

the Master you seek abroad

you will find at home -

or walk in vain.

Source: Anonymous 7th century

 

Image Credit: Flickr, CC License