Preparing for a pilgrimage

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Veritas41

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In April I’m going on a pilgrimage to Eastern Europe (Poland and Czech Republic),and I would appreciate advice on how to prepare (practically and spiritually). I’ve never traveled to Europe,so this will be a new experience for me.

Thanks!!
 
Veritas41 said:
In April I’m going on a pilgrimage to Eastern Europe (Poland and Czech Republic),and I would appreciate advice on how to prepare (practically and spiritually). I’ve never traveled to Europe,so this will be a new experience for me.

Thanks!!
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Well you obviously have chosen these places to make your pilgrimage to, because of some inspiration you have received from them.

My advice, read about them, but don’t create images or expectations of what your experience will be like. Your experience will be what the Holy Spirit gives you that the time of your pilgrimage. Whatever you create in your mind can bring disappointment, when things don’t pan out as you have imagined. God will not disappoint you if you remain open to Him as you travel on your pilgrimage.

Myself, I’m still amazed at what God gave me on my pilgrimage to the Shrines of France. It’s something I’ll always treasure!

And always, pray.

God Bless
Jim
 
what Jim said, I have never been to a pilgrimage, except to local shrines encountered on family vacations, or within weekend driving distance, and I envy you. I want to go to Guadalupe, to Fatima, then Lourdes. SIL did your itinerary in college (he is of Polish descent) and he says it changed his life.

regard the pilgrimage as a spiritual exercise, not an excursion. In other words, accept any of the inconvenciences or lacks in the accommodation, food etc. in a penititential attitude, as part of the experience. be open to new experiences and ideas, and non-judgemental about the culture you will be encountering. Pray, perhaps a novena, before you start that you remain open to the workings of the Holy Spirit during this wonderful experience.
 
Thank you both for your advice. This, to me, is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The pilgrimage focuses on John Paul II, St. Faustina Kowalska and St. Maximilian Kolbe, all three of whom made a huge impact on me in becoming Catholic and also developing my relationship with God. I was so amazed to see a pilgrimage focus on these three particular saints (I know JPII isn’t canonized yet, but he’s a saint in my book) and felt like this was something God wanted me to do. Like you, I would love to go to Guadalupe, Lourdes and Fatima, and if God is willing, maybe I will some day:)

God bless!
 
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