Our Pilgrimages
Christian Pilgrimage requires setting an intentional destination with some significance as a place of prayer to God or the saints. There are well-trodden routes to such sites around the world, but there are also many places in the United States worthy of such attention.
Holy Destinations
This map shows upcoming pilgrimages as well as a selection of past events sponsored by Modern Catholic Pilgrim, both independently and with partner organizations. It doesn’t include over 1,000 affiliated self-led pilgrimages. Click on any endpoint to learn more!
Self-Led Pilgrimage
In May 2020, when many houses of worship were closed and there were limitations on gathering in large groups, MCP introduced its first self-led pilgrimage project, 300 Pilgrimages for Mary, encouraging individuals or households to find a place where they felt close to Mary and make their own pilgrimage there. This successful endeavor led to self-led pilgrimages becoming a key part of MCP’s work: pilgrims (whether walking under the guise of a particular project such as May’s Pilgrims for Mary or October’s Walking with the Saints) can register their walk with MCP to receive practical and spiritual materials for before, during, and after their pilgrimage, as well as find virtual community and/or raise awareness of the simple power of pilgrimage.
ANYWERE
One-Day Pilgrimage
We partner with parishes, young adult ministries, schools, shrines, religious orders, and dioceses to coordinate single-day pilgrimages to holy sites within their communities. One-day pilgrimages can range from 3 to 18 miles depending on your target community. Examples include a family-oriented pilgrimage for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, a walk east of the Twin Cities to the parish where Bl. Solanus Casey was confirmed for his feast day, and an annual pilgrimage for the Young Adult Ministry of San Diego.
If you are interested in planning a pilgrimage for your organization or community, please reach out via our contact form. We are happy to collaborate at a range of levels, from basic consultation to long-distance coordination to fully organizing, hosting, and leading the pilgrimage.
Multi-Day Pilgrimage
While self-led and one-day pilgrimages provide opportunities for anyone to access the spiritual benefits of pilgrimage, multi-day pilgrimages are the origin of MCP and offer the deepest experience due to both the increased duration and the ability to pair the pilgrimage experience with night(s) spent with generous hosts extending biblical hospitality. We coordinate a limited number of multi-day pilgrimages each year so that we can maintain their intimate nature and ensure the safety and proper preparation of hosts and pilgrims alike.
Walking Together
Pilgrimages for Racial Justice and Reconciliation
While the rest of our pilgrimages are offered for a wide variety of intentions, MCP plans and hosts a series of pilgrimages specifically oriented towards racial justice and reconciliation, in partnership with communities around the United States.
The patron of the project is Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, and its goal is three-fold: Sr. Thea's call for a "truly Catholic" solidarity to the forefront of each pilgrimage, to build community among pilgrims across the various pilgrimages that occur around the country, and to teach pilgrims about this great saint for our age while we seek her intercession each time we walk together as the beautiful, multi-cultural Church that Sister Thea knew us to be.
Due to their particular intentions, Walking Together pilgrimages are often paired with additional programming from our partner institutions. Learn more by clicking on individual events.
Walking with the Saints
Creating a Culture of Pilgrimage
We have always said that pilgrimage is simple, but not simplistic. In keeping with this philosophy, we are excited to launch a new initiative in 2024, Walking with the Saints. This project is being piloted in MCP’s home base of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, where we are committing to guiding at least one pilgrimage each month from March to October, typically culminating at a parish under the patronage of a saint whose feast is coming up.
Unlike some of our larger events, these pilgrimages will not typically include a provided meal or transportation, though each will have a recommended gathering place for food and fellowship and some pointers on travel.
The aim is to embrace our identity as pilgrims on this Earth and create space for the community and spirituality of pilgrimage, of stepping away from everyday life spiritually even while on potentially familiar terrain physically, to recall the presence of God and the saints with us everywhere we go.
