Pilgrimage Across Canada

Introduction

Being born and raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, the idea of a pilgrimage to sacred places has always been a part of my life. The Catholic papers always have notices for groups visiting places like Fatima and Lourdes. Later I became familiar with the practice of "Pilgrimage" in other traditions and cultures. And after the second Vatican Council I began to think of myself as part of a "Pilgrim Church" with all that implies.

The word pilgrimage means much more than traveling to special places. It defines a religious/spiritual journey that mirrors the inner reality of our lives. While some special places have attracted millions of people from around the world, this journey is undertaken with the knowledge that each place we are is special. So this pilgrimage is not about reaching one particular geographical place, but about developing a greater awareness of the sacredness of our daily journey.

In "Spiritlinks", Audrey Whitson writes:

"In ancient times, pilgrimage was practiced as a form of prayer and meditation, a journey into community, an honouring of sacred place, and an aid to reconciliation and healing.   The contemporary pilgrim is a person at a crossroads; a person seeking at the edges of tradition, finding fresh insights at the centre of their own experience"

I have always tended to surround myself with a nest of security, peeking out at risk- taking while hardly daring to embrace it. Still, somewhere deep within myself is an urging to surrender to something/someone beyond myself. This is perhaps the thrust that drives people into deserts and mountain caves, seeking to see, to listen, to touch, smell and taste places that speak of something beyond the advertising hype and superficial living that so pervades our society.

So I start off in my van, with my faithful dog Jessie, to begin exploring those "Sacred Places in Canada; Those places where it seems easiest to sense the presence of the Divine Other, the Creator, God, or whatever we call "It", "Him" or "Her". Some have been recommended by friends, some are the result of research and reading, and for some I trusted the Spirit to lead me where She would along the road.