Erin McCole CuppLast Updated: February 17th, 2023Ireland, Marian Shrines of Europe, Pilgrims' Stories
By Erin McCole Cupp“Uncomfortable silence” is a phrase that has taken on multiple meanings of late. We can’t drive without the radio playing. We can’t sit anywhere without the buzzing of this text or that notification. We can’t even let our minds be quiet for more than thirty seconds before we pull out the smartphone … Read More
Andrea JLast Updated: September 28th, 2018Pilgrims' Stories
As Pilgrim Relationship Coordinator, I have the privilege of interacting with hundreds of pilgrims each year, both before and after their transformational pilgrimage experiences. Through these encounters – on the phone or via e-mail – I know it is not an exaggeration to say a pilgrimage is a life-changing event in the faith life of … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Pilgrims' Stories, Priests, Spiritual Reflections
Pilgrimage changes people. It enriches their lives, brings them closer to each other, and – most importantly – closer to God. When they return home, it’s with a renewed sense of self, a renewed purpose, and a strong desire to grow Christ’s kingdom in their own communities. Having experienced God in such a profound and … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 16th, 2020Marian Shrines of Europe, Pilgrims' Stories
When I first stepped foot inside the Sagrada Familia almost four years ago I was more than a little offended when a fellow art student commented that this iconic structure was “ugly.” In last week’s article, I explored the two completed facades and how they encapsulate the fullness and depth of the Catholic faith. Read More…
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 14th, 2020Marian Shrines of Europe, Pilgrims' Stories
The Barcelona skyline isn’t really that impressive. All of the buildings tend to blend together; they share the same brown color and none of them soar higher then 3 or 4 stories tall. So when your eye wanders upon the vast Sagrada Familia in the distance, it seems even greater in size. Read More…
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 14th, 2020Marian Shrines of Europe, Pilgrims' Stories
When I first walked through the doors of the Sagrada Familia, I entered as a study abroad art student, not a pilgrim. My breath was immediately taken away by the magnificent dancing colors of the grand windows and the columns that seemed to branch up into the sky for miles. Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: January 25th, 2018Featured Pilgrimages, Pilgrims' Stories, Spiritual Reflections, Travel Alerts
Are you embarking on a pilgrimage soon? Don’t let yourself treat this spiritual journey like a vacation; having the right mindset while traveling is key to getting the most out of your journey! Help yourself prepare by taking into account these 10 Life Hacks from a former pilgrim:Take a prayer list.When on pilgrimage you are … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 16th, 2020Italy, Pilgrims' Stories
It was a hot spring day in Rome as we exited the cool marble interior of the massive Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. As we gathered together around our tour guide, Irene, her voice came through our whisper headsets, stating that our next destination was the Holy Stairs, right across the street.“What are those?” a … Read More
“Every time I began to wonder whether I was on the right path, I’d turn a corner and there’d be an arrow showing me that I was going the right direction,” Andrea Joines says, as she reflects on her 2014 walk along the Camino de Santiago.At the time, Andrea was 34 years old. After nannying … Read More
The following is the true story of a recent Tekton pilgrim, who traveled to Medjugorje, followed by retreat with Fr. Zlatko Sudac, from Nov. 28th to Dec. 8th, 2017. “You just need to start.” “Excuse me?” Sheila asked, turning to the man who had spoken to her out of nowhere. “You just need to start,” … Read More
