Every day in Medjugorje, seven to ten thousand people kneel together in Eucharistic Adoration. So, Fr. Leon Pereira, the chaplain to English-speaking pilgrims in Medjugorje, knows a thing or two about Adoration. Here are what he calls the three essential elements of Adoration: SILENCE. Our world today offers little opportunity for silence. Media and mobile … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: February 12th, 2019Pilgrims' Stories, Upcoming Pilgrimages
When preparing for a pilgrimage, packing your bag for the journey ahead can err on the side of intimidating. If you are an experienced traveler, you may be in possession of that special grace that allows you to perform this task with ease. If this your first rodeo however, don’t worry, I’m here to help. … Read More
My youngest son was a picky eater. I packed his lunch almost every day until he was in the 8th grade. Then, they began selling “Bosco Sticks” in his school’s cafeteria. He couldn’t get enough of them. When I asked him why they were called “Bosco” sticks, he had no idea. Here’s what we discovered … Read More
Erin McCole CuppLast Updated: January 23rd, 2019Pilgrims' Stories
A dear friend and I were talking about our upcoming summer travels. She was taking a mission trip to Africa. I was traveling to the decidedly first-world locations of England, France and Ireland. “It’s a pilgrimage,” I explained, “like an old-fashioned, medieval pilgrimage—but, well, with planes.” She gave me a very gracious but confused smile, … Read More
Erin McCole CuppLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Marian Shrines of Europe, Pilgrims' Stories
By Erin McCole Cupp “You’re going to Lourdes? Oh, the Candlelight Rosary Procession—it’s so beautiful! You’ll love it.” I heard this from many corners as we prepared for our family’s pilgrimage. As the summer approached, our family read books about Lourdes, poured over the Lourdes website, and watched videos and documentaries. I remember the five … Read More
Every pilgrim knows that once you’ve been to the Holy Land, “Ordinary Time” is never ordinary again. You can’t walk in the footsteps of Our Lord and not be affected when you hear the Gospel message. Ordinary Time, which begins this Sunday, is not called so because it is “not interesting.” The phrase is derived … Read More
Ask anyone about the Magi, also known as the Three Kings or Three Wise Men, and the first thing that typically comes to mind is either a familiar Christmas tune or the gifts they brought the Christ Child. The fact is, we don’t know a lot about them. They are mentioned only in the Gospel … Read More
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. So, all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of … Read More
For 250 years, a ladder has stood almost unmoved, a symbol of division and the aspiration for healing.
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
Most Catholics today lovingly refer to St. John Paul II as “The Pilgrim Pope.” After all, during his 26 years as pontiff, he made pilgrimages to 129 different countries on six continents. But this month, we celebrate the canonization of the “original” Pilgrim Pope, Pope Paul VI. Now known as St. Paul VI, he was … Read More
After the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Holy Rosary is the prayer most pleasing to Our Blessed Mother. Reigning as Queen of Heaven and sitting next to the King, her beloved son, Our Lady has been given the dispensation to grant God’s graces to her spiritual children, for whom she constantly intercedes. The Blessed … 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
So, you’ve decided to make a pilgrimage. You’ve registered, purchased insurance, and obtained the right travel documents … but there’s so much more to a pilgrimage than the practicalities of travel! You’re not just going on a vacation. You’re putting yourself in God’s hands in a very special way, asking Him to show you what … Read More
Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Holy Land
The Man A distant cousin of Jesus, John makes his first appearance in the Gospels when the angel Gabriel first announces his conception to Elizabeth and Zechariah, an aging couple who had previously been unable to bear children. Overcome with disbelief at the angel’s message, Zechariah voiced his skepticism and was instantly stricken with muteness, … Read More
