The Pilgrim's Journey

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The Church’s Response to Medjugorje Apparitions – Updated Timeline

Ann VucicLast Updated: September 11th, 2020Church News, Medjugorje, Pope Francis

Timeline of the Church’s response to Medjugorje1981: Apparitions of Medjugorje begin 1984: Local bishop, diocese of Mostar forms a commission to investigate the events in Medjugorje. 1986: Bishop submits a negative decision about Medjugorje to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (CDF), which at the time was led by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later, Pope … Read More

5 Ways to Keep the Spirit of Pilgrimage Alive When You Return

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

Medjugorje Pilgrim Experiences Remarkable Graces & Answered Prayers

Stephanie EngelmanLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Medjugorje

“We think of  Lent as a time of stripping away. This year, my Lent was incredibly challenging in multiple ways,” Thirty-two-year-old Maria of Indianapolis, Indiana shares. “I was going through a period of desolation. I just kept thinking, hold on to Easter, hold on to Easter, things will get better.” Easter Sunday came and, despite … Read More

Holy Smokes!

Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 13th, 2018Camino de Santiago

This church, while nearly one thousand years old, has many features to admire, but perhaps the most interesting is found on the inside, and only makes appearances on special occasions. This spectacle is called the Botafumiero, and it is one of the largest thuribles in the world.

Fr. Leon Pereira – What Role Does Private Revelation Play in Our Faith?

Stephanie EngelmanLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Medjugorje

Last week we began a two-part series with Fr. Leon Pereira, Chaplain to English-Speaking Pilgrims in Medjugorje. We looked at the Church’s current ruling on the Medjugorje apparitions, and Fr. commented on a quote from Archbishop Henrik Hoser – “The light far outweighs the shadows.” This week, we’ll turn our attention to the question, “Do … Read More

Medjugorje Chaplain Fr. Leon Pereira Provides Food for Thought Regarding Vatican Approval

Stephanie EngelmanLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Medjugorje

Recently, Fr. Leon Pereira, Chaplain to English Speaking Pilgrims in Medjugorje, spoke with Medjugorje pilgrimage leader Ann Vucic about the status of the Holy See’s approval of the Medjugorje apparitions, and whether the faithful are allowed to come to Medjugorje. Fr. Leon’s words offered substantial food for thought regarding pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Over the next … Read More

Incorrupt Saints – A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth – The Saints Who’ve Stood the Test of Time

Bri CampbellLast Updated: April 1st, 2022France, Italy, Marian Shrines of Europe, Medjugorje

What does “incorrupt” mean?The word “incorrupt” means “not having undergone decomposition, especially of a human body.”What is an incorrupt saint? In the realm of Catholicism, an incorrupt saint is one whose body experiences little, no, or delayed decomposition after death. It is believed that divine intervention has allowed a number of human bodies to forgo … Read More

Is Vatican Paving the Way Toward Approval of Medjugorje?

Stephanie EngelmanLast Updated: July 13th, 2020Medjugorje

Recent events have lead many to speculate that the Vatican may be paving the way toward approval of Medjugorje as a site of Marian apparitions. On Thursday, May 31, 2018, the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, the Vatican announced that it was appointing recently-retired Archbishop Henryk Hoser as Special Apostolic Visitor to … Read More

The Ice Bath That’s Truly Healing

Bri CampbellLast Updated: June 3rd, 2020Marian Shrines of Europe

With any pilgrimage that you may embark on, there are plenty of ways to be immersed into a spiritual experience. You may be able to touch a relic, visit a place where Jesus may have walked, or come within feet of the Holy Father during a Wednesday Audience. But at Lourdes, the everyday pilgrim not only has the option to be immersed spiritually, but also physically, when they partake in the ritual of bathing at St. Bernadette’s Grotto.

Simon “The Rock” Peter – The Stones that Symbolize the First Papacy

Bri CampbellLast Updated: July 10th, 2020Holy Land

Found in Tabgha along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, not far from where the multiplication of the loaves and fishes took place, is a quaint Roman Catholic Church made of gray stone. It’s quite simple, with a single column that is topped off by a bell and crucifix, and a few windows peppering the outside walls. Its red roof stands out amongst the greenery that surrounds it. This is the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, a site that commemorates the event that started a papal lineage that spans 265 successors.

This Chapel is Literally the Salt of the Earth

Bri CampbellLast Updated: June 29th, 2020Poland

Opened in the 13th century, the Wieliczka Salt Mine was Poland’s oldest business venture until it was forced to close in 2007 due to declining salt prices and flooding in the mine. What was left behind wasn’t just a 1,072-foot-deep hole in the ground, but an astounding architectural marvel that amazes close to 1.2 million people annually.

The Concrete Jungle of Barcelona: Exploring the Sagrada Familia Part 3

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…

The Upper Room: More Than Just a Renaissance Man Cave

Bri CampbellLast Updated: September 16th, 2020Holy Land, Spiritual Reflections

When the Upper Room is mentioned, the first thing that might come to mind is Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. In his version it’s a room with a high ceiling, big enough to accommodate a table for thirteen diners (perhaps even more if they didn’t all have to sit on the same side of the … Read More