For the first time since January 2018, I am leading a pilgrimage with six of our parishioners. This trip was marketed in late 2018 and throughout 2019 to see the famous Passion Play in Oberammergau as well as to visit beautiful European cities like Munich, Prague, and Innsbruck.  At one point we had 21 people signed up for the trip. Everything was cancelled in March 2020 as the coronavirus plague caused worldwide disruptions. The famous play, held every ten years, was postponed for only the third time until 2022.

Our last pilgrimage was a trip to the Holy Land and an additional post-trip for some to Egypt.  We had 31 with us in the Holy Land and 20 remained for the additional five days in Egypt.  I was impressed how our parishioners got to know each other on a much deeper level than before.  Our Holy Land group continues to socialize and be involved in all of our parish events. 

The purpose of a pilgrimage is not vacation, although it looks that way to some. Pilgrimage is a spiritual journey where we learn and experience more about our faith. On a Catholic pilgrimage, Mass is celebrated daily, usually in one of the historic churches or chapels. There is plenty of time for meals and social time together. 

In next week’s bulletin I will write about the experience of the Passion Play itself. We attend the six-hour production on Saturday, Sept. 10.  I will be home by the time you see the bulletin column, but it will be written earlier in the week before the Tuesday deadline.  When I travel, and particularly so on pilgrimage, I post daily photographs and limited commentary on my Facebook page.  You can send me a friend request (Gary Padgett) if you wish to see the daily feed. 

When I return home, I will announce our next pilgrimage, returning to the Holy Land and visiting Jordan. The date is October 23, 2023.  I hope those of you who can travel will consider joining us and discovering the spiritual benefits of a pilgrimage with your fellow parishioners. We will pray for you and ask that you pray for us as well on this pilgrimage. 

                                                 Fr. Gary