To be a pilgrim

Why do we go on a pilgrimage? What moves us? How do we prepare? How would it be like to see friends again after all these years? What awaits us at our destination?

- By DOROTHY DELGADO NOVICIO

I had these considerations in mind as I embarked on a 12-day Marian and Jubilee of Hope pilgrimage with friends I have known in Beijing almost 20 years ago and with friends I have only met in cyberspace. The rhythm of our life is of a coming and going. The bond of our sisterhood conjoins with the fragility of separation: we either go back to a home country or move to a new posting. But we always have had a common ground. It’s not a place, but a ritual: every Tuesday when we gather virtually to pray the rosary, with and through Mother Mary.

In our Catholic tradition, the rosary is a devotion where each Hail Mary echoes as a sublime refrain, while we contemplate on the life of Jesus through its mysteries. These mysteries are also resonances of our individual lives —joyful, sorrowful, glorious yet always illumined by light. A light that shines with hope - in the belief of a living God and a blessed mother who loves us beyond our faults.

Apart from paying homage to the Blessed Virgin in her places of apparition, we participated in the celebration of the Jubilee of Hope. The DIY trip was a year in the making, mostly organized by our Europe-based friends. Someone has already done similar trips in the past so her advice on what flights to take, what itinerary to follow or which other churches or places to visit proved extremely valuable. Technology was of much help in booking flights, train rides, foyers, hotels, dining places and side tours.