Pilgrimage in Post-Christian Europe
Pilgrimage in post-Christian Europe offers a moment of not only penance, but also evangelization. Saint John Paul understood the importance of pilgrimage for the New Evangelization. Pilgrimage to traditional holy places like the Cathedral of Santiago De Compostela reintroduces believers to their rich heritage of faith and opens up the soul to a deeper encounter with God. At the same time, these traditional roads and places are filled with people drawn for reasons they do not know. Some of my best conversations happened with these pilgrims. I merely asked questions or offered to pray, but they disclosed a deep yearning and desire for answers for the questions of the heart.
As an American life-long Catholic who lacks to the resources to travel outside the country I appreciate you posting this perspective on something I won't experience. But as usual for me I get caught up in trivial things sometimes. In this case although I know who Martin Sheen is but no have idea why he is associated with pilgrimage. (I know I know I live in a media bubble) Using the internet and authoritative Wikipedia I now know why. More importantly I found out more about Sheen who I was disposed not to like much before reading about him. I may disagree with some of his political views but found the description of him to be unique for liberal public figures. Thank you for writing this article.