Making a Pilgrimage

by Sally Welch

This compact and carryable guide will open your eyes to what journeys of pilgrimage can teach you, whether you're planning an epic expedition or you are a virtual pilgrim interested in the spiritual dimensions of this long-standing tradition. Simultaneously practical and uplifting, it will take you through each aspect of the journey, from preparing to leave to readjusting to normal life after extraordinary experiences. Including the stories of modern pilgrims and ancient ones, this book is full of inspiration, with quotes and reflections in each section. Whether you're an experienced pilgrim or considering the idea for the first time, this book extends an invitation to make travel sacred - by realizing that whatever your destination, it is the journey that matters in the end.

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Paul Trembling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pilgrimage is an essential part of Christian tradition, and there are plenty of books out there which explore it in many ways and at all levels - theological, historical and practical. The advantage of this one is that it's small enough to slip into your rucksack and light enough not to add significantly to the load! Plus which, the contents are broken up into small, bite-sized chunks: a relevant quotation, a real-life story, a thoughtful commentary on the subject and a reflective exercise. Perfect for reading through at the end of a long day of walking, especially if you haven't the energy left for anything longer!

It covers a lot of subjects relevant to pilgrimage (relationships and solitude, repentance and healing, dealing with obstacles, learning to rest - to name a few) and includes some fascinating historical facts, putting modern pilgrimage into its context as a continuation of an ancient tradition (though not always done for the same reasons).

It also includes both practical advice and spiritual insights: but for me one of the strengths of the book was that the practical advice often and a spiritual component, whilst the spiritual insights were frequently quite practical as well!

A good preparation for going on pilgrimage, and an excellent companion to take with you.

[Christopher Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book during the course of making a very long walk. The walk was not intended to be a pilgrimage, but the book cast an interesting side-light on how my state of mind might have been different if it had been. It contained a number of interesting anecdotes, used to make points, and contained a lot of well-intentioned advice ranging from the purely practical to the spiritual, via the psychological and more. I enjoyed it.