Benedictine Pilgrimage of Hope

When Pope Francis declared this the Jubilee Year of Hope, he wrote, “Pilgrimages have always been a significant part of the life of the faithful.” Throughout history, pilgrimages have played a significant role in all world religions, reflecting the fact that our life is a journey as we seek meaning, self-discovery, spiritual renewal and growth.

Just as Jesus traveled to the holy temple in Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph, we, too, make pilgrimages to renew, refresh and deepen our relationship with God. At times we make the journey by praying individually or with a group, or in a church, prayer space or outside in nature. Common pilgrimages for Christians include the Stations of the Cross, the Stations of the Resurrection, labyrinths and The Way of St. James or St. Benedict.

Making a pilgrimage, especially with others who are on the same quest, helps us gain greater insight and a deeper awareness that God journeys with us in our suffering, difficulties and confusion as well as in our joys, hopes and dreams. Pilgrimages help us gain a different perspective on life, strengthen us in our faith journey, and give us hope for the future. With each step, we leave the old behind, opening ourselves to new possibilities. We grow in our connection with God, becoming more aware of God’s covenantal love and faithfulness; we grow in our connection with one another as we give and receive support from fellow pilgrims; and finally, we become more aware of our connection with creation.

As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, Saint Benedict’s Monastery and Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn., partnered to host a pilgrimage between the two campuses on September 6, 2025. The goal was to unite the community—men, women, young and old—to pilgrimage from one sacred place to another.

Pilgrims were united in their journey of hope as they gathered for an opening prayer service in the monastery’s Sacred Heart Chapel. Sister Karen Rose, prioress, welcomed one and all, emphasizing that the participants were making the pilgrimage on the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’s encyclical on “Care for Our Common Home.” The pilgrimage also took place during the Season of Creation, an ecumenical call to action to renew, repair and restore our relationship with God, one another and all of creation. The Season of Creation occurs annually, beginning on September 1 and ending on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology.

Bishop Patrick Neary, bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud, was unable to attend the pilgrimage but did send a blessing, which was read during the opening prayer service. He wrote, “May the flame of hope burn ever brighter in our lives, guiding us along the path of mercy, justice and peace. With the blessing of Saint John’s Abbey and Saint Benedict’s Monastery, may we always remember that we are not alone in this journey. We walk together as a family of faith, united in the love of Christ, the source of all hope.”

Participants stayed together during the five-mile walk along the Wobegon Trail, and individuals took turns carrying a processional cross. Along the way, they made three prayer stops to read excerpts about hope, sing songs and share petitions. Upon arriving at Saint John’s Abbey, they celebrated Eucharist in the Abbey church and then enjoyed an evening meal together.

Catherine Duenne, OSB

This article was featured on page 14-15 in the fall 2025 issue of Call