Prepare Him Room Through Pilgrimage

This week most will be focused on finishing their Christmas lists, but as Catholics, we know that the purpose of Advent goes much deeper. In the famous Christmas song “Joy to the World”, we hear this beautiful call: “Let every heart prepare Him room”. Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year in the Church. It is a season of hope and new beginnings. This is when we can make our “new year’s resolutions” as to how we will invest in our spiritual life in the year ahead. We should ask ourselves, “How can I intentionally put God first in my life?”.

Christmas celebrates the incredible miracle of when Our Lord became “Emmanuel” which means “God with us”. Rather than being seen as distant or aloof, Christ humbled Himself and became man so that we could know, love, and serve Him in a deeply personal way.

In the book of James we read, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Sometimes in order for us to draw near to God, He calls us to step outside of our comfort zone. To take a break from our day-to-day life and experience Him in a new way. To realize that He is truly “God with us” through the Eucharist and the beauty, history, and worldwide presence of His Church. There is no better way to experience these truths than by traveling on a pilgrimage.

With over 250 available itineraries (www.206tours.com/pilgrimages), daily Mass, and a Priest traveling with every tour group, a 206 Tours pilgrimage is an investment in your relationship with the Lord. For over 38 years, thousands of our pilgrims have had life-changing experiences as they visit holy sites and shrines around the world. They have returned home forever changed and we want to invite you to do the same. Whether for yourself or someone you love, a pilgrimage is truly a gift for one’s soul.

So, as you finish your Christmas list, consider whether God may be calling you or someone you love to encounter Him through a pilgrimage. To experience in a real and tangible way the reality that He is still truly Emmanuel – God with us.

View 206 Tours’ Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages

5 Ways to Begin Preparing for a Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage is much more than a vacation. It’s important to take time to prepare beforehand so that you can get the most out of your spiritual journey. You can visit our Know Before You Go pages that will be able to answer most of the practical questions you may have about your upcoming tour and destinations you will be visiting. In the meantime, here are five simple ways you can begin to prepare for any pilgrimage:

1. Take time for personal prayer.

Unlike a vacation where the goal may be relaxation, the goal of a Pilgrimage is to grow closer to God by encountering Him in the places where He has revealed Himself. Your Pilgrimage experience begins long before you even board your flight. By preparing spiritually through daily prayer, spiritual reading, or favorite devotions, you’ll be able to hear God’s voice more clearly throughout your Pilgrimage. A Pilgrimage is the perfect time to discern God’s will for your life. Whether that be your vocation, your next steps regarding career or ministry, or even just how to navigate a difficult personal situation, the goal is to quiet our hearts so that God can speak to us. By preparing your heart in advance, you can be open to all the graces He wants to give you.

2. Begin walking every day.

There is so much to see while on a Pilgrimage! Each of our tours typically involve 3 – 4 miles of walking each day. We highly recommend that you begin walking every day leading up to your trip, so that it will not be a struggle once you arrive. It’s also important to have good shoes that are broken in and won’t cause you any discomfort while you’re on your feet for long periods of time. If you’re not used to walking long distances, we recommend that you start small. You can begin by committing to walking twenty minutes every day up and down your street (treadmills work too!). Make it a goal to walk a little farther each day and by the time your Pilgrimage comes, you’ll be ready to go. Consistency is key!

3. Ensure your travel wardrobe is modest and comfortable.

Many of the Churches and Shrines that you visit have a dress code in order for pilgrims to enter. They require you to have your shoulders and knees covered, as well as no tight-fitting clothing. For ladies, you can carry a light shawl with you in order cover your shoulders while in church. It is also important that your clothing is comfortable so that you can fully enjoy each day. It’s a good idea to wear layers to adapt to changing temperature. Always check the weather of where you’ll be visiting prior to your pilgrimage so that you can pack accordingly.

4. Study the lives of the Saints.

One of the most beautiful parts of any pilgrimage is getting to encounter the lives of the Saints who lived in that region. Take some time to learn about the Saints whose tomb or Shrine you’ll be visiting and begin to develop a relationship with them. It may be as simple as asking for their intercession during your daily prayer. This will make your experience of praying at their tomb even more impactful since it will feel as though you are encountering a friend.

5. Learn a bit of the language.

A fun and polite way of being able to interact with some of the locals on your Pilgrimage can be learning some simple words in their language. Some good key words to look up how to say before you go are:

• Hello
• Good bye
• Good morning
• Good evening
• Please
• Thank you
• Yes
• No

Of course, your 206 Tours guide will also be fluent in the language of whatever country you are visiting, so you can always ask them for guidance along the way.

From the moment you arrive at the airport until the time you return home, 206 Tours will take care of every detail so all you have to do is enjoy your Pilgrimage. Remember that the most important thing of all is to place your trip in God’s hands and be open to all the graces He wants to give you.

View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages