A pilgrimage differs from a tour in several important ways. It is a personal invitation from God, comprised of His offer and dependent upon the pilgrim’s acceptance. God’s call may vary but the purpose remains consistent: It is an individual summons to know God more fully. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim joyfully responds “yes” to God’s invitation.
Although in previous centuries many trials were intrinsic to a pilgrimage, the modern pilgrim has an abundance of affordable travel options, yet the purpose remains unchanged. It is a journey to a holy, sacred place to usher the pilgrim into the presence of God.
The pilgrim must embark on this journey with joyful anticipation, being willing temporarily to separate himself or herself from the world and to offer himself or herself in humble service to another. A successful pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind one’s problems and to focus instead on seeking to learn more about our heavenly Father, making one’s heart full of desire for special graces, praises, petitions and thanksgiving, returning home transformed, renewed and restored by the abundant blessings received.
A pilgrimage is a time of prayer and to witness the miraculous signposts God has left for our return to Him. Ask God to bless you with a heart that will be receptive to the treasure chest of graces He desires to shower upon your pilgrimage. The success of your spiritual journey will depend upon your openness, faith, flexibility, and love. |
Nepal has many pilgrimage sites as well that are very important to the people and their distinctive and respective cultures. These range from the Nuwakot Palace to Gorkha Palace, from Mukti Nath to Dev Ghat dham. Most of these sites are remotely located, and have communities grown around them. These sites are important from historical as well from religious points of view. Most of these sites are also proven to be very good trekking routes, as in Muktinath and Gosaikund. Tours to these sites are highly encouraged not only for religious purposes but also for witnessing and appreciating the various cultural and traditional ethos of this small but diverse country. Most of these sites are open throughout the year for tourism because they are considered living museums. One of the very interesting
