Great Catholic Homilies

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20 “Repent, and believe the Good News.”

Full sermon text: We may have heard it said that we are on “a pilgrimage in this life.” Today this phrase may not have as much of an impact because culturally we are not as familiar with the concept of a pilgrimage. The Catholic dictionary defines pilgrimage as a journey to a sacred place undertaken as an act of religious devotion. Pilgrimages have a long rich history in Christian culture. Going back to the beginning of Christianity, the faithful would make these spiritual journeys to such places as the Holy Land and Rome.

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God is blessing us with new men, strong in the faith, eager to serve Him under our charism. Why? Go to our website and read, “Ancient Order of Friars Sees Vitality in U.S.”

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It was done for a variety of reasons: to venerate the relics of a saint, ask a special favor of God, beg for the cure of an illness, express thanks to God, and/or as an act of penance for sin. For two thousand years of Christian history, pilgrimages have been a part of life. Today, we do still see it done though on a smaller scale. In my hometown of Scranton, PA, a group of faithful will travel for miles on foot through the early hours of the morning to arrive at the Basilica of St. Ann in time for the patronal feast day of the grandmother of Jesus. On a much smaller scale, my own family would also often take Sunday drives when I was a child to nearby churches or to visit the graves of our relatives. Continue Reading…