There’s something about walking that changes you. Step by step, the world slows down, thoughts unravel, and a sense of purpose starts to settle in. For centuries, people have walked not just for the sake of reaching a place, but to find something within themselves. Pilgrimage has always been a journey of hope, faith, and transformation. With the 2025 Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope, more people are rediscovering the power of sacred travel—walking not as tourists, but as seekers.
The Transformative Power of Pilgrimage
Unlike a holiday, a pilgrimage isn’t about sightseeing or snapping photos. It’s about self-discovery, healing, and faith. The road is long, often challenging, but that’s the point. Every sore muscle, every moment of exhaustion, every step forward mirrors the ups and downs of life itself.
Faith-based travel is gaining momentum, especially as people seek meaning beyond the everyday rush. The Jubilee Year is inspiring many to step onto ancient paths, whether it’s the Camino de Santiago, Kumano Kodo, or the rugged St. Olav’s Way. These are not just routes on a map. They are deeply personal journeys—ones that test the body, strengthen the mind, and renew the soul.
The Mental and Emotional Healing of Pilgrimage
There’s something meditative about walking. The rhythm, the solitude, the steady movement—it’s a form of active therapy. Many who take up a pilgrimage do so because they need space to think, to grieve, or to heal from something in their past.
Take Anna, for example. After losing her husband, she felt stuck in grief. Nothing seemed to move forward—until she decided to walk the Camino de Santiago. For weeks, she walked, met fellow travellers, and slowly started piecing herself back together. It wasn’t instant, but somewhere between the Spanish countryside and the quiet chapels, she found peace. Walking gave her the time and space she needed to process her loss and step into a new chapter of her life.
Spiritual Growth and Faith Renewal on the Pilgrim’s Path
A pilgrimage is often described as a spiritual retreat in motion. It’s not just about reaching a shrine or cathedral; it’s about the moments in between. The quiet of early morning walks, the prayers whispered along the way, the realisation that faith is not about the destination, but the journey itself.
For some, like Daniel, a pilgrimage is about reconnecting with something they’ve lost. He grew up with faith but drifted away over the years. When he set off on the Kumano Kodo in Japan, he wasn’t expecting to rediscover it. Yet, walking through the misty forests, visiting ancient temples, and engaging in Buddhist and Shinto traditions gave him a new perspective. The experience reminded him that spirituality isn’t confined to one place or one belief system—it’s something deeply personal and ever-evolving.
Pilgrimage as Physical Healing
It’s easy to underestimate how much walking can heal the body, not just the mind. Long-distance walking has been linked to lower stress, improved mental clarity, and even relief from chronic conditions. Historically, people have walked to seek healing, believing sacred places held restorative powers. Sites like Lourdes in France and Fatima in Portugal have been pilgrimage destinations for those hoping for physical or spiritual relief.
For Liam, walking was a way to manage his anxiety. The pressure of work, city life, and endless notifications left him feeling overwhelmed. So he chose the Via Francigena, a lesser-known but equally powerful pilgrimage from Canterbury to Rome. The slow pace, the routine of waking up and walking, and the beauty of the Italian countryside gave him something modern life couldn’t—clarity and peace. By the time he reached Rome, he wasn’t just physically stronger, but mentally lighter.
The Power of Community and Connection
Many people start a pilgrimage alone but rarely finish it that way. There’s an unspoken bond among pilgrims—a shared understanding of struggle and perseverance. The kindness of strangers, the deep conversations over communal meals, and the friendships formed on the road are some of the most unexpected but rewarding parts of the journey.
On St. Olav’s Way, a group of strangers from different backgrounds found themselves walking together. Some were there for faith, others for adventure, and some simply because they needed a change. By the time they reached Trondheim, they had become friends. Pilgrimage has a way of bringing people together, forging connections that often last well beyond the final steps of the journey.
How to Experience the Healing Power of a Pilgrimage
Not all pilgrimages require months of walking. Some take just a few days, but the impact can be just as profound. If you’re considering one, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Choose a pilgrimage that aligns with your purpose—whether it’s for faith, healing, or personal growth.
- Prepare physically and mentally—start with small daily walks to build endurance.
- Embrace the journey, not just the destination—the best moments often come when you least expect them.
Every Step is a Step Towards Something Greater
Pilgrimage isn’t about proving anything to anyone. It’s about the road, the steps, the quiet moments where everything starts to make sense. Whether walking for peace, closure, or spiritual growth, every journey brings something new. As Pilgrims of Hope step onto these paths in 2025, the true reward won’t just be reaching the end—it will be found in every step along the way.