A prayer that you walk.
That’s how Paul Millar, pastor at Montague Christian Church, on Prince Edward Island describes pilgrimage.
It’s not something that the church was familiar with, so Paul was appreciative that the elders and congregation were willing to embrace something new.
Pilgrimage PEI was a 5-day 112 km walk from Montague to Charlottetown for up to 17 participants this past May.
It started with the church hosting a barbecue and concert by local musicians for the pilgrims.
Then, each day after breakfast and a morning reflection, pilgrims headed out in silence for the first hour.
Pilgrims were invited to come with a question that would guide their conversation with God throughout the week.
At lunch time, lectio divina – a slow and prayerful way of reading Scripture – directed pilgrims’ attention back to God.
Then a group examen allowed the pilgrims to review their day and give thanks to God for the gifts of grace throughout the day.
It was a special week for the pilgrims from PEI and Ontario – an unusual time of walking, silence, spiritual conversation, and prayer.
One of the highlights for Paul was the various ways people from the church and community could be a part of the pilgrimage.
Some drove pilgrims to and from the trail each day, some opened up their homes for washrooms and water, and others hosted the pilgrims with fresh coffee and muffins.
A couple of churches along the way also opened up their buildings for the pilgrims and met them early in the morning to bless them at the trail head.
In a world of so much noise and distraction, Paul noted that the pilgrims appreciated the opportunity to connect with God, with God’s created world, and with themselves.
Sometimes the pilgrims enjoyed good conversation with each other and other times, they walked alone in quiet conversation with God.
Paul says they’re already looking forward to PEI Pilgrimage 2024!