Hope in Motion: An Invitation to a Lenten Pilgrimage

This Jubilee year Pope Francis invites the faithful to become “Pilgrims of Hope”. In his letter Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), Pope Francis proclaims that “the Holy Spirit illumines all believers with the light of hope…like an ever-burning lamp, to sustain and invigorate our lives.”

Pope Francis reminds us that “Pilgrimage is of course a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort, and simplicity of life.” In the Archdiocese of San Antonio there is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a journey of faith and reflection through pilgrimage to the four San Antonio Mission churches and San Fernando Cathedral – all designated holy sites. What better time to pilgrimage than during the Pilgrim Year of Hope?

As the season of Lent approaches, each of us is called to rediscover the reason for our hope. One meaningful way to do this is to undertake a pilgrimage along the historic El Camino de San Antonio Missions.

The El Camino de San Antonio Missions offers a pilgrimage route recognized with an official pilgrim passport, a Compostela authorized by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller and the added distinction of being part of the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. Completing the Camino in San Antonio grants pilgrims 30 km credit toward the Camino Ingles route of the El Camino de Santiago, making San Antonio the only place in the Americas where you can officially begin walking the storied pilgrimage route in Spain.

One such pilgrim, Jeremey Olson, walked the Camino last fall and found it to be a profound experience: “El Camino de San Antonio pilgrimage was a way for me to mark a new spiritual chapter…I felt that El Camino de San Antonio highlighted my personal transformation. What I enjoyed most about El Camino de San Antonio was the sense of peace offered on a journey with a continually changing landscape and opportunities to sense God in the beauty of natural surroundings.” For pilgrims, each bend in the San Antonio River invites a fresh perspective, reminding us that God’s creative presence is constant, though our viewpoint changes as we journey forward. Like the Franciscan friars who founded the mission churches upon the transformative hope of the Gospel, modern-day pilgrims are similarly encouraged to start with prayer, openness of heart, and a desire to grow in faith.

The missions themselves stand as living monuments to hope. These sites, along with San Fernando Cathedral, invite visitors to reconnect with the historical roots of their Catholic faith in Texas. Lent is the perfect time for pilgrims to step inside these sacred spaces to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and ask themselves: What is the reason for my hope?
Wondering where to begin? Visit caminosanantonio.org. There you will find detailed information on planning your pilgrimage, including a free Lenten pilgrimage guide. Embrace this Jubilee Year of Hope by setting out on a sacred journey along the El Camino de San Antonio Missions. As you walk, bike, or drive, encounter the living faith of the mission churches and let the Holy Spirit illuminate your heart with the light of enduring hope.