Fr. Kenny Ang
About the author: Kenny Ang is a Research Professor in the Department of Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where he earned his Doctorate in Sacred Theology. His teaching and research focus on Trinitarian theology, with particular attention to Peter Lombard, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, and the relationship between the Trinity and creatures. He is the author of Aquinas and the Biblical Grounds of the Doctrine of Creation (Edizioni Santa Croce, 2024) and has published scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals, including Nova et Vetera (forthcoming), European Journal for the Study of Thomas Aquinas, and Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensia.
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What’s the Purpose of Your Life?
Ever feel like you’re wandering without a map? That nagging question—“what’s the purpose of my life?”—can weigh heavy. It’s like being stuck at a crossroads, unsure which way to turn. Teenagers face it when picking a college major. Adults feel it when their job or relationships just don’t spark joy. It’s not a new struggle. Even back in ancient Greece, people were asking the same thing.
Socrates, as Plato tells it, laid it out plainly: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” A life without purpose? That’s like starting a road trip without knowing where you’re headed. You’ll just end up driving in circles.
Fast forward to Aristotle. He believed everyone’s chasing the same thing: happiness. But where do you actually find it? That’s where Thomas Aquinas steps in. In his Summa Theologiae, he cuts through the noise: money, fame, power, and pleasure—they’re not the answer. True happiness? It’s about seeing God face to face. Heaven isn’t just some far-off idea; it’s the ultimate goal. It’s what gives life meaning.
So, how do you figure out your purpose and move closer to your ultimate destination? Pilgrimages might just hold the answer.
As a Catholic priest, I’ve spent nearly five years living in Rome, visiting sacred places that are deeply woven into our faith. I’ve walked in the footsteps of Christ in the Holy Land and prayed at some of the most renowned pilgrimage sites across Europe and America—Lourdes, Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to name a few. Whether traveling solo or with a group, I’ve experienced the transformative power of these journeys firsthand. In fact, I’ve organized and led three pilgrimages, with groups ranging from a cozy 15 to a crowd of over 80. And here’s what I’ve come to realize: pilgrimages aren’t just about covering miles or ticking off holy sites. They’re spiritual journeys that help us refocus on what truly matters.
Let’s explore how these sacred paths can guide you toward a life filled with purpose.
What’s a Pilgrimage All About?
Humans have been making pilgrimages for as long as we’ve been around. The word “pilgrimage” comes from the Latin peregrinor, which means to travel to foreign places or simply roam around. The New Oxford American Dictionary calls it “a journey to a place associated with someone or something well known or respected.” It’s not strictly a Christian thing—it’s about seeking out places tied to the extraordinary, the divine, or someone important.
It’s part of human nature. Think about it—people have always been drawn to places with a story. If you’re in Toruń, Poland, for example, you’d probably swing by the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus. Or, on a more personal note, visiting the grave of a loved one carries its own deep meaning. Even trips to landmarks like the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto can feel like a pilgrimage of sorts. In some animistic religions, mountains are seen as sacred, and people journey there to connect with the divine. These are all versions of pilgrimage, each with its own flavor.
When it comes to religion, though, pilgrimages have a long, rich history. In Judaism, by the 10th century BC, devout Jews made three yearly trips to Jerusalem. Christianity picked up the tradition in the 4th century AD after Emperor Constantine’s conversion. Suddenly, sacred sites like the Holy Land and Rome were buzzing with visitors. By the Middle Ages, pilgrimages were a big deal for Christians, with countless people setting out to places like Jerusalem to deepen their faith.
Pilgrimage isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey and the meaning behind it.
What Makes Christian Pilgrimages Different?
Christian pilgrimages stand out from other types of pilgrimage. Pope Benedict XVI had some powerful insights into what sets this tradition apart. Back in 2010, while speaking at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, he offered a fresh take on this centuries-old practice:
To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history. To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe. Above all, Christians go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, to the places associated with the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection. They go to Rome, the city of the martyrdom of Peter and Paul, and also to Compostela, which, associated with the memory of Saint James, has welcomed pilgrims from throughout the world who desire to strengthen their spirit with the Apostle’s witness of faith and love.
First, he cleared up what a pilgrimage isn’t. It’s not just a trip to marvel at breathtaking scenery, art, or historical landmarks. Sure, you might enjoy those along the way, but that’s not the heart of it. The real purpose? To “encounter God” by stepping outside of yourself. It’s about going beyond sightseeing and seeking something deeper.
The Pope described pilgrimage sites as places where God has revealed himself—where his grace has shone brightly and led to conversion and holiness. These spots have a spiritual pull because of the profound moments tied to them.
Benedict XVI highlighted three major pilgrimage destinations with deep roots in Christian history: the Holy Land, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. Each one is directly connected to Jesus and his apostles, making them places of unique spiritual significance.
At its core, a Christian pilgrimage isn’t just a journey to a place. It’s a journey toward God.
Pilgrimage as a Stepping Out of Ourselves
So, what does it really mean to step out of ourselves?
Take a look at Greek mythology. Narcissus, the son of a river god and a nymph, was exceptionally good-looking. But his beauty came with a streak of arrogance. He brushed off anyone who fell for him, no matter how genuine their feelings.
One day, a nymph named Echo fell head over heels for him. Unfortunately, she was under a curse—she could only repeat the last words others said. When she tried to express her love, Narcissus rejected her cruelly, leaving her brokenhearted.
The goddess Nemesis decided enough was enough. She led Narcissus to a clear pool, where he saw his reflection for the first time. He was so mesmerized by it, he couldn’t pull away. Lost in his own image, he wasted away, unable to move beyond himself. In the end, a flower—the narcissus—grew where he had been.
Doesn’t the myth of Narcissus feel a little too familiar these days? We’re living in a world where vanity and self-obsession seem to be everywhere. So many of us chase after impossible dreams—whether it’s wealth, power, or pleasure—just like Narcissus pining for his reflection, never realizing it’s something he can’t actually hold.
The whole point of a pilgrimage is to “step out of ourselves.” It’s not just a physical journey but a remedy for the loneliness and self-centeredness of our modern world. Stepping out of ourselves means recognizing that we’re not all-powerful. We need each other, and we especially need God. Pilgrimages are a perfect time to ask for blessings or favors, to reach beyond our limitations and lean on faith.
At the same time, pilgrimage is about embracing sacrifice. In the past, pilgrims faced incredible challenges. They walked for months—or even years—on foot, crossing deserts, braving the elements, and dodging robbers. Despite the dangers, they pressed on, making their journey an act of personal sacrifice.
Today, we can learn from their grit. Stepping out of ourselves means leaving behind our comfort zones: our cozy homes, social media scrolls, and everyday routines. Sure, a nice meal and comfy bed are great, but a pilgrimage isn’t just a fancy trip. It’s about giving more than getting.
Even small sacrifices can inspire others. I remember watching young people walk on their knees in Fatima. It was moving—seeing them push through pain and exhaustion, all with deep devotion. And I’ll never forget the sight of them dragging themselves out of bed for early morning Mass. Their eyes were still heavy with sleep, but their hearts were full of love for the Lord. These moments are a powerful witness. They remind me that stepping out of ourselves doesn’t just change us; it uplifts everyone around us.
Pilgrimage as an Encounter with God
The whole point of stepping out of ourselves is to encounter God. It’s not about sacrifice just for the sake of it. We let go of our egos to make room for something bigger. But where exactly do we meet God on a pilgrimage? From my experience, there are four key places where we can encounter him.
First, it’s through the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and Confession. The Eucharist is, without a doubt, the heart of the pilgrimage. It’s not something we do—it’s God’s gift to us. Confession is another powerful moment. It’s where we experience God’s judgment and mercy all at once.
I always suggest that those in my pilgrimage group go to Confession during the journey. Sure, some of them have already gone before leaving, and that’s great. But there’s something special about confessing in a place blessed by the saints—like Saint Peter’s Basilica or the Shrine of Fatima. It feels different. It’s like stepping into the pilgrimage spirit. It sets the tone for the whole experience and opens up a deeper connection with the journey ahead.
Second, we encounter God through the saints. They’re like living gospels, showing us how to live as Christians today. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, they’re a “luminous trail on which God passed through history.” Each saint has a unique story—from the Blessed Virgin Mary to John the Evangelist, from Francis of Assisi to Blessed Carlo Acutis, and even the three shepherds of Fatima. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land, in particular, stands out, since it’s a visit to the places where Christ himself walked. Being in spaces tied to Christ and the saints reminds us that the Gospel is timeless and relevant across all periods and places.
Third, we encounter God through beauty. Everything God creates is true, good, and beautiful. Beauty has a unique way of filling us with joy and lifting our hearts when we take it in. Pilgrimage offers the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, architecture, art, and music. It could be the serenity of the Pyrenees I admire every time I drive from Spain to Lourdes, the interplay of light and shadow in Caravaggio’s Calling of Saint Matthew, or the thunderous sound of a pipe organ vibrating the pews. Beauty has a profound ability to move us, often drawing us closer to God. It’s almost instinctive—when we witness beauty, the truth of our faith becomes even clearer. Through art and history, we deepen our understanding of the Catholic Church’s legacy and traditions, gaining insight into the roots of our beliefs.
Last, we encounter God through our fellow pilgrims. When we’re in a state of grace, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. The Church on earth is often called the “pilgrim Church” for a reason. We’re all God’s children, so it’s essential to treat one another with kindness and respect. This sense of family is what gives meaning to the attitudes and rules we follow on pilgrimage. These journeys aren’t just spiritual; they’re social, too. They give us the chance to form new friendships, share experiences, and hit reset on our minds, finding fresh inspiration for our journey through life.
The Pilgrimage of Our Life
Isn’t it true that pilgrimages are a lot like life itself? The Lord calls us to meet him every day, but we have to step out of our comfort zones to answer that call. Whether it’s through personal sacrifices, prayers for others, or simply striving to live a life rooted in faith, we draw closer to heaven with every step. It’s a journey that mirrors our entire life. Pilgrimage, in a way, is a snapshot of our walk with God—a microcosm of our lives.
Now, let’s be clear—there’s no such thing as a “perfect” pilgrim. You’re not on that journey because you’ve got everything figured out or because you’ve got a lot of money or fancy skills. I’ve seen people go on pilgrimages even when they couldn’t afford it, while others, with plenty of resources, found themselves blocked from joining, and for reasons only God understands. The point? You’re there for a reason. You’re on that pilgrimage because God has something special for you. The real question is—are you ready to find out what it is?
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