Sponsored: This article is made possible by Follow My Camino, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.
I have felt a deep pull toward pilgrimage for years. There is something powerful about walking ancient paths, praying where saints have prayed, and placing one’s intentions before the Lord in places shaped by centuries of devotion. Yet as a husband and father to four energetic children, long-distance pilgrimages are not possible in this season of life.
Still, God finds a way. My “micro-pilgrimages” have become unexpected moments of grace: visits to our cathedral, celebrating feast days at home, praying novenas and litanies, and uniting our intentions with the Holy Father. These small steps, taken in the ordinary rhythms of family life, remind me of the truth expressed in the Catechism: “The Church…will receive its perfection only in the glory of heaven, when she will appear in splendor…toward which she is hastening” (CCC 769).
We are all pilgrims, whether we walk the Camino or pray in our living rooms. Some pilgrimages, however, shape a person for life, especially those preparing to become priests. This is why the mission of the Camino Pilgrim Foundation matters so deeply. They provide seminarians with a structured, prayer-filled, and transformative experience along the Camino de Santiago, the kind of formation that can remain with them for decades.
Sponsored: This article is made possible by Follow My Camino, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.
Saint James the Greater, son of Zebedee and Salome, was one of the first called by Jesus along the shores of Galilee. Along with his brother John, he left behind nets, boats, and family to follow the Lord immediately. Scripture captures this moment with striking simplicity: “They left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:20). That willingness to leave everything behind is at the heart of why James remains such a powerful figure for pilgrims today.
James was part of Christ’s “inner circle,” along with Peter and John. He witnessed miracles and mysteries most did not—the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Transfiguration, and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. These moments of glory and suffering shaped James into a disciple who understood that to follow Christ was to share both in His triumph and in His Cross.
Nicknamed with his brother as “Boanerges,” or “sons of thunder,” James had a fiery temperament. At one point, he even asked Jesus if he should call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Him (Luke 9:54). Yet this zeal, when purified by grace, became a driving force for evangelization. James eventually grew into a disciple who no longer sought honor for himself but laid down his very life for Christ. Around A.D. 44, James was martyred by King Herod Agrippa, making him the first of the Apostles to receive the crown of martyrdom.
The journey from fisherman to martyr reminds us that holiness is not instant perfection but faithful transformation. Like James, we too are called to be formed by both the joys and trials of following Christ.
The Camino and the Legacy of Saint James
James’ story does not end with his martyrdom. According to ancient tradition, his remains were carried miraculously to Galicia in Spain. There, at Compostela—meaning “field of the star”—pilgrims began to venerate his tomb as early as the 9th century. This place became the heart of one of Christianity’s greatest pilgrimages: the Camino de Santiago, or “Way of Saint James.”
The Camino quickly became more than a route to a shrine. It was, and still is, a living metaphor for the Christian journey. Pilgrims walk with blisters, burdens, and unexpected companions, just as Christians make their way through life with joys, sufferings, and surprises. To walk the Camino is to echo James’ original act of leaving behind nets and securities to follow the Lord wherever He leads.
For centuries, countless faithful—from medieval peasants to modern seekers—have made their way across Spain to Compostela. Some walk for penance, some for healing, others simply for the chance to rediscover faith through the rhythm of step after step. The Camino remains a spiritual school of humility, conversion, and encounter.
This is where groups such as Follow My Camino play a special role today. They help modern pilgrims enter into this centuries-old tradition with guidance, preparation, and support. For those longing to walk in the footsteps of Saint James but uncertain where to begin, such accompaniment makes the pilgrimage more accessible while preserving its deeply spiritual heart.
Symbols of a Pilgrim Apostle
Christian iconography developed rich symbols for Saint James that still resonate with pilgrims. He is often depicted with a wide-brimmed hat, a staff for walking, and a scallop shell. Each of these speaks to his enduring role as the patron of pilgrims.
The staff represents both physical and spiritual support. It is the reminder that we do not walk alone: God’s grace sustains us on the road. The shell, perhaps the most famous emblem, became the badge of those who had completed the Camino. Just as water fills the grooves of a scallop shell from different directions but flows into one point, the Camino gathers pilgrims from all over the world to converge at Compostela, united in Christ.
In some depictions, James appears on horseback as Santiago Matamoros, a figure connected to medieval legends. While this image reflected the historical struggles of the time, the deeper truth it represents today is the triumph of faith over fear. James remains a symbol of courage and steadfastness, urging us not to lose heart in the face of trials.
Even in Orthodox iconography, James is pictured with scrolls or books, emphasizing his identity as a bearer of the Gospel. Whether carrying a pilgrim’s staff or a holy book, the iconography always highlights his dual mission: to walk and to proclaim. He is both traveler and evangelist, disciple and teacher, reminding us that every Christian journey is meant to overflow into witness.
What makes Saint James a compelling model for evangelization is not his perfection but his transformation. At first, he was ambitious, fiery, even impulsive. Over time, through closeness to Jesus and the power of the Spirit, he became courageous, faithful, and willing to give everything—even his life.
His story shows that evangelization begins with listening to Christ’s call and stepping out in faith, even if we don’t have everything figured out. James immediately left his nets behind, a reminder that discipleship often requires surrendering comforts and securities. Evangelizers today can take inspiration from that same readiness to go where Christ sends.
James also shows us the importance of zeal. While his thunderous temperament needed refining, his passionate heart became an instrument for proclaiming the Gospel with courage. Evangelization today requires that same blend of passion and humility: a love so great it cannot remain silent, but also a service so humble it always points back to Christ rather than self.
Finally, his connection to pilgrimage reminds us that evangelization is itself a journey. It is not simply about delivering information but about accompanying others step by step, sharing joys and sufferings, and pointing toward the hope found in Christ. Just as pilgrims encourage one another along the Camino, so too evangelizers walk alongside others in faith.
Organizations like Follow My Camino remind us that the physical pilgrimage of Santiago is also an icon of the spiritual pilgrimage every Christian undertakes. Whether we set out on the Camino across Spain or live our daily journey at home, the invitation remains the same: to walk with James in following Christ wholeheartedly and to share that joy with others.
Conclusion: Walking with Saint James
Saint James the Greater’s life is a testament to what it means to follow Christ without reserve. From leaving his nets behind, to standing at the Transfiguration, to sharing in Christ’s agony, to finally drinking the cup of martyrdom, his story embodies the call to discipleship in its fullness.
His association with the Camino de Santiago ensures that his witness continues to inspire millions of pilgrims across centuries. His symbols—the staff, the shell, the book—still speak to us today about the Christian life as a journey of faith, service, and evangelization.
If we long to become better witnesses to the Gospel, we can look to Saint James as our guide. His transformation gives us hope that God can shape our weaknesses into strengths. His zeal encourages us to share the Good News boldly. And his patronage over pilgrims reminds us that every step we take, in prayer or on the road, can bring us closer to Christ.
Sponsored: This article is made possible by Pockets of Heaven, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.
Evangelizing children isn’t always about complex theological lessons or far-off mission trips. Sometimes, the most powerful encounters with God happen right in your own backyard or even your living room. Just as adults benefit from pilgrimages that draw them closer to God, children can encounter Christ through small, intentional “journeys” of faith that fit within everyday life.
Let’s explore how these small pilgrimages can help pass on the faith to your kids while strengthening your domestic church.
The Domestic Church: Where Evangelization Begins
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of the parents’ vital role:
“Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule… Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children” (CCC 2223).
In many ways, the home itself becomes a sort of permanent pilgrimage site, a sacred place where children encounter God daily through prayer, forgiveness, service, and love.
As I’ve written before, even small actions like having holy images in your home, praying before meals, answering questions during Mass, or visiting a local Catholic bookstore create micro-moments of evangelization. One of my daughters, for example, loves flipping through pamphlets about the Eucharist. That small curiosity leads to natural conversations about the Real Presence. These little moments plant seeds that the Holy Spirit can grow over time.
Adding sacramentals and liturgical resources to your home can also help foster these everyday encounters. Catholic businesses like Pockets of Heaven provide beautiful, handcrafted tools that help families create prayer spaces, celebrate feast days, and make the liturgical year come alive for kids in simple but meaningful ways.
You don’t need a master’s degree in theology to evangelize your kids. What matters most is creating a loving environment where faith is part of daily life, where Christ is present in both words and actions.
Pilgrimages Teach Kids That Life is a Journey Toward God
Father Dave Pivonka wisely reminds us that “Every single one of us is a pilgrim on a journey. For us Christians, as Pope St. John Paul II said, this journey should ultimately lead us to the heart of the Father.”
Pilgrimages, whether big or small, teach kids that faith is not static. It’s a living, breathing adventure toward God’s heart. And this journey doesn’t require international travel. While trips to Lourdes, Fatima, or Rome are beautiful, they’re not necessary to experience the graces of pilgrimage.
Small pilgrimages could include:
Visiting your diocesan cathedral for Mass.
Spending an hour in adoration at a nearby chapel.
Walking as a family to a local Marian shrine.
Going on a nature walk while praying the Rosary.
Visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead on All Souls’ Day.
These intentional acts pull kids out of their daily routines and help them encounter God anew. As Fr. Pivonka puts it, “Do something intentional that takes you out of your ordinary routine. Seek to encounter Jesus. You will be amazed what God can do in your heart.”
The Sacraments: Theological Rest Stops Along the Journey
Life is exhausting. I’ve written before how my own fatigue nearly led me to despair. Yet, in that weakness, I was reminded of Bishop Paul Swain’s beautiful words:
“Sacraments are not the end or graduation of the Catholic life, rather sacraments act as theological rest stops to give us strength.”
Confession, for example, is like a pit stop where we release burdens and receive grace to keep walking. As the Catechism explains, “The sacrament of Penance repairs or restores [fraternal communion]” (CCC 1469).
The Eucharist provides nourishment for the journey ahead — our manna in the desert:
“The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus… Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet” (CCC 1391).
And marriage? It’s not simply a contract but a covenant of mutual sacrifice. As I’ve joked before, marriage often feels like a holy war against pride, impatience, and selfishness. But it’s also a place of peace, where we strategize, rest, and receive grace for the road ahead.
When we bring our children into these sacramental rest stops by taking them to Confession, preparing them for First Holy Communion, and witnessing the beauty of a sacramental marriage, we’re showing them how to draw strength for their own pilgrim journey.
Penance, Solidarity, and Thanksgiving — Lessons Even Kids Can Learn
Pilgrimage isn’t always comfortable. Fr. Pivonka shares stories of pilgrims enduring blistering heat, unexpected thunderstorms, and travel mishaps. Yet these struggles become opportunities for offering penance, teaching kids a profound lesson: suffering can be united to prayer.
On a small pilgrimage to a local shrine, a child might get tired or frustrated. That’s a chance to gently explain:
“You can offer this tiredness for Grandma who’s sick, or for a friend who’s struggling.”
Solidarity is another beautiful fruit of pilgrimage. Whether walking together as a family or participating in parish events, kids learn that they’re not alone in their faith. They belong to the wider Body of Christ — a Church filled with fellow pilgrims, saints, and sinners all journeying home.
Finally, pilgrimages naturally lead to thanksgiving. As Fr. Pivonka writes about his own Camino de Santiago:
“Going on pilgrimage does something to our hearts and to how we see the world… We begin to see [God] in places where we didn’t before.”
When kids see the beauty of God in creation, family, sacraments, and community, gratitude becomes a habit that sustains their faith long after the pilgrimage ends. Even creating little “pockets of heaven” in our homes — through prayer corners, seasonal decor, or feast day celebrations — can help foster that spirit of gratitude.
Evangelizing our kids doesn’t require perfect words or elaborate plans. It begins with small acts of intentionality, small pilgrimages of the heart, the home, and even the neighborhood.
As parents, our job is to guide our children toward Christ through daily witness, sacramental life, and occasional small pilgrimages that draw them deeper into God’s presence. With each little step, they’ll discover that their whole life is a beautiful, lifelong journey toward the Father.
As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Buen Camino.
Thanks again to today’s article sponsor! Visit Pockets of Heaven where you’ll find resources to help your children journey with Jesus, Mary, and the Saints in the pockets of everyday life.
Sponsored: This article is made possible by Follow My Camino, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.
Growing up in a Catholic household, I learned early that life is just play, work, sleep and repeat. It is a sacred pilgrimage. My parents instilled this by showing us how the Mass is a gift. The rosary beads that adorned my grandmother’s hands, the statues of saints watching over our home, the rhythmic cycle of the liturgical year, spoke of a journey far deeper than mere physical movement. All these incarnational moments hinted at a deeper reality.
Called to Pilgrimage
The Catholic understanding of life as a pilgrimage is rooted in our most fundamental beliefs. We are not simply inhabitants of this world, but travelers passing through, with our true citizenship in heaven. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer” (CCC 2691).
This isn’t just a metaphorical concept. The rich tradition of Catholic pilgrimages, from the Camino de Santiago to the holy sites of Rome, from Lourdes to Fatima, testifies to our understanding that physical journeys can be profound spiritual experiences. Follow My Camino captures this essence beautifully, reminding pilgrims that the Way of St. James is more than a trip. It is a path of spiritual wonderment. Each step becomes a prayer, each mile a meditation, each encounter an opportunity to receive God’s grace anew.
Sacraments: Rest Stops on Our Journey
In my own spiritual life, I’ve come to see the sacraments as divine rest stops. They are theological waypoints that sustain us on our pilgrimage. Just as a weary traveler finds renewal at a roadside sanctuary, we Catholics find strength in the sacramental life of the Church.
Confession becomes a moment of realignment, washing away the dust and dirt of our journey. The Eucharist is our spiritual food, nourishing us for the road ahead. Matrimony and Holy Orders are vocational paths that shape our pilgrimage, giving purpose to our travels.
The Communion of Saints: Our Fellow Travelers
We are never alone on this journey. The communion of saints, those already home in heaven and those still traveling, surrounds us with support and intercession. As the Catechism tells us, “In prayer, the pilgrim Church is associated with that of the saints, whose intercession she asks” (CCC 2692).
Our Lady, the ultimate pilgrim who journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem, from Egypt to Cana, from the foot of the Cross to the Upper Room, leads the way. The saints, from St. James to St. Thérèse, are our companions, our guides, our inspiration.
Creating Sacred Spaces
Pilgrimages aren’t reserved for grand journeys. The Catechism suggests creating sacred spaces even within our homes, a “prayer corner” with Sacred Scriptures and icons. In my own home, a small altar serves as a constant reminder of our spiritual journey, a miniature sanctuary where family prayers rise like incense.
The scallop shell, a profound symbol for any pilgrim on the Camino, speaks volumes about our spiritual journey. Follow My Camino reminds us that this isn’t just a simple maritime emblem, but a spiritual sign. It marks not just a physical path, but our deeper walk with Christ, a constant invitation to reflect on the sacred journey of faith.
The Deeper Meaning
As Thomas Merton beautifully expressed, “The geographical pilgrimage is the symbolic acting out of an inner journey.” For Catholics, this means our entire life is a pilgrimage toward God. Pope Francis captures this perfectly: “Each person carries within his or her heart a special wish and a particular prayer.”
Our Catholic faith teaches us that this journey is not about the destination alone, but about transformation. Each Mass, each prayer, each act of mercy is a step on our path. We are constantly being formed, constantly becoming more Christ-like.
A Call to the Faithful
To my fellow Catholics, I invite you to embrace your life as a pilgrimage. Approach each day with the reverence of a pilgrim, attentive to God’s grace, open to His transformative power. Your daily challenges, your joys, your sorrows all are part of your sacred journey.
Utilize the rich traditions of our faith. Pray the rosary. Attend daily Mass. Seek out the sacraments. Venerate the saints. These are not mere religious practices, but fuel for your spiritual journey. For those feeling called to walk the ancient paths, the team at Follow My Camino understands that the Camino de Santiago is more than a trek. It is a profound spiritual odyssey that can deepen, and maybe even reshape, your entire understanding of our faith. With their deep zeal for Catholicism and expertise in this specific pilgrimage, you will experience the Camino in a truly Catholic way, steeped in the faith and traditions that have guided pilgrims for centuries.
Our Heavenly Destination
Ultimately, our pilgrimage is about returning home, to God, to the ultimate communion of saints, to the eternal liturgy of heaven. St. Augustine’s words ring true: “Our hearts are restless, until they rest in you [God].”
Walk on, fellow pilgrim. Your journey continues, blessed by the grace of Christ, guided by the Church, sustained by the sacraments.
Prayer to Saint James the Apostle
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, who by reason of thy fervent and generous heart was chosen by Jesus to be witness of His glory on Mount Tabor, and of His agony in Gethsemane; thou, whose very name is a symbol of warfare and victory:obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending warfare of this life, that, having constantly and generously followed Jesus, we may be victors in the strife and deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven. Amen.
Thank you to today’s sponsor! Discover more by visiting Follow My Camino today.
