Faith Journeys

05/28/2025

05/28/2025

If there’s one person determined to make Geneva the most disciplined city on earth, it’s John Calvin. The French-born theologian is on a mission to ensure that every citizen follows his strict moral code, and let’s just say—fun is not part of the plan.
Calvin, who has taken it upon himself to turn Geneva into the holiest city in Christendom, is cracking down on anything that even remotely resembles a good time. While most religious leaders encourage piety, Calvin is taking things to the extreme, ensuring that even a little too much laughter might raise suspicion.

Under Calvin’s rule, Geneva is rapidly becoming a no-nonsense zone. Dancing? Banned. Playing cards? Illegal. Wearing fancy clothes? Absolutely not. Singing anything other than psalms? Only if you enjoy getting a stern talking-to. If you’re looking for entertainment, your best bet is a theological debate—just don’t disagree with Calvin unless you want a one-way ticket out of town.

Calvin’s most controversial doctrine—predestination—is leaving citizens in an existential crisis. According to his teachings, God has already decided who’s getting into heaven and who’s not, making some wonder whether their daily efforts at righteousness even matter.

“Am I in or am I out?” one Geneva resident asks, echoing the thoughts of many. “It’s like waiting for an invitation to an exclusive event where the host won’t tell you the guest list.” The uncertainty has led to an unusual trend of people trying to appear extra holy—just in case.

While Calvin’s strict rules are making Geneva the most disciplined city in Europe, some residents are wondering if things have gone too far. Despite his iron grip on the city’s morality, his influence on Protestantism is undeniable, and his teachings are already spreading beyond Geneva’s borders.

As for Calvin himself, he shows no signs of loosening his grip. One can only imagine how he’ll react when he sees Geneva’s future—filled with art, music, and a little too much enjoyment for his liking. But for now, the city remains under his watchful eye, and one thing is certain: Geneva’s golden rule is simple—thou shalt not have too much fun.
________________________________________________________________________________
If you’d like to lead a pilgrimage group to Geneva, Wittenberg, Erfurt, or one of the many other cities tied to the Reformation in Europe, please contact us at Faith Journeys.

05/28/2025

If you're looking for a great pilgrimage experience this year. Here's a great opportunity. There is space available to join this group from St. Louis, MO, on their pilgrimage to Turkey. With this being the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, what better time is there to visit Turkey!

Visit sites of historical and religious significance in Istanbul, Chalcedon, Nicaea, Ephesus, and more. Registration is underway for the pilgrimage to Turkey this fall led by the Rev. David Hodges. Brochure and registration information can also be found at portal.myfaithjourneys.com with group code 25032.

05/27/2025

The end of a pilgrimage is not the end of its impact. The true blessing of the journey is the way it transforms us and how we carry that transformation into our daily lives and what we share of our experience with others.

The peace and clarity we experience during a pilgrimage can guide us in making decisions with greater faith and trust in God. The renewed sense of devotion we gain can inspire us to pray more fervently, serve more generously, and live out our faith with greater conviction. The lessons we learn along the way—whether through moments of deep reflection, unexpected challenges, or encounters with fellow pilgrims—shape us long after we return home.

Every pilgrimage reminds us that our entire life is a spiritual journey toward God. Whether we are traveling to a faraway sacred site or simply seeking His presence in our everyday moments, the heart of pilgrimage is not just about where we go, but about how we draw closer to Him.

May every pilgrimage you take—whether near or far—be a journey that deepens your faith, strengthens your spirit, and brings you ever closer to the heart of God.

05/26/2025

Today is the feast day of St. Augustine, of Canterbury. The English-speaking church can trace its ancestry through him. He is often called “The Apostle to the English”.

Often confused with St. Augustin of Hippo (who lived about three centuries before him), this Saint Augustine was sent by Pope Gregory the Great to Britain to Christianize King Ӕthelberht and the kingdom of Kent. This success led to Augustin and his fellow priests' ability to preach freely throughout the area and evangelize the neighboring Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

As a reward for his good work with the native population, Augustin was named the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597. He arranged for the consecration of his successor, Laurence of Canterbury and likely died in 604. He is buried in St. Augustine’s Abbey, in Canterbury.

Today, groups visiting England will spend, at the least, a day in Canterbury. They can visit St. Augustine’s Abbey, the burial site of King Ӕthelberht, and near the site where he was converted to Christianity. Another must-see location to visit is Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian structures in all of England. Time permitting, we suggest attending a service at the Cathedral. The Canterbury Cathedral Choir is world-renown for being one of the best choirs in the world. And, taking part in a service in such an awe-inspiring setting, with such heavenly music may more closely connect you to St. Augustine, his life, and his ministry.

“I wept at the beauty of your hymns and canticles and was powerfully moved at the sweet sound of your Church singing. These sounds flowed into my ears, and the truth streamed into my heart.” St. Augustine of Canterbury

When you’re ready to start planning your next pilgrimage to the United Kingdom, or anywhere else, please contact us. We would be thrilled to become your partner through spiritual travel.

05/26/2025

On this Memorial Day, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the heroes who laid down their lives to protect our liberties. We remember their bravery and service. May we always honor their memory.

05/25/2025

Today we remember the Venerable Bede, often referred to simply as "Bede". He was an English monk, historian, and scholar who lived during the early medieval period. Born around 672 or 673 AD in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, he is best known for his contributions to the study of history, theology, and science, particularly through his monumental work, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People. This work earned him the title "Father of English History."

Bede entered the monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow as a child, where he spent most of his life dedicated to learning, teaching, and writing. The monastery housed a remarkable library, which provided Bede with resources to study a wide range of subjects, including scripture, history, science, and classical literature.
He was ordained a deacon at the age of 19 and later a priest at 30. His life was characterized by intellectual rigor and devout faith, and he wrote extensively on theology, biblical commentary, and the lives of saints.

Bede was given the title "Venerable" posthumously, likely due to his wisdom and holiness. In 1899, Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church, further cementing his influence on Christian theology and scholarship.

Today, pilgrims can visit several sites across Northern England associated with Bede, including Jarrow, Lindisfarne, Hexham, and Durham Cathedral, where you will find his tomb. If you’d like to visit one or more of these sites on your next group pilgrimage, please contact Faith Journeys. We’ll work with you to craft a custom itinerary that will illuminate the life of the Venerable Bede and build a spiritual bond between you and your fellow pilgrimage.

05/22/2025

Ever wondered about the roots of Christian pilgrimage? Look to Saint Helena! 🙏 Her journey to uncover sacred sites in the 4th century paved the way for countless others.

Under her direction, churches were built at these holy sites, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. These churches remain some of the most important Christian pilgrimage destinations to this day.

Helena is remembered as a model of faith, piety, and generosity. Her pilgrimage set a precedent for Christian travel to the Holy Land, and her contributions to early Christianity helped shape the faith for future generations.



!

05/21/2025

While a pilgrimage is often a deep personal experience, it is also a journey of fellowship. Traveling with others who share our faith creates a unique bond, as we support and encourage one another along the way.

Whether it is joining in communal prayer, sharing meals, or walking side by side to a holy site, the shared experiences of a pilgrimage forge friendships that go beyond the trip itself. We are reminded that we are part of something greater—the universal Church, a family of believers journeying together in faith.

Moreover, a pilgrimage connects us with those who have come before us. Walking the paths of saints, worshiping in churches where generations of faithful have prayed, and witnessing the devotion of other pilgrims remind us that we are part of a rich and ongoing spiritual tradition. This sense of belonging strengthens our commitment to our faith and to one another.

05/19/2025

St. Dunstan served as a great church leader in the 10th century. In his lifetime he held the positions of Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, Bishop of Worcester, Bishop of London, and later the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a force behind restoring monastic life in England and a great reformer of the church.

He is the patron saint of blacksmiths, locksmiths, jewelers, goldsmiths, and bell-ringers. And, as legend holds, once defeated the devil by grabbing him by the nose with a pair of hot blacksmith tongs!

If you’re interested in leading or learning more about a pilgrimage to England, contact one of our Episcopal Pilgrimage Specialist today. We’ll help you plan a custom itinerary that will help you learn more about the life and times of St. Dunstan or one of the many other Saints of the United Kingdom.

05/14/2025

One of the greatest blessings of a pilgrimage is the opportunity to encounter the sacred in a tangible way. We read about biblical events and the lives of the saints, but standing in the very places where these moments unfolded brings faith to life in a new and powerful way.

Imagine walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, retracing the steps of Christ on His way to Calvary. Picture yourself kneeling in the Grotto of Lourdes, where countless healings have taken place, or standing in Canterbury Cathedral, marveling at the grandeur of faith expressed in art and architecture. These experiences deepen our connection to the Church's history and remind us of the enduring presence of God.
Each sacred encounter strengthens our faith, helping us see that the stories of Scripture and the testimony of the saints are not distant relics of the past but living realities that continue to inspire and guide us today.

Where would your faith journey take you? 👇

05/13/2025

Today marks the anniversary of a pivotal moment in faith history: May 13th, 1917, when the Virgin Mary first appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal. 🙏 These apparitions and the prophecies revealed would shape the 20th century and continue to resonate today, as seen in Pope Francis' recent consecration.

The modern village of Fatima has been transformed into worldwide pilgrimage destination. The crowning jewel of the Fatima Shrine is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary – a neobaroque tower completed in 1987. Just the left sits the Chapel of the Apparitions, marking the site of the apparitions. The homes of Sr. Lucia Dos Santos (the eldest and most long-lived seer) and Sts. Francisco and Jacinta are also well-preserved and open to the public. Multiple Convents and Shrines in the area hold public celebrations every May 13th in honor of Our Lady, and many permit pilgrims to stay within their walls.