Submitted photo
By Emily Ketzner, Special to The Message
On Saturday, May 31, sixteen pilgrims departed St. Celestine Church to walk 17 miles to St. Mary of the Visitation in Huntingburg. The following day, those same pilgrims walked another 17 miles to reach St. Meinrad. Inspired by his walking pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in August 2023, Deacon Mike Seibert organized and led the pilgrims in celebration of the Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
When I agreed to this pilgrimage, I think I agreed to it more in theory than in actuality. I did not really consider what it would be like to walk 34 miles in two days. Honestly, that’s probably for the best, because had I stopped to consider what my legs would feel like, well, I don’t think I would have said yes. Mostly I was saying yes to a quiet weekend with God and some good people. And, along with a pair of very sore quadriceps, that’s what I got.
I think I’m like most people in that I truly love the chance to step away from the milieu. Boy, did this weekend offer that. I spent nearly no time on my phone, had no computer or any entertainment of any sort, and actively chose not to let my mind wander to my daily tasks. I am a huge planner, but I even stepped away from that for those two days. There were a few times on the walk that I had no idea what road we were on or which direction to go, but I just kept on walking, following the people in front of me.
For miles-long stretches at a time, I really had nothing to do except put one foot in front of the other and focus on what was in front of me. And what was in front of me was the most blessed weekend. It was filled with amazing people, great conversations, beautiful nature, opportunities to be grateful, and space for deep connection with God. I didn’t know many of my fellow walkers, which meant I was privileged to meet a whole host of new people and very quickly dive into fantastic conversations. Each person on that walk was ready to go deep. I suddenly found myself chatting about sin and temptation with a woman I had met literally that morning. Even with people whom I already knew, we were able to forge stronger connections as we shared about our personal journeys with God.
Here’s how I would summarize the pilgrimage: I became empty so that I could be filled. In letting go of my typical weekend, I was given so much more in return. God showed up and flowed into all the space I made for Him. He was there in other people as we talked. He was there in the beautiful fields we passed. He was there in the peace that settled in my heart.
As I reflect on the weekend, I’d definitely call it a mountaintop experience. I’m reminded of St. Peter’s words when he witnessed the Transfiguration. “Lord, it is good that we are here…I will make three tents” (Matthew 7:14). In one of my favorite Peter moments, he suggests to the Lord that they all just stay put in this wonderful experience. In a way, he’s asking, “Please don’t make us go down the mountain. It’s so good here at the top.” I too felt that way at the end of the pilgrimage. “Lord, don’t make me go home. There’s so much noise and chaos there. I don’t want to be consumed by those things. I want to stay empty for you.”
Now, a few weeks post-pilgrimage, I am convicted by the fact that I don’t need a 17-mile walk to empty myself. That’s a conscious choice I can make any time. I can quiet my heart, turn off the distractions and open myself to God. I know, without a doubt, that He will show up and fill that space. I need only invite Him in.