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The idea of going on a pilgrimage can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’ve never done one before. You may wonder what to bring, how to prepare, or whether you’re doing it “right.”
The good news is that a pilgrimage isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about making an intentional journey toward God. Whether you’re traveling across the world or spending a single day at a nearby shrine, a pilgrimage creates space to step away from daily routines and focus more fully on your relationship with Christ.
Recently, I attended a one-day pilgrimage to Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario. While I had visited shrines before, this was my first time approaching the experience as a true pilgrimage.
I quickly realized that a little preparation can make a big difference, both practically and spiritually. The tips in this post are things I learned before and during that journey.
How to Prepare for a Catholic Pilgrimage
What Is a Catholic Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is more than a religious day trip or a visit to a beautiful church. It is a spiritual journey undertaken with a purpose. Pilgrims travel to places connected with Jesus, the saints, Marian apparitions, relics, or significant moments in the history of the Church.
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s people making journeys of faith. Think of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to Jerusalem, or the many trips that the Apostles made to spread the word of God. Pilgrimage continues that tradition today, inviting us to step away from ordinary life and seek God with renewed focus.
The destination matters, but the journey itself is also part of the experience. The prayers offered along the way, the conversations shared, the quiet moments of reflection, and the willingness to be open to God’s grace all become part of the pilgrimage.
Even a one-day pilgrimage can become a meaningful encounter with God.
You don’t have to travel across the world to make a pilgrimage. Many dioceses have shrines, basilicas, and other sacred sites within driving distance.
If you’re not sure where to begin, the National Association of Shrine and Pilgrimage Apostolate offers a directory of Catholic shrines that can help you find destinations near you in the United States. In Canada, check out a list of Canadian shrines on the CCCB site. You can also check with your diocese or local parish for recommendations.
Prepare Your Heart Before You Go
One of the most important preparations happens long before you pack your bag.
Take some time to pray about your pilgrimage. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your day and to help you remain open to whatever God wants to show you.
A pilgrimage is not just a day trip to a holy place. It is a journey of prayer. So, in the days leading up to your pilgrimage, consider adding a simple daily prayer such as the Angelus. These small moments of preparation can help you arrive with a more open and attentive heart.
Consider bringing specific intentions with you. Perhaps you are praying for a family member, seeking guidance for a decision, carrying a burden, or simply longing to grow closer to Christ.
You may find it helpful to write your intentions in a journal before you leave. Having them written down can help you remain focused throughout the day.
If possible, consider receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation before your pilgrimage. Going to Confession is not a requirement, but many pilgrims find that it helps them enter the experience with greater peace and openness.
Above all, try to approach the day with a spirit of expectancy. You do not need to know exactly what God will do. Simply be willing to show up and listen.
Learn About Your Destination
A little preparation can deepen your appreciation for the place you are visiting.
Before your pilgrimage, spend some time learning about the shrine, saint, or sacred site. Read about its history. Learn why people have been drawn there over the years. If the pilgrimage is connected to a particular saint, consider reading about their life and asking for their intercession before your trip.
Understanding the significance of a location often helps transform it from a sightseeing destination into a place of prayer and encounter.
You don’t need to become an expert. Even a few minutes of reading beforehand can help you engage more fully with what you will experience.
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Pack for Comfort and Prayer
While a pilgrimage is a spiritual journey, a little practical planning goes a long way.
Comfortable walking shoes are one of the most important things you can bring. Many shrines include outdoor paths, prayer gardens, Stations of the Cross, or other areas that involve walking.
Consider packing:
- A reusable water bottle
- An empty Holy Water bottle if you’d like to fill it at the site (most sites have Holy Water dispensers available). I would also recommend a zippered plastic storage bag to put this in just in case it leaks on the way home.
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sunscreen and a hat for outdoor sites. I also like to pack a wearable mini fan for those extra hot and humid days
- A veil if you like to veil at church
- A rosary
- A small notebook or journal and a pen or pencil. I take a few spares with me just in case.
- You may want to bring a small prayer book of favorite prayers, prompts for silent meditation, or Bible verses you might like to reflect on during Lectio Divina. I put mine on a few index cards so they were easy to carry and pull out when I felt called to.
- Snacks (some sites have restaurants and snack bars but I recommend checking ahead of time to ensure that these are available. On special Shrine days, some places also offer meals provided by the Knights of Columbus and/or Catholic Women’s League. Again, check or inquire ahead of time so you’re prepared)
- Money, if you’d like to purchase anything. Most shrines have gift shops where you can buy sacramentals and other items. You can generally use a card for these purchases, but you might want to also bring along some cash for lighting candles.
- Any medications you may need
- A light sweater or jacket for changing weather
- A backpack is a great idea for holding all of the items you take with you. It’s easy to carry around.
Having these basics covered allows you to focus on prayer instead of discomfort.
Leave Room for Silence
Many of us spend our days surrounded by noise, notifications, and constant activity. A pilgrimage offers a rare opportunity to slow down.
While fellowship and conversation can be wonderful parts of the experience, try to leave space for silence as well. Resist the temptation to document every moment or check your phone throughout the day.
Sit quietly in the church. Walk slowly through the grounds. Spend a few minutes simply being present before the Lord.
Sometimes God speaks most clearly when we stop filling every moment with words.
Participate Fully
It can be tempting to approach a pilgrimage like a tourist, trying to see everything and move quickly from one attraction to the next.
Instead, allow yourself to be fully present.
Attend Mass if it is offered. Pray before relics (some shrines will provide blessings with the relics too). Visit the chapels and prayer spaces. Read the displays and historical information. Join in communal prayers when available.
You do not need to have a perfect spiritual experience. You do not need profound insights or overwhelming emotions.
Simply participate with an open heart.
Often God’s work is quieter than we expect.
Reflect After You Return Home
The pilgrimage doesn’t necessarily end when you get back in the car.
Take a little time during the following days to reflect on your experience. Consider journaling about what stood out to you.
Ask yourself:
- What moment stayed with me?
- What surprised me?
- What was God inviting me to notice?
- Is there something I want to carry into my daily life?
You may discover that some of the deepest fruits of the pilgrimage emerge after you return home.
A Simple Pilgrimage Checklist
Before you leave, take a few moments to make sure you’ve covered the basics:
- Pray about your intentions
- Learn about the shrine or sacred site
- Go to Confession if possible
- Pack water and snacks
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring a rosary
- Bring a notebook or journal and something to write with
- Check the weather forecast
- Leave room for prayer and silence
- Remain open to God’s grace
Final Thoughts
A pilgrimage is not about checking a destination off a list. It is an invitation to step away from ordinary routines and draw closer to God.
Whether you’re traveling a few hours to a nearby shrine or embarking on a larger journey, remember that the most important preparation is simply a willing heart.
God is already waiting for you on the road.
