Hope on the Pilgrim Road

Looking back on my pilgrimage over the years, I see a journey of grace, though once lost in darkness for over a decade, I was never without a guiding light. That light, ever-present, led me forward.

Since 2017, with a repentant heart and a spirit of supplication, I set out on a pilgrimage. I knelt in prayer in the magnificent cathedrals of Europe, stood in St. Peter’s Square among the universal Church, and received the Holy Father’s blessing.

Although the days were brief, the experience felt like years of grace compressed into one sacred moment. It was a return to the Father’s house, like the prodigal son being embraced anew. I knew the experience was not just my doing; it was the fruit of prayers offered by family, friends, bishops, priests, and religious. Through their support, I was reborn in God’s mercy.

I had the good fortune to travel to the Holy Land in 2019. Again, the light of the Lord shone brightly on that sacred path, an experience that remains unforgettable.

I also experienced deep healing in body, mind, and spirit through retreats and faith formation. Years of wounds and bonds were lifted. I received the Holy Spirit in powerful ways, like when a priest, moved by the Spirit, said, “There is someone here who has a mouth but cannot speak.” Immediately, my tongue curled, and I couldn’t speak.

But after his prayer, “Be open," I praised God aloud once more. At another retreat, a warm embrace left me burning with the fire of divine love. These were reminders: revere God and love others wholeheartedly.

The Church invites us in this Jubilee Year 2025 to become Pilgrims of Hope. I answered that call with my family on a journey through southern China, part pilgrimage, part reunion, and part ancestral tribute. Although the journey lasted only a few days, it brought profound healing in relationships and renewed love.

We drove over a thousand kilometers to reconnect with relatives, shared laughter and memories, grieved those who had passed, and rejoiced in the reunion. On Qingming Day, we honored our ancestors and prayed for the departed. We also visited a local pilgrimage site, joined the Eucharistic celebration, and received the Good Shepherd’s blessing from the bishop. Though physically tiring, the journey was rich in grace and joy.

Later, I joined another pilgrimage across Dalian, Nanjing, Suzhou, and Shanghai. Every sacred site, from Sheshan to Xujiahui to the serene beauty of Suzhou, evoked a sense of life and faith akin to a blossoming tree in spring. Elderly and young alike joined in prayer, Mass, and song. I lifted special prayers for my family, especially for the conversion and well-being of my children.

Then came the sudden news of Pope Francis’ passing. The next day, I also learned of a friend’s death. These moments reminded me of life’s fragility.

On our life’s pilgrimage, we will encounter trials, powerlessness, and confusion. In such moments, peace is found not in immediate answers but in surrender and waiting. To surrender is to place all burdens into God’s hands. To wait is to trust fully in His perfect timing. Although it is difficult, these moments of faith reveal His wisdom gradually.

Waiting is not a weakness; it is a strength rooted in hope. His timing is never too late. His plans are always the best. In every act of surrender and every quiet moment of waiting, we grow in faith and draw nearer to Him.

As we traveled back to Nanjing, I softly sang, “Guard my heart, Lord.” I prayed that He would help me keep the gratitude and grace I had received alive in my heart. And I thank the Lord and the Holy Spirit for walking with me each step of the way. - with inputs from Brother Joseph