November 27, 2025 • 23 mins
We trace a path from Scripture to modern shrines to show how pilgrimage trains the heart in thanksgiving. Stories of Eucharistic miracles, Marian sanctuaries, saintly travelers, and practical disciplines invite us to turn steps into praise and gratitude into a way of life.
• Biblical roots of journey and thanksgiving
• Meaning of Catholic pilgrimages as living prayer
• Eucharistic miracles as signs that nourish faith
• Marian shrines and the voice of the Magnificat
• Saintly examples of praise on the road
• Spiritual preparation through prayer, fasting, confession
• Simple prayers to carry along the way
• Offering Mass intentions of gratitude at shrines
• Invitation to take action and join our community
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:22):
Hello family, welcome to Journeys of Faith
Super Saints Podcast at BrotherJoseph Fryaldenhoven here at
your service.
Be sure to look at thedescription for special
information of interest to you.
And also, there's more to thisblog article.
Thanksgiving, offering praise tothe Lord.
We are all on a pilgrimage toheaven.
(00:43):
In every age, people of faithhave set forth on journeys of
gratitude, footsteps echoingwith prayers, hearts weighted
with thanksgiving.
These pilgrim paths carvedthrough mountains and meadows
over ancient stones and silentcloisters lead to sacred shrines
where the soul is stirred toglorify its creator.
(01:03):
In the gentle hush of acandlelit chapel or the bustling
square of a Marian sanctuary,Catholics across the world find
themselves repeating a simpleyet profound refrain.
Let us thank the Lord.
At Journeys of Faith, pilgrimageis not only a tradition, it is a
spiritual legacy.
From the green hills ofMontefalco to the beloved
(01:26):
sanctuaries that mark thepresence of saints and
Eucharistic miracles, each pathis an invitation to deeper
communion and overflowingpraise.
These are not just physicalpilgrimages, but inner journeys
calling believers to renew theirdevotion, draw near to the
mysteries of the Eucharist, anddiscover the radiant beauty of
(01:48):
the church's treasury.
As you read on, join us inexploring the vibrant tapestry
of pilgrim thanksgiving, wheresaints once knelt, miracles
transpired, and ordinary liveswere transformed by
extraordinary encounters withthe divine.
Whether you tread these paths inperson or through the pages and
screens of faith-based media,let this journey inspire you to
(02:13):
open your heart anew inthanksgiving and praise.
Together, let us thank the Lordfor the gift of pilgrimage.
(02:33):
And the marvels that await thosewho seek him.
The biblical roots of pilgrimageand thanksgiving.
Throughout sacred scripture,pilgrimage and thanksgiving are
deeply interwoven into the lifeof faith.
From the first pages of Genesisto the Acts of the Apostles, we
see a God who calls his peopleto journey not only through
(02:54):
physical lands, but through thelandscape of the soul.
Pilgrimages are responses toGod's invitations, journeys of
trust, sacrifice, and awe,always culminating in praise and
gratitude.
The story of Abraham, our fatherin faith, sets this precedent.
God said, Go from your countryand your kindred and your
(03:15):
father's house to the land thatI will show you.
Genesis 12 1.
Abraham's faith-fueled journeybecame the archetype for the
pilgrim's path, a journeysustained by trust and
ultimately crowned bythanksgiving to the Lord.
Faithful Jews made annualpilgrimages to Jerusalem,
bringing with them songs ofgratitude.
(03:36):
The book of Psalms immortalizesthese journeys with hymns of
praise such as, I rejoiced whenthey said to me, Let us go to
the house of the Lord.
Psalm 122, verse 1.
Repeatedly these Psalms urge thefaithful to come before God with
thanksgiving, recognizing Him asthe source of every blessing.
(03:58):
Pilgrimage finds its fulfillmentin Christ Himself.
The Gospels recount how Jesusjourneyed to Jerusalem,
especially for the greatfestivals, culminating in his
Passover sacrifice.
The Last Supper is the ultimatethanksgiving, Eucharistia in
Greek, which calls all believersto approach God with hearts full
(04:19):
of gratitude.
Let us thank the Lord not as adistant aspiration, but as the
heartbeat of Christiandiscipleship, for every pilgrim,
every journey to a sacred placebecomes an echo of Christ's own
path, drawing us closer in faithand deepening our praise at each
sacred shrine we encounter.
(04:41):
Take the next step.
Let us thank the Lord.
As you reflect on the sacredtradition of pilgrimage and the
profound gratitude found alongthese holy trails, remember
you're not alone on your journeyat journeys of faith.
We invite you to move frominspiration to action, deepening
your relationship with Christand joining a vibrant community
(05:02):
dedicated to thanksgiving andpraise.
Let us thank the Lord togetherby exploring these
opportunities, embark on apilgrimage, experience the
transformative power of walkingin the footsteps of the saints.
Whether in person or virtually,each journey is an invitation to
encounter God more intimately.
Access quality Catholic media,discover books, documentaries,
(05:26):
audio books, and virtualpilgrimages that deepen your
understanding of Eucharisticmiracles, Marian devotion, and
the lives of the saints andconnect with a faith-filled
community.
Share your spiritualexperiences, prayer intentions,
and questions with our globalnetwork of cyber apostles.
Support the mission, yourparticipation fuels the
(05:47):
sanctification of the world fromwithin and sustains our
commitment to high-qualityCatholic evangelization.
Let us thank the Lord for thegift of faith, the courage to
set out, and the peace found atevery sacred shrine.
Start your pilgrimage withjourneys of faith today, where
every step draws you closer toholiness.
Walking in the footsteps ofgratitude, why Catholics journey
(06:11):
to holy sites.
Pilgrimage has always been morethan just travel.
For Catholics, it's anintentional act of faith, an
embodied way to declare, let usthank the Lord, not just with
words, but with footsteps thatecho through sacred places.
Across continents and centuries,pilgrims have risen before dawn,
(06:34):
braved uncertain roads, andcarried their burdens to shrines
and sanctuaries.
Each journey is a living prayerof thanksgiving, a search for
God's presence, woven into thevery stones walked by saints.
This longing to offer praise atholy places finds its roots in
scripture and tradition, fromthe earliest Christians who
(06:57):
traveled to Jerusalem to presentday travelers visiting Mary and
apparition sites or the tombs ofmartyrs.
The desire is the same toexpress deep gratitude for
blessings received and gracesought.
At each sacred site the barriersbetween heaven and earth feel
thinner.
Pilgrims come sometimes withhearts full of joy, other times
(07:20):
carrying unspoken sorrow, butalways with the humble urge to
say, Thank you, Lord, forguiding me on my journey.
There is also a transformativepower in setting aside ordinary
life for a pilgrimage ofthanksgiving.
Whether journeying to Montefalcoto honor St.
Clair or following the Camino deSantiago with thousands of
(07:40):
others, the act of pilgrimageinvites Catholics to see the
world through eyes of wonder andreverence.
Being physically present atthese shrines, the crypts,
chapels, hills, or grottos whereGod's love has been made
manifest reinforces faith andstirs the soul to deeper
devotion.
(08:01):
Each step becomes a prayer.
Every arrival is an offering ofgratitude, a tangible,
unforgettable way to letthanksgiving overflow.
Eucharistic miracles asfountains of thanksgiving.
Throughout history, holy siteshave become spiritual magnets,
places where the veil betweenheaven and earth seems to thin,
(08:22):
inviting pilgrims to pause,reflect, and utter the ancient
refrain.
Let us thank the Lord.
Among the most awe-inspiring ofthese uh of these sites are
those touched by Eucharisticmiracles, where ordinary bread
and wine have becomeextraordinary signs of God's
abiding presence.
Across continents and centuries,tales of the miraculous abound.
(08:44):
In Lanciano, Italy, a priestdoubting the real presence
witnessed the host transformvisibly into flesh and blood
before his astonished eyes.
In Sanarim, Portugal a host bledin the hands of a penitent whose
faith had faltered, and themiracle endures to this day.
(09:07):
Each of these sacred eventsinvites believers to approach
the altar not as passiveobservers, but as grateful
witnesses to the unfathomablelove poured out in every
Eucharist.
The path to these shrines ismore than a physical journey.
It is a pilgrimage of the heart.
It is about recognizing thatjust as the Eucharist is both a
(09:28):
daily miracle and a testament toChrist's sacrifice, every moment
invites us to well up withthanksgiving.
To kneel in the presence of aEucharistic miracle is to hear
Christ whisper, This is my bodygiven up for you, and to respond
not with mere curiosity, butwith profound gratitude.
(09:49):
The live in memory of thesemiracles challenges us today.
Can we notice the dailyblessings that call us to
thanksgiving?
Each time the words let us thankthe Lord echo at Mass, Catholics
are reminded that the ultimatemiracle is not only what
happened centuries ago infaraway chapels, but what
happens on every altar, everyday, wherever Christ becomes
(10:13):
present under the humble signsof bread and wine.
Here, thanksgiving is not just aresponse, but a way of life.
Mary and Shrines echoes ofMary's magnificate.
The journey to Mary and Shrinesis more than a pilgrimage, it is
a powerful immersion into theheart of Mary's own hymn of
(10:35):
thanksgiving, the Magnificate.
Scattered across the world, Maryand Shrines serve as sanctuaries
where the faithful gather toecho Mary's profound words.
My soul magnifies the Lord, andmy spirit rejoices in God my
Savior.
These sacred sights invite us topause, reflect, and like Mary,
let us thank the Lord for thewonders He continually works in
(10:59):
our lives.
At Lourdes in France, pilgrimsbathe in the waters declared
miraculous by Saint Bernadette,finding healing and renewal in
both body and soul.
Fatima in Portugal drawsmillions each year, their
devoted prayers resoundingthrough the olive groves where
the virgin appeared to threehumble shepherd children.
(11:19):
The basilicas and chapels atthese sites pulse with stories
of conversion, hope, and deepgratitude, each one a living
testament to the transformativepower of Mary's intercession.
By walking in Mary's footsteps,pilgrims become part of a
greater chorus of praise.
Processions, candlelit vigils,and the singing of Ave Maria are
(11:42):
not mere rituals, they arehistory breathed anew each day
as hearts are lifted inthanksgiving, whether in the
silence of early morning at nockamidst the throngs at Guadalupe
or in the solitary hush of alocal grotto.
These Marian shrines beckon usto respond with praise, echoing
Mary's magnificent, not justwith words, but with lives
(12:04):
renewed by faith.
In these sacred spaces we arereminded that thanksgiving is at
the very heart of Christiandiscipleship.
Here, as millions have beforeus, we learn to recognize God's
mighty deeds in our own storiesand with Mary proclaim, let us
thank the Lord, for there is noencounter with her son that does
(12:26):
not leave us changed.
Saintly witnesses who turnedpilgrimage into praise.
Throughout Christian history,some of the most moving tales of
gratitude and devotion haveunfolded along the ancient
pilgrim trails.
Saints, those luminous souls whowalked among us, transformed
(12:46):
each step of their journey intoan act of praise, teaching us
what it truly means to let usthank the Lord with our entire
being.
Consider Saint Augustine, whoserestless heart found peace only
when turning pilgrimage into anact of gratitude.
With every mile traveled, heforged a deeper relationship
with Christ, reflecting on theLord's mercy at sacred sites and
(13:12):
sharing those revelations withfellow travelers.
His confessions echo thepilgrim's cry for purpose,
embodying humility andthanksgiving on every page.
Saint Francis of Assisi, thePavarello, immersed himself in
pilgrimage both on dusty roadsand in the chambers of his soul.
Walking barefoot to shrines, hesang praises to God not just in
(13:35):
grand cathedrals but in theordinary beauty along the way.
Meadows, brooks, and mountainpaths became his sanctuaries of
thanksgiving.
Saint Rita of Casha's journeywas marked by penance and hope
as she traversed to holy placesdespite personal hardships.
At each shrine her prayersoverflowed with gratitude for
God's mysterious providence.
(13:57):
Pilgrims today still witness herlegacy at her shrine, where
countless devotees echo herwords of thanks.
For Saint Teresa of Avla,pilgrimage served as a
wellspring of praise, inspiringher to renewal and reform.
She led companions to sacreddestinations, turning each
journey into a lesson insurrender, service, and
(14:20):
rejoicing in God's faithfulness.
These saintly witnesses revealthat the pilgrim path is not
merely about reaching a physicaldestination, but about offering
continual praise every joy,sorrow, and step transformed in
gratitude, inspired by theirstories.
Let us thank the Lord becomesnot only words, but a way of
(14:42):
life, echoing through the stonesof ancient shrines and the
hearts of all who walk in faith.
Preparing the heart spiritualdisciplines before setting out
before pilgrims set foot onancient paths or ascend steps
worn smooth by centuries ofdevotion, there is essential
work to be done within.
(15:03):
The pilgrimage begins not at thefirst milestone or shrine, but
in the quiet saesses of these ofthe heart, a sanctuary awaiting
readiness, to be able to trulysay, Let us thank the Lord with
sincerity and depth.
The pilgrim prepares not onlybody but spirit.
The journey inward starts withprayer.
(15:25):
Daily moments of silence invitediscernment, stirring the soul
to attentiveness and humility.
This is not mere routine, but adisciplined openness to grace.
Spiritual writers throughoutChristian history have urged
would-be pilgrims to recitepsalms of thanksgiving, those
ancient songs that blend sorrowwith praise, yearning with
(15:45):
gratitude.
In praying these the heart isslowly awakened to awe and
wonder.
Fasting and acts of penance arealso integral to preparation.
These are not punishments butgentle reminders of dependence
on God.
By abstaining, be it from food,distractions, or comfort, the
pilgrim trains her faculties torecognize the divine in all that
(16:09):
is simple and humble.
Each small sacrifice sharpensthe soul's hunger for God,
instilling gratitude for everygood gift encountered along the
way.
The sacrament of reconciliationtoo forms part of this interior
journey.
In laying down burdens, seekingforgiveness, and embracing
mercy, the pilgrim shedsspiritual baggage and travels
(16:32):
lighter.
This sacrament is the church'sinvitation to freedom, a chance
to renew the heart's capacity topraise and give thanks once
again, to prepare forpilgrimages to weave together
prayer, penance, and sacramentalgrace.
In these disciplines, faith isrekindled.
By tending the inner altar, eachtraveler stands ready to
approach the sacred shrines ofthe world, heart overflowing
(16:56):
with thanksgiving.
Let us thank the Lord not justwith lips, but with every step
taken in faith.
Prayers of thanksgiving to prayalong the way.
As we set out on the sacredpath, hearts filled with
anticipation and longing, therearises a compelling invitation.
(17:17):
Let us thank the Lord for everystep, every encounter, and every
grace received along the way.
Journeying toward holysanctuaries, be they ancient
cathedrals, humble chapels, oruntamed mountaintops, unlocks
moments ripe for gratitude.
The road itself, with all itstrials and triumphs, becomes an
(17:37):
altar where prayers ofthanksgiving naturally ascend.
Here are time honored prayersand simple expressions of
gratitude to carry with you.
Pause, breathe, and let thesebecome your companions.
One, the canticle of the threeyouths, Daniel three fifty two
to ninety.
Bless the Lord, all you works ofthe Lord, praise and exalt him
(18:00):
above all forever, likeShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
singing amidst the flames.
Let every pebble underfoot,every sunrise, and every
unexpected kindness move you tothank the Lord along your route.
2.
Prayer of thanks, Lord Jesus,thank you for calling me on this
sacred journey.
(18:20):
Thank you for the strength towalk, for companions met along
the way, for the quiet beauty ofmorning and the hush of evening.
Fill my heart with awe andpraise, and let my life proclaim
your goodness.
Third Psalm 100, a psalm ofthanksgiving.
Shout joyfully to the Lord allthe earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness,come before him with joyful
(18:40):
song.
Recite this psalm as youapproach a new shrine or pause
beside an ancient cross.
Let its cadence awaken yourspirit to gratitude, anchoring
each pilgrimage step in worship.
4.
Prayer upon reaching a sacredsite, Heavenly Father, having
arrived at this holy place, Ithank you for guiding me safely.
(19:01):
I offer praise for the blessingsand lessons along the path, and
ask for the grace to depart,transformed and newly committed
to serving you.
Five, spontaneous praise.
Sometimes words fall away andonly wonder remains.
When the landscape moves yoursoul or a stranger's kindness
leaves you speechless, whispersimply.
(19:22):
Let us thank the Lord.
In those small unscriptedmoments, gratitude becomes the
deepest prayer.
Each prayer, ancient orpersonal, gathers together the
many threads of your journey,turning every mile walked and
every challenge faced into atapestry of praise.
Let the spirit of thanksgivingaccompany you, shaping not only
(19:44):
destination, but the journeyitself.
Offering mass intentions ofgratitude at sacred altars in
the rhythm of Catholicpilgrimage, there are few acts
holier or more profound thanoffering a mass intention at a
sacred shrine.
As pilgrims travel to thesespiritual epicenters, places
(20:05):
where the veil between heavenand earth seems especially thin,
they carry with them theprayers, hopes, and deepest
thanksgivings of their hearts.
It is here kneeling beforeancient altars that we are
invited to echo the words, letus thank the Lord for his
boundless mercy and providence.
The tradition of mass intentionsis woven tightly into the fabric
(20:28):
of the church.
Pilgrims may request that theholy sacrifice of the Mass be
offered in thanksgiving forblessings received, a safe
journey, a loved one's recovery,the grace of a new beginning.
These intentions are not mereformalities, they are living
acts of worship whereby thefaithful participate directly in
the saving mystery of Christ'spassion, death, and
(20:51):
resurrection.
At shrines dedicated to belovedsaints, pilgrims frequently
witness a palpable sense ofgratitude.
The air is thick with prayers ofthanks, grateful hearts lifted
up for favors granted, miraclesreceived, or simply for the
chance to stand on hallowedground, whether in the candlelit
quiet of a tiny mountain chapelor amid the soaring vaults of a
(21:14):
grand basilica, offering massintentions of gratitude unites
us to generations of believerswho have come before, echoing
across centuries the refrain,Let us thank the Lord.
This experience transforms notonly the pilgrim but also the
global church.
Every Eucharistic celebrationoffered in thanksgiving resounds
(21:34):
beyond the brick and mortar ofthe shrine, inspiring a renewed
sense of faith and communal joy.
In these sacred moments, weremember gratitude is not just a
fleeting feeling, but a holyoffering, one that draws us
closer to the divine.
Conclusion.
Let us thank the Lord on everypath.
As we traverse the storiedpaths, whether in bustling
(21:57):
basilicas, quiet countrysideshrines, or the sacred space of
our own hearts, one sentimentrises above all others.
Let us thank the Lord.
These journeys are more thanfootsteps across cobblestone and
soil.
They are living prayers bearingour gratitude to the very heart
(22:18):
of God.
Through encounters with holysites, the inspiring witness of
the saints, and the Eucharisticmiracles that speak of Christ's
enduring presence, we arereminded that every pilgrimage
is both a testament and anoffering of praise.
The journeys of faith, webelieve that every step taken in
faith, every lesson learned fromour Catholic heritage enriches
(22:39):
our relationship with God andstrengthens the universal call
to holiness.
The pilgrim's thanksgiving isnot a single moment, but a
continual chorus echoed in ourprayers, our devotions, and our
daily lives.
May we respond to this call,offering our praise at every
sacred shrine, and invite othersalong this path of thanksgiving.
(23:01):
As we journey together,physically, intellectually, and
spiritually, let us thank theLord for the bountiful graces He
bestows, and may our heartsremain ever open to His loving
presence.
Thank you, family, for listeningto Super Saints Podcast.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Remember, we have Thanksgivingweekend sale at
(23:23):
journeysoffaith.com.
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for special news
item and since there is more tothis article.
Finish reading and check out thespecial offer.
Visit journeysoffaith.comwebsite today.
Hello family, welcome to Journeys of Faith
Super Saints Podcast at BrotherJoseph Fryaldenhoven here at
your service.
Be sure to look at thedescription for special
information of interest to you.
And also, there's more to thisblog article.
Thanksgiving, offering praise tothe Lord.
We are all on a pilgrimage toheaven.
(00:43):
In every age, people of faithhave set forth on journeys of
gratitude, footsteps echoingwith prayers, hearts weighted
with thanksgiving.
These pilgrim paths carvedthrough mountains and meadows
over ancient stones and silentcloisters lead to sacred shrines
where the soul is stirred toglorify its creator.
(01:03):
In the gentle hush of acandlelit chapel or the bustling
square of a Marian sanctuary,Catholics across the world find
themselves repeating a simpleyet profound refrain.
Let us thank the Lord.
At Journeys of Faith, pilgrimageis not only a tradition, it is a
spiritual legacy.
From the green hills ofMontefalco to the beloved
(01:26):
sanctuaries that mark thepresence of saints and
Eucharistic miracles, each pathis an invitation to deeper
communion and overflowingpraise.
These are not just physicalpilgrimages, but inner journeys
calling believers to renew theirdevotion, draw near to the
mysteries of the Eucharist, anddiscover the radiant beauty of
(01:48):
the church's treasury.
As you read on, join us inexploring the vibrant tapestry
of pilgrim thanksgiving, wheresaints once knelt, miracles
transpired, and ordinary liveswere transformed by
extraordinary encounters withthe divine.
Whether you tread these paths inperson or through the pages and
screens of faith-based media,let this journey inspire you to
(02:13):
open your heart anew inthanksgiving and praise.
Together, let us thank the Lordfor the gift of pilgrimage.
(02:33):
And the marvels that await thosewho seek him.
The biblical roots of pilgrimageand thanksgiving.
Throughout sacred scripture,pilgrimage and thanksgiving are
deeply interwoven into the lifeof faith.
From the first pages of Genesisto the Acts of the Apostles, we
see a God who calls his peopleto journey not only through
(02:54):
physical lands, but through thelandscape of the soul.
Pilgrimages are responses toGod's invitations, journeys of
trust, sacrifice, and awe,always culminating in praise and
gratitude.
The story of Abraham, our fatherin faith, sets this precedent.
God said, Go from your countryand your kindred and your
(03:15):
father's house to the land thatI will show you.
Genesis 12 1.
Abraham's faith-fueled journeybecame the archetype for the
pilgrim's path, a journeysustained by trust and
ultimately crowned bythanksgiving to the Lord.
Faithful Jews made annualpilgrimages to Jerusalem,
bringing with them songs ofgratitude.
(03:36):
The book of Psalms immortalizesthese journeys with hymns of
praise such as, I rejoiced whenthey said to me, Let us go to
the house of the Lord.
Psalm 122, verse 1.
Repeatedly these Psalms urge thefaithful to come before God with
thanksgiving, recognizing Him asthe source of every blessing.
(03:58):
Pilgrimage finds its fulfillmentin Christ Himself.
The Gospels recount how Jesusjourneyed to Jerusalem,
especially for the greatfestivals, culminating in his
Passover sacrifice.
The Last Supper is the ultimatethanksgiving, Eucharistia in
Greek, which calls all believersto approach God with hearts full
(04:19):
of gratitude.
Let us thank the Lord not as adistant aspiration, but as the
heartbeat of Christiandiscipleship, for every pilgrim,
every journey to a sacred placebecomes an echo of Christ's own
path, drawing us closer in faithand deepening our praise at each
sacred shrine we encounter.
(04:41):
Take the next step.
Let us thank the Lord.
As you reflect on the sacredtradition of pilgrimage and the
profound gratitude found alongthese holy trails, remember
you're not alone on your journeyat journeys of faith.
We invite you to move frominspiration to action, deepening
your relationship with Christand joining a vibrant community
(05:02):
dedicated to thanksgiving andpraise.
Let us thank the Lord togetherby exploring these
opportunities, embark on apilgrimage, experience the
transformative power of walkingin the footsteps of the saints.
Whether in person or virtually,each journey is an invitation to
encounter God more intimately.
Access quality Catholic media,discover books, documentaries,
(05:26):
audio books, and virtualpilgrimages that deepen your
understanding of Eucharisticmiracles, Marian devotion, and
the lives of the saints andconnect with a faith-filled
community.
Share your spiritualexperiences, prayer intentions,
and questions with our globalnetwork of cyber apostles.
Support the mission, yourparticipation fuels the
(05:47):
sanctification of the world fromwithin and sustains our
commitment to high-qualityCatholic evangelization.
Let us thank the Lord for thegift of faith, the courage to
set out, and the peace found atevery sacred shrine.
Start your pilgrimage withjourneys of faith today, where
every step draws you closer toholiness.
Walking in the footsteps ofgratitude, why Catholics journey
(06:11):
to holy sites.
Pilgrimage has always been morethan just travel.
For Catholics, it's anintentional act of faith, an
embodied way to declare, let usthank the Lord, not just with
words, but with footsteps thatecho through sacred places.
Across continents and centuries,pilgrims have risen before dawn,
(06:34):
braved uncertain roads, andcarried their burdens to shrines
and sanctuaries.
Each journey is a living prayerof thanksgiving, a search for
God's presence, woven into thevery stones walked by saints.
This longing to offer praise atholy places finds its roots in
scripture and tradition, fromthe earliest Christians who
(06:57):
traveled to Jerusalem to presentday travelers visiting Mary and
apparition sites or the tombs ofmartyrs.
The desire is the same toexpress deep gratitude for
blessings received and gracesought.
At each sacred site the barriersbetween heaven and earth feel
thinner.
Pilgrims come sometimes withhearts full of joy, other times
(07:20):
carrying unspoken sorrow, butalways with the humble urge to
say, Thank you, Lord, forguiding me on my journey.
There is also a transformativepower in setting aside ordinary
life for a pilgrimage ofthanksgiving.
Whether journeying to Montefalcoto honor St.
Clair or following the Camino deSantiago with thousands of
(07:40):
others, the act of pilgrimageinvites Catholics to see the
world through eyes of wonder andreverence.
Being physically present atthese shrines, the crypts,
chapels, hills, or grottos whereGod's love has been made
manifest reinforces faith andstirs the soul to deeper
devotion.
(08:01):
Each step becomes a prayer.
Every arrival is an offering ofgratitude, a tangible,
unforgettable way to letthanksgiving overflow.
Eucharistic miracles asfountains of thanksgiving.
Throughout history, holy siteshave become spiritual magnets,
places where the veil betweenheaven and earth seems to thin,
(08:22):
inviting pilgrims to pause,reflect, and utter the ancient
refrain.
Let us thank the Lord.
Among the most awe-inspiring ofthese uh of these sites are
those touched by Eucharisticmiracles, where ordinary bread
and wine have becomeextraordinary signs of God's
abiding presence.
Across continents and centuries,tales of the miraculous abound.
(08:44):
In Lanciano, Italy, a priestdoubting the real presence
witnessed the host transformvisibly into flesh and blood
before his astonished eyes.
In Sanarim, Portugal a host bledin the hands of a penitent whose
faith had faltered, and themiracle endures to this day.
(09:07):
Each of these sacred eventsinvites believers to approach
the altar not as passiveobservers, but as grateful
witnesses to the unfathomablelove poured out in every
Eucharist.
The path to these shrines ismore than a physical journey.
It is a pilgrimage of the heart.
It is about recognizing thatjust as the Eucharist is both a
(09:28):
daily miracle and a testament toChrist's sacrifice, every moment
invites us to well up withthanksgiving.
To kneel in the presence of aEucharistic miracle is to hear
Christ whisper, This is my bodygiven up for you, and to respond
not with mere curiosity, butwith profound gratitude.
(09:49):
The live in memory of thesemiracles challenges us today.
Can we notice the dailyblessings that call us to
thanksgiving?
Each time the words let us thankthe Lord echo at Mass, Catholics
are reminded that the ultimatemiracle is not only what
happened centuries ago infaraway chapels, but what
happens on every altar, everyday, wherever Christ becomes
(10:13):
present under the humble signsof bread and wine.
Here, thanksgiving is not just aresponse, but a way of life.
Mary and Shrines echoes ofMary's magnificate.
The journey to Mary and Shrinesis more than a pilgrimage, it is
a powerful immersion into theheart of Mary's own hymn of
(10:35):
thanksgiving, the Magnificate.
Scattered across the world, Maryand Shrines serve as sanctuaries
where the faithful gather toecho Mary's profound words.
My soul magnifies the Lord, andmy spirit rejoices in God my
Savior.
These sacred sights invite us topause, reflect, and like Mary,
let us thank the Lord for thewonders He continually works in
(10:59):
our lives.
At Lourdes in France, pilgrimsbathe in the waters declared
miraculous by Saint Bernadette,finding healing and renewal in
both body and soul.
Fatima in Portugal drawsmillions each year, their
devoted prayers resoundingthrough the olive groves where
the virgin appeared to threehumble shepherd children.
(11:19):
The basilicas and chapels atthese sites pulse with stories
of conversion, hope, and deepgratitude, each one a living
testament to the transformativepower of Mary's intercession.
By walking in Mary's footsteps,pilgrims become part of a
greater chorus of praise.
Processions, candlelit vigils,and the singing of Ave Maria are
(11:42):
not mere rituals, they arehistory breathed anew each day
as hearts are lifted inthanksgiving, whether in the
silence of early morning at nockamidst the throngs at Guadalupe
or in the solitary hush of alocal grotto.
These Marian shrines beckon usto respond with praise, echoing
Mary's magnificent, not justwith words, but with lives
(12:04):
renewed by faith.
In these sacred spaces we arereminded that thanksgiving is at
the very heart of Christiandiscipleship.
Here, as millions have beforeus, we learn to recognize God's
mighty deeds in our own storiesand with Mary proclaim, let us
thank the Lord, for there is noencounter with her son that does
(12:26):
not leave us changed.
Saintly witnesses who turnedpilgrimage into praise.
Throughout Christian history,some of the most moving tales of
gratitude and devotion haveunfolded along the ancient
pilgrim trails.
Saints, those luminous souls whowalked among us, transformed
(12:46):
each step of their journey intoan act of praise, teaching us
what it truly means to let usthank the Lord with our entire
being.
Consider Saint Augustine, whoserestless heart found peace only
when turning pilgrimage into anact of gratitude.
With every mile traveled, heforged a deeper relationship
with Christ, reflecting on theLord's mercy at sacred sites and
(13:12):
sharing those revelations withfellow travelers.
His confessions echo thepilgrim's cry for purpose,
embodying humility andthanksgiving on every page.
Saint Francis of Assisi, thePavarello, immersed himself in
pilgrimage both on dusty roadsand in the chambers of his soul.
Walking barefoot to shrines, hesang praises to God not just in
(13:35):
grand cathedrals but in theordinary beauty along the way.
Meadows, brooks, and mountainpaths became his sanctuaries of
thanksgiving.
Saint Rita of Casha's journeywas marked by penance and hope
as she traversed to holy placesdespite personal hardships.
At each shrine her prayersoverflowed with gratitude for
God's mysterious providence.
(13:57):
Pilgrims today still witness herlegacy at her shrine, where
countless devotees echo herwords of thanks.
For Saint Teresa of Avla,pilgrimage served as a
wellspring of praise, inspiringher to renewal and reform.
She led companions to sacreddestinations, turning each
journey into a lesson insurrender, service, and
(14:20):
rejoicing in God's faithfulness.
These saintly witnesses revealthat the pilgrim path is not
merely about reaching a physicaldestination, but about offering
continual praise every joy,sorrow, and step transformed in
gratitude, inspired by theirstories.
Let us thank the Lord becomesnot only words, but a way of
(14:42):
life, echoing through the stonesof ancient shrines and the
hearts of all who walk in faith.
Preparing the heart spiritualdisciplines before setting out
before pilgrims set foot onancient paths or ascend steps
worn smooth by centuries ofdevotion, there is essential
work to be done within.
(15:03):
The pilgrimage begins not at thefirst milestone or shrine, but
in the quiet saesses of these ofthe heart, a sanctuary awaiting
readiness, to be able to trulysay, Let us thank the Lord with
sincerity and depth.
The pilgrim prepares not onlybody but spirit.
The journey inward starts withprayer.
(15:25):
Daily moments of silence invitediscernment, stirring the soul
to attentiveness and humility.
This is not mere routine, but adisciplined openness to grace.
Spiritual writers throughoutChristian history have urged
would-be pilgrims to recitepsalms of thanksgiving, those
ancient songs that blend sorrowwith praise, yearning with
(15:45):
gratitude.
In praying these the heart isslowly awakened to awe and
wonder.
Fasting and acts of penance arealso integral to preparation.
These are not punishments butgentle reminders of dependence
on God.
By abstaining, be it from food,distractions, or comfort, the
pilgrim trains her faculties torecognize the divine in all that
(16:09):
is simple and humble.
Each small sacrifice sharpensthe soul's hunger for God,
instilling gratitude for everygood gift encountered along the
way.
The sacrament of reconciliationtoo forms part of this interior
journey.
In laying down burdens, seekingforgiveness, and embracing
mercy, the pilgrim shedsspiritual baggage and travels
(16:32):
lighter.
This sacrament is the church'sinvitation to freedom, a chance
to renew the heart's capacity topraise and give thanks once
again, to prepare forpilgrimages to weave together
prayer, penance, and sacramentalgrace.
In these disciplines, faith isrekindled.
By tending the inner altar, eachtraveler stands ready to
approach the sacred shrines ofthe world, heart overflowing
(16:56):
with thanksgiving.
Let us thank the Lord not justwith lips, but with every step
taken in faith.
Prayers of thanksgiving to prayalong the way.
As we set out on the sacredpath, hearts filled with
anticipation and longing, therearises a compelling invitation.
(17:17):
Let us thank the Lord for everystep, every encounter, and every
grace received along the way.
Journeying toward holysanctuaries, be they ancient
cathedrals, humble chapels, oruntamed mountaintops, unlocks
moments ripe for gratitude.
The road itself, with all itstrials and triumphs, becomes an
(17:37):
altar where prayers ofthanksgiving naturally ascend.
Here are time honored prayersand simple expressions of
gratitude to carry with you.
Pause, breathe, and let thesebecome your companions.
One, the canticle of the threeyouths, Daniel three fifty two
to ninety.
Bless the Lord, all you works ofthe Lord, praise and exalt him
(18:00):
above all forever, likeShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
singing amidst the flames.
Let every pebble underfoot,every sunrise, and every
unexpected kindness move you tothank the Lord along your route.
2.
Prayer of thanks, Lord Jesus,thank you for calling me on this
sacred journey.
(18:20):
Thank you for the strength towalk, for companions met along
the way, for the quiet beauty ofmorning and the hush of evening.
Fill my heart with awe andpraise, and let my life proclaim
your goodness.
Third Psalm 100, a psalm ofthanksgiving.
Shout joyfully to the Lord allthe earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness,come before him with joyful
(18:40):
song.
Recite this psalm as youapproach a new shrine or pause
beside an ancient cross.
Let its cadence awaken yourspirit to gratitude, anchoring
each pilgrimage step in worship.
4.
Prayer upon reaching a sacredsite, Heavenly Father, having
arrived at this holy place, Ithank you for guiding me safely.
(19:01):
I offer praise for the blessingsand lessons along the path, and
ask for the grace to depart,transformed and newly committed
to serving you.
Five, spontaneous praise.
Sometimes words fall away andonly wonder remains.
When the landscape moves yoursoul or a stranger's kindness
leaves you speechless, whispersimply.
(19:22):
Let us thank the Lord.
In those small unscriptedmoments, gratitude becomes the
deepest prayer.
Each prayer, ancient orpersonal, gathers together the
many threads of your journey,turning every mile walked and
every challenge faced into atapestry of praise.
Let the spirit of thanksgivingaccompany you, shaping not only
(19:44):
destination, but the journeyitself.
Offering mass intentions ofgratitude at sacred altars in
the rhythm of Catholicpilgrimage, there are few acts
holier or more profound thanoffering a mass intention at a
sacred shrine.
As pilgrims travel to thesespiritual epicenters, places
(20:05):
where the veil between heavenand earth seems especially thin,
they carry with them theprayers, hopes, and deepest
thanksgivings of their hearts.
It is here kneeling beforeancient altars that we are
invited to echo the words, letus thank the Lord for his
boundless mercy and providence.
The tradition of mass intentionsis woven tightly into the fabric
(20:28):
of the church.
Pilgrims may request that theholy sacrifice of the Mass be
offered in thanksgiving forblessings received, a safe
journey, a loved one's recovery,the grace of a new beginning.
These intentions are not mereformalities, they are living
acts of worship whereby thefaithful participate directly in
the saving mystery of Christ'spassion, death, and
(20:51):
resurrection.
At shrines dedicated to belovedsaints, pilgrims frequently
witness a palpable sense ofgratitude.
The air is thick with prayers ofthanks, grateful hearts lifted
up for favors granted, miraclesreceived, or simply for the
chance to stand on hallowedground, whether in the candlelit
quiet of a tiny mountain chapelor amid the soaring vaults of a
(21:14):
grand basilica, offering massintentions of gratitude unites
us to generations of believerswho have come before, echoing
across centuries the refrain,Let us thank the Lord.
This experience transforms notonly the pilgrim but also the
global church.
Every Eucharistic celebrationoffered in thanksgiving resounds
(21:34):
beyond the brick and mortar ofthe shrine, inspiring a renewed
sense of faith and communal joy.
In these sacred moments, weremember gratitude is not just a
fleeting feeling, but a holyoffering, one that draws us
closer to the divine.
Conclusion.
Let us thank the Lord on everypath.
As we traverse the storiedpaths, whether in bustling
(21:57):
basilicas, quiet countrysideshrines, or the sacred space of
our own hearts, one sentimentrises above all others.
Let us thank the Lord.
These journeys are more thanfootsteps across cobblestone and
soil.
They are living prayers bearingour gratitude to the very heart
(22:18):
of God.
Through encounters with holysites, the inspiring witness of
the saints, and the Eucharisticmiracles that speak of Christ's
enduring presence, we arereminded that every pilgrimage
is both a testament and anoffering of praise.
The journeys of faith, webelieve that every step taken in
faith, every lesson learned fromour Catholic heritage enriches
(22:39):
our relationship with God andstrengthens the universal call
to holiness.
The pilgrim's thanksgiving isnot a single moment, but a
continual chorus echoed in ourprayers, our devotions, and our
daily lives.
May we respond to this call,offering our praise at every
sacred shrine, and invite othersalong this path of thanksgiving.
(23:01):
As we journey together,physically, intellectually, and
spiritually, let us thank theLord for the bountiful graces He
bestows, and may our heartsremain ever open to His loving
presence.
Thank you, family, for listeningto Super Saints Podcast.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Remember, we have Thanksgivingweekend sale at
(23:23):
journeysoffaith.com.
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