How to Turn a Family Road Trip into a Faith-Filled Pilgrimage
Summer’s a great time to hit the road with your family—but not every trip has to be about theme parks or beaches. For Catholic families, summer can also be a good time to plan a small pilgrimage. And you don’t have to travel far to make it meaningful.
There are shrines, grottoes, and historic churches all over the country that welcome visitors. You might be surprised by what’s just a few hours away. These places give families a chance to step away from the noise, say a few prayers, and spend time together with purpose.
Why These Little Trips Matter
A pilgrimage is more than just a visit—it’s a journey that brings you closer to God. You don’t have to go to Rome or the Holy Land to have that experience. You can find it at a Marian shrine in your state or in a quiet chapel tucked off the highway.
Bringing your kids to places like these shows them that faith isn’t just about Sunday mornings. It’s something you live. It can be something you do together as a family.
Easy Ways to Start
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Visit a shrine and light a candle together
- Walk the Stations of the Cross outside
- Attend Mass somewhere you’ve never been
- Pack a lunch and have a quiet prayer picnic
- Read about the saint connected to the site before you go
These aren’t big, expensive trips. But they create real moments your family will remember.
Looking Ahead to a Big Year
The Catholic Church is getting ready for something special: the 2025 Jubilee Year. It starts this December and runs through December 2025. A Jubilee only happens every 25 years. It’s a time for renewal, prayer, and pilgrimage. The theme this time is hope—which the world could use more of right now.
During a Jubilee, Catholics are encouraged to go on pilgrimage, go to confession, and reconnect with their faith. And while small trips close to home are a great way to start, there’s also a chance to take part in something bigger.
FFHL’s Pilgrimage to Italy
The Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL) is planning a special Jubilee pilgrimage from November 30 to December 12, 2025. It starts in Washington, D.C., where the group will visit Holy Land replicas and meaningful Catholic sites. Then the trip continues to Assisi and Rome—two of the most important places in Catholic tradition.
Fr. John Puodziunas, OFM, President of FFHL, will lead the trip. As a Franciscan and experienced guide, he’ll share insight about the life of St. Francis and the Church’s mission today—especially when it comes to supporting Christians in the Holy Land.
This is more than just a vacation. It’s a chance to grow in faith, connect with the Church and take part in a once-in-a-generation spiritual event.
Want to Learn More?
Space is limited, and interest is already growing. To get the full details or sign up, email info@ffhl.org.
In the meantime, don’t wait to start. Make a short trip to a shrine this summer. Take a break from the usual and do something with a little more meaning. One small step now could lead to something big next year.
