To: UWRT 1103

From: Kaitlyn Lloyd

Date: November 16, 2014
I write this letter to propose a solution to a recurring problem in todays societal view.
The problem is that a pilgrimage is viewed as a journey, especially a long one, made to some
sacred place as an act of religious devotion. Society continues to view a journey with a true title
in the wrong. I say it is up to us, as a class to change said view and to give pilgrimages back their
true colors. We must convince society to view a pilgrimage as more than just a religious journey.
Every year around one hundred million people go on a pilgrimage. The biggest annual
pilgrimage remains the Hajj, in which around two million Muslim pilgrims travel to Makkah
(Mecca) in Saudi Arabia (ACR). The most common reason people go on a pilgrimage is for a
spiritual quest or religious journey to a holy/sacred place. I believe the subject of a pilgrimage
can encompass a variety of other subjects. Through a pilgrimage the reasoning behind going can
be because it is on your bucket list, for an adventure or journey, to find yourself, as a rite of
passage, etc. Pilgrimages interest me because one day I wish to go on one myself. If I go, then
there is a slim chance it will be for religious reasons, but more likely for one of the other reasons
I listed above.
History has taught us that pilgrimages started as a religious journey and the idea has stuck
to this day. A pilgrimage can be anything from visiting a holy place to climbing a mountain.
'Pilgrimage' is a wide-ranging topic touching on many aspects of human existence, signifying not
only a physical journey to a special place, but also an inner spiritual journey and indeed life
itself. (The University of York) A pilgrimage is undertaken as a quest or for a votive purpose; an

excursion. McCandless went on a pilgrimage of sorts; he set out on a quest to find himself maybe
not for a religious devotion, but definitely for a votive purpose.
Some people believe that a pilgrimage is not a vacation or sightseeing tour but a quest to
encounter God. (Aleteia: The News of the World from a Catholic Perspective) Aleteia quotes
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI where he states, Different from a wanderer whose steps have no
established final destination, a pilgrim always has a destination, even if at times he is not
explicitly aware of it. (Aleteia: The News of the World from a Catholic Perspective) Anyone
who goes on a pilgrimage or journey has a final destination in mind, whether that destination is
physical, spiritual, or psychological. To bring peace to ones thoughts, words, actions, life, or self
is sometimes impossible without breaking away from society and traveling off the beaten path.
Not necessarily wandering, but searching.
Solution to the Problem

Humans are very curious creatures and are constantly trying to break out of the normality
of standards set by society. We wish to do the extraordinary and to leave behind a legacy worth
remembering. By discovery and adventure we gain remembrance and excitement in our basic
lives. Pilgrimage is still very much alive. 21st century pilgrims - from all faiths and none continue to explore the significance of place and of journey. (The University of York)

I propose we start by setting an example for not only our generation, but for generations to come.
We have age on our side because we are still young and have a lifetime ahead of us. If we go on
a journey without the religious aspect, but still title it as a pilgrimage, then we can make our own
history. All it takes is the throwing of a pebble (the ripple effect) to set off a revolution.

Through our own example, hopefully we can change the outlook and the definition of a
pilgrimage. As college freshman and the youth of today we have the opportunity to make a
difference. So I say choose your reason and go.