Virtual Pilgrimages
Virtual pilgrimages are pilgrimages with no physical travel, using the Pilgrimage of the Word WhatsApp group.
Look at this page for more information about virtual pilgrimage, or send a WhatsApp message to Dave Smith or an email to davidborrowdale54@hotmail.com
Faithbook
Faithbook is a pilgrimage through a book. This is a form of Virtual Pilgrimage in which participants do not make a physical journey; more can be found on this page.
This begs the question, how does “making a pilgrimage through a book” differ from simply reading it? Well, in the context of this website, it means using the definition on the homepage: “A journey out of the heart of darkness, into the heart of God”.
So it is the intentional, exploratory, reading of a book to bring you closer to God. It need not be a formally "Christian” book, but any in which the content helps you on your spiritual journey.
To launch this new initiative, you are invited to make a pilgrimage through “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C S Lewis.
This is a journey in which we follow the characters into the fantastical world of Narnia via a very ordinary looking wardrobe.
What might lead you to make such a journey? This brings us to the first Step of Pilgrimage, the Holy Longing, in which we are invited to ”Examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13.5)
It may be that you have thoughts or experiences that are in some way challenging. You can keep these in mind as you make your pilgrim journey through the book. The book is an entertaining adventure story in its own right. Nevertheless, embedded within are Christian allegories, which have potential to unexpectedly provide beneficial insights.
To join in this journey, participants are asked to provide themselves with a copy of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.
The pilgrimage will then be conducted over a five-week period, on the Pilgrimage of the Word WhatsApp group.
(Send me an email at davidborrowdale54@hotmail.com
if you would like to join the WhatsApp group.)
During the period of pilgrimage, participants are invited to post their thoughts, observations, questions and prayers on the WhatsApp group. This helps create a sense of travelling together on the same journey.
There is no need to watch the WhatsApp group for the whole period. People can drop in and out as fits their other responsibilities. Group cohesion comes through the knowledge that you are participating in a common journey, reflecting on the same theme.
The 17 chapters of the book will be read as follows:
Week beginning Monday 9th June Chapters 1 - 4
Week beginning Monday 16th June Chapters 5 – 9
Week beginning Monday 23rd June Chapters 10 – 14
Monday 30th June to Wednesday 2nd July Chapters 15 ‑ 17
We will spend Thursday 3rd July on our Prayerful Arrival
Pilgrims will be invited on Friday 4th July to start thinking about their Servant Response
On the occasions when you do visit the WhatsApp group, you will find comments and pictures that I will gradually post. This gradual unfolding contributes to the sense of journey throughout the book.
It may be that you don't get a chance to look at the WhatsApp group until later, in which case you are welcome to make comments afterwards.
If you are interested in joining this pilgrimage, or have any questions, then please do email me at davidborrowdale54@hotmail.com
Previous Virtual Pilgrimaages
Each Sunday in Advent 2024, a new Journey was published on the Pilgrimage of the Word WhatsApp group and here on the Pilgrimage of the Word website. Visit this page for links to each of the four journeys.
A virtual pilgrimage along the Pilgrims Way took place on 7th and 8th September 2024. It’s described on this page.
A virtual pilgrimage to Bardsey Island in North Wales took place in May 2024. It can be found on this page.
If you would like more information about these journeys, or anything else, please email me at davidborrowdale54@hotmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
Dave