St. Olaf’s Way, Norway
Pilgrimage Post #1 Summer 2020
On July 17, 2020, I will set out with the Furman University alumni crew from The Center for Vocational Reflection for my fifth pilgrimage. We will gather in Oslo, Norway to walk the pilgrim path of St. Olaf’s way. I first experienced pilgrimage in the summer of 2009, walking 130 miles or so of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. In 2011, we hiked the ancient Tochar Path in Ireland. In 2013, we lived, worshiped and worked in community in the monastery on the island of Iona. In 2016, we hiked the villages and regions in Northumbria, England. In 2017, I broke my wrist and had to have thumb surgery which derailed my plans to attend the pilgrimage to Chartres, France. As I prepare physically, mentally and spiritually for this Norwegian pilgrimage I decided to write a preparation pilgrim post.
What is pilgrimage? Pilgrimage, as defined by my online dictionary, is: a journey to a place associated with someone or something well known or respected. Pilgrimage is different than tourism in many ways. The most prominent way is that in tourism we are traveling, in pilgrimage we are creating an intention for our journey and travels. Intentions may be corporate or very private. Intentions may change as the journey progresses. Pilgrimage also varies from tourism in the preparation of the journey. Before setting out for a journey you agree to communal living, physical training, financial planning and, most of all, consideration for those who are not journeying with you.
My friends ask, “Why don’t you just go to a spa?” My husband asks, “Can’t you just walk around our neighborhood?” He also becomes very annoyed when I refer to myself as “a pilgrim”. “Seriously, Celeste? If pilgrims do not complain, I don’t think you have earned the title.” He says, “I will be here taking care of the dogs and going to work.” I have learned to just say, “Thank you!” Pilgrimage involves consideration of those we leave behind. Tomorrow I will share the Rules of the Road for Pilgrims. Stay tuned and Buen Camino!
The Chocolate Drawer 