Saturday, August 1, 2015

Blessings for Pilgrims - Feast Day of St James the Greater

This is a blessing used on our 5-mile pilgrimage walk in honor of St James here in Tupelo, Mississippi on his feast day - July 25.  It was adapted from a blessing used in the town of Los Arcos on the pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain.   

Lord, you who called your servant Abraham out of his ordinary life to a pilgrimage journey.  You watched over him during all his wanderings. 
You who guided the descendants of Abraham - the Jewish people - through their journey in the desert.  Wee pray for you to watch your servants, who for the love of your name, make a pilgrimage today in honor of St James and his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain.

Be for us, Lord, a companion on our journey. 
Be our guide as we meet the crossroads of our journey.
Be our strength in moments of fatigue. 
Be our fortress in danger.
Be a compass on our itinerary.
Be a refreshing shadow in the heat.
Be a light in the darkness.
Be our comfort in our frustrations. 
Be an infusing power in our intentions. 

Under your guidance, help us safely reach the end of our journey.
Strengthened with gratitude and love, may we join we reach our destination for the glory of Jesus Christ, Our Lord for ever and ever. Amen.



Altar of St James Catholic Church
Tupelo, Mississippi 

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