FCJ Sisters Inez and Lina and postulant Felicia embarked on a pilgrimage to end the year. Sr Inez describes the experience
From December 28 to 31 Sr Lina fcJ, Felicia, postulant, and I ended the year by embarking on a pilgrimage to four shrines in the Kulonprogo District, travelling on foot. We packed lightly, bringing only the essentials and choosing not to carry money or mobile phones. We trusted in God, confident that God would provide for our needs as promised. The mountainous terrain and the rainy season made hiking both challenging and rewarding.
We walked during the day and rested at night. While asking for food and water was relatively easy, finding shelter was more difficult. On our first night, we slept at the Sendangsono Mary’s shrine, and on the third day, we stayed at a relative’s house. We did not need to ask for a bed those nights. However, on the second night, when we could not reach another shrine before dark, we had to stop in a village and find a place to stay. Some people declined to let us in and I understood why. This experience reminded us of the Holy Family’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. ‘Will I let strangers stay overnight in our house?’ I asked myself.
After asking twice, a Muslim man who lived with his son finally offered us accommodation. He allowed us to take a shower and provided us with a snack. He apologized, explaining that his son had only cooked a small amount of food for themselves and that nothing was left to share. Before we left his house the following morning, he insisted on inviting us to breakfast, expressing that feeding us brought him joy. According to Islamic teachings, as stated in the hadith, providing food for the poor and strangers is regarded the highest acts of kindness. This teaching is also reflected in Christianity, as food and feeding the hungry are essential in Jesus‘ ministry.
God’s promise to lead, support, and meet our needs is truly fulfilled. Not only are our essential needs met, but we receive far more than we could ever imagine, just as Fely points out.
From this pilgrimage, I realized that God not only provides through the people and nature around us but abundantly prepares far more than we could imagine or ask. God is an active provider, eager to bless us even before we knock on heaven’s door or ask Him for something we need, reflecting His boundless generosity.
Lina’s reflection offers another glimpse into our experiences. She says:
I am truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity to walk in hope with God and my companions. The unspoiled nature provided fresh oxygen and beauty. I was filled with admiration for the harmony between nature and people. Although the journey was challenging, my enthusiasm and courage gave me the strength to complete this pilgrimage. The trust and spirit of giving and receiving inspired me to take concrete actions to do good.
We understand that, in the end, any journey guides us to get closer to our life purpose: doing good for God’s greater glory.
