Before, during and after: a small pilgrimage prayer packet
You may know exactly why you are going, or you may arrive with a question you cannot yet put into words. These optional pages offer a simple way to prepare, pray and carry something of the pilgrimage home.
Use what helps. Leave a prompt blank, repeat the same prayer, or spend the time in silence. Print this page or copy the prompts into your own notes. Keep your answers in that copy; personal intentions do not need to be entered into the website.
Before: an intention to carry
Set aside a quiet moment before the journey. You can return to this page later without having to resolve everything today.
My pilgrimage: Space for your own notes.
The dates, if known: Space for your own notes.
I am grateful for:
Space for your own notes.
Space for your own notes.
The person, concern or question I want to bring to God:
Space for your own notes.
Space for your own notes.
Something I find difficult to say in prayer:
Space for your own notes.
Space for your own notes.
One intention I can carry in a sentence:
Space for your own notes.
Space for your own notes.
A small way to make room for prayer on this journey:
Space for your own notes.
This might mean leaving a part of the afternoon open, taking a short notebook, or agreeing on some quiet time with a companion. If your intention concerns someone else, keep their private circumstances private.
An original prayer before departure
Lord Jesus, I place this journey in your hands. Receive the gratitude and the questions I carry. Teach me to attend to you, to the people beside me, and to those I will meet. Give me patience with delays, honesty about my limits, and generosity in small things. Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray with me as I prepare. Amen.
One practical act of preparation
Choose one place or celebration you hope to give your attention to. If you want to attend Mass, Confession or another scheduled activity, use the shrine's current official information to find the date, language, place and arrangements. Put that practical check in your preparation checklist.
The first practical question I still need to answer:
Space for your own notes.
During: one daily page
Use this page each day, or once for the whole visit. A few words are enough.
Date and place: Space for your own notes.
Begin the day
Lord Jesus, help me receive this day with attention. Let me make room for prayer, for rest and for the people you place before me. Amen.
Today I bring to prayer:
Space for your own notes.
The one part of the day I want to protect:
Space for your own notes.
Choose something your plan can hold: a Mass, quiet time, a meal together, a return to a church, or an unhurried rest. Check practical arrangements separately.
Pause during the day
Stop somewhere suitable to sit or stand quietly. Set the worksheet aside if it would interrupt worship or distract others.
What have I noticed that I would usually hurry past?
Space for your own notes.
Who has helped me today?
Space for your own notes.
What needs to become simpler for the rest of the day?
Space for your own notes.
End the day
One gift for which I can give thanks:
Space for your own notes.
One difficulty I want to place before God:
Space for your own notes.
One person I want to remember in prayer tonight:
Space for your own notes.
Lord Jesus, thank you for what I have received today. Forgive the ways I have been impatient or unkind. Receive what remains unfinished, and help me rest in your care. Amen.
If you are traveling together
Ask whether your companion would like a brief conversation. Sharing is optional; neither person needs to disclose a private intention.
Take turns completing one sentence: “A moment I want to remember from today is…” Listen without correcting the other person's experience. Then decide one practical adjustment for tomorrow: a later start, a longer meal, time apart, or one fewer visit.
Our adjustment for tomorrow:
Space for your own notes.
Before the final departure
Find a suitable moment before the return journey begins. You do not need a dramatic experience or a clear answer in order to offer thanks.
A place, person or moment I want to remember:
Space for your own notes.
A question I am still carrying:
Space for your own notes.
A small response I can make at home:
Space for your own notes.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the time given to this pilgrimage. Help me return with care for the people and duties waiting for me. Keep me attentive to you in ordinary days. Amen.
After: one practice for the first week home
Choose one modest practice that fits your life. You might pray briefly for someone each morning, return to a familiar church when possible, make an act of kindness, or give a few quiet minutes to this notebook. A difficult or uneventful pilgrimage can still be brought to prayer.
My chosen practice: Space for your own notes.
When I will try it: Space for your own notes.
A date to look back at these notes: Space for your own notes.
At that review, ask: “What has stayed with me? What is realistic to continue? Who might help me reflect further?” If you would welcome spiritual conversation, consider speaking with your parish priest or a trusted spiritual adviser.