Going on a pilgrimage takes preparation

Intermountain Catholic

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Pilgrims from the Diocese of Salt Lake City led by Msgr. Terence Moore, pastor of St. John the Baptist attend Mass in Philippi where St. Paul wrote letters to the Philippians in Greece. Other places they visited were Corinth, Thessalonica, and other islands in Greece.

SALT LAKE CITY — Leaving home to go on a pilgrimage requires some extra planning and preparation for an enjoyable trip .

"Before we leave we have a meeting to talk about the country we are traveling to and tell people how to pack according to the time of year," said Msgr. Terence Moore, pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish, who has led several pilgrimages that have included a papal audience. "We usually tell people to bring layers of clothing for cooler mornings and evenings. We warn people about pickpockets, because every now and then some of our people have been taken advantage of in the more crowded areas. We talk about the currency, although it is much easier now that most European countries use the Euro."

Msgr. Moore said it’s important to get people together and develop a spirit among them because the group will be together for a while. "You want them to enjoy the pilgrimage and one another," he said. "It is really a happy and joyful experience, especially having an audience with the Holy Father."

Msgr. Moore’s pilgrimages include Masses celebrated throughout the pilgrimage, so the group members plan the music and lining up cantors, lectors and Eucharistic ministers.

"We have had people renew their wedding vows on the pilgrimage, so we go through that ritual so they will know what to expect," said Msgr. Moore. "I always prepare morning prayer books for prayer on the bus while traveling, as well as praying the rosary and integrating the pope’s special intentions, especially on those pilgrimages where we will have an audience with the pope."

In some cases, Msgr. Moore will have the group read Scriptures relating to the pilgrimage. For example, when he led a group to Greece in 2008, they studied St. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Philippians and Thessalonians because they went to Corinth, Philippi and Thessalonica. "I got some tapes and videos and we really got a feel for those places before we left," he said. "We always go over the itinerary in the planning meetings to get the details."

The Weissman Report is a good reference for travelers, said Holly Janney, an independent travel agent with Cruise and Travel Masters in Salt Lake City. The report includes information on languages, sightseeing, meals, history, geography, historic sites, dos and don’ts, customs, body language, gift giving, personal safety and etiquette.

"You can’t really guarantee people’s safety, but we’ll tell them how to protect themselves," Janney said.

For example, the report advises that when traveling to Greece, you can walk safely down almost any street, day or night, though you should avoid unfamiliar areas in Athens after dark. Always remain aware of your surroundings.

Neil Dellis, an agent with NAWAS International Travel in California, said all U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport that must not expire until at least six months after the date of your return home.

To protect valuables, leave sentimental items at home. Make a photocopy of your passport and carry it separately from the original. Also carry a list of your credit card numbers in case they are stolen. The list can be carried in a money belt that should fasten without snaps and cannot be easily torn off.

The electrical currents are different in foreign countries, so you will need a converter, which can be purchased in specialized travel stores or Radio Shack.