In our current culture, it’s not uncommon for people in their late teens to study at colleges far from home. Then, after graduation, you may move to find a job. New graduates can find jobs in the next city, another state, or across the country.
This dance is not limited to educated colleges. I have seen manufacturing plants shut down and workers at all levels being offered internal transfers. It has become the norm to move to where the job is.
But even as the distance between parents and children grows, modern technology keeps us in touch. is.
keep the trip catholic
With today’s technology, keeping your trip Catholic isn’t difficult. Weekend travelers can easily find Saturday or Sunday Mass by city or zip code using Masstimes.org.
And no more searching local maps or anxiously navigating unfamiliar cities to attend mass. Modern GPS software makes finding the church relatively easy.
Travel also allows us to explore our Catholic faith. Most Catholics only have access to the Novus Ordo Mass. However, you can take the opportunity to experience the Tridentine (Latin) Mass, or the Divine Liturgy of the Eastern Rites, or one of the other ceremonies while traveling. church.
stretch your legs in prayer
While driving alone or with family, most of us take breaks to stretch our legs (or take care of other necessary things). But instead of just stopping at gas stations and travel plazas, why not stop by a church and say a prayer?
At my wife’s recommendation, I started doing this a few years ago while on a business trip. I admit that the church is sometimes locked. However, in many cases the church is open and welcomes those who wish to pray before the Eucharist. In addition, the Catholic Church often hides amazing works of art from the plane’s sight. During my travels, I have discovered masterpieces in nameless towns that are rarely seen on maps.
pray for the dead
Returning home during the holidays not only gives you the opportunity to meet living relatives, but it also gives you the opportunity to visit the graves of those who have passed away. Please give me.
Cemeteries typically have ground staff to manage basic maintenance. However, these crew members, no matter how dedicated, can’t do everything. take time to
Even if you don’t know where your relatives and loved ones are buried, today’s modern technology offers a unique opportunity. You can search cemetery databases fairly easily to find deceased family members and friends. All you need is to know the name and approximate area where the deceased is buried.
Consider turning your trip into a pilgrimage
The basic definition of pilgrimage is “a journey on foot or by other means to a place of particular religious significance”. Modern travel offers us the opportunity to put this ancient tradition into practice.
Group pilgrimages to the Holy Land and Rome are popular, but such destinations are beyond the means for many. And a pilgrimage doesn’t have to break the budget. A worthwhile sight might be just a few miles away from the exit on your way to see family.
There are many places in the United States worth stopping for prayer and reflection. A single list of possible shrines and Catholic landmarks is outside the scope of this article, but this link contains a list of possible locations by state.
for the whole family
When traveling on vacation, very few people travel alone. Maintaining Catholic traditions and practices while traveling is an opportunity to connect families to the faith. Recognizing that God is with us wherever we go is an important lesson.
Every family is unique and the Holy Spirit touches each person differently. A 5-year-old sees the world differently than a teenager or adult. When you stop to attend a service or mass, try to make it meaningful to each of your companions.
Realize that almost any trip can be a pilgrimage. For example, while visiting Disney World, you and your family can visit the Cathedral and Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. got it.