Into the Wilderness We Go
Location: Sardis and Izmir
As I write this post, we are a week into our pilgrimage following in the footsteps of St. Paul. So far, we have covered countless miles of Turkish terrain, where we have visited places that the apostolic witness of St. Paul formed through word and deed. The place I have most appreciated so far on pilgrimage is the mound where Colossae used to be located.
It was there that St. Paul reminded the Colossians of his sacrificial love for them. When visiting the various ruins where some of the ancient biblical churches stood, we read a short passage in connection with the local church. I was deeply moved by St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians. He reminded me of what it takes to be a loving pastor.
At the same time, I do think this pilgrimage has been unique for one main reason: it’s the first time I have traveled to a predominantly non-Christian country. I can’t help but think I’m a bit “late to the party” in experiencing the Christian heritage that was once fully alive in Turkey. Today, we can only enjoy a shadow of what Turkey once was.
So far, Turkey is a stage in the pilgrimage that has helped me fully appreciate two things: first, my own Christian heritage and the Christian heritage of other places and countries; secondly, I can fully appreciate the religious freedom I enjoy back in the United States.
Therefore, in a way, I feel as though God is guiding us through a time of living in a spiritual wilderness where one may not have immediate access to a church or chapel. Instead, as pilgrims, we are challenged to trust and hope in God despite the lack of Christian presence in Turkey. Yet, even as I am challenged in this way, I grow in excitement at the thought that soon we will be in the center of Western Christianity – Rome.
-Salvador Castaneda, Archdiocese of Chicago
