Pilgrimage: Current, Written, and Future
Want to come on pilgrimage with me? Vote for where we're going!
TLDR; I am about to go on pilgrimage and would welcome your intentions to take with me. I am also currently planning my 2026 pilgrimage and, if you’re interested in joining me, would love your opinion on where to go. See poll below!
I am getting ready to leave on pilgrimage, back to my beloved city of Rome for this incredibly special Jubilee year. It is for work, not pleasure–while my colleagues are working hard in Rome this week at the Jubilee for Youth, I’ll be heading over with some amazing high schoolers next week.
And yet while it is work, I am hoping there is still time for rest. I need it–the Lord has made that clear. I haven’t been completely well these last two weeks. While I will probably share more about what the Lord has been doing in my life at a later date when I’ve processed the lessons more, suffice to say right now: I am not Super Woman, and I need Him.
Ask my mother– I am not one for rest. I am usually doing three projects at once, worried about a fourth, and hatching a plan for a fifth.
But that’s not healthy. *sigh* I can’t do everything I want to do. And that’s okay. God doesn't want my work, he wants me. As weak and incapable as I might be! It’s been a good time to reflect on the words given to St. Catherine of Siena by God the Father: I am He who Is, you are she who is not.
Amen to that.
So please pray for me as I head over the pond, particularly for my health. It’s a particularly special trip – this year is my sister’s Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession, and we will be together in Rome on the actual day! In Rome for the Jubilee, for her Jubilee! Please pray for her and thank God for the great gift of her religious life. It’s been a gift to all of us.
Speaking of pilgrimage (and three projects at once!), I have a new book coming out this fall from Emmaus Press. More to come shortly, when I’ll have a special promo code for all of you. So share this newsletter with your friends and spread the love that’s about to come.
And speaking of pilgrimage… it’s time to plan 2026! Many of you are coming with me to Mexico City later this year, and I cannot wait to experience the beauty and joy with you. (I’m reading Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy [here] to prepare… fascinating!)
If you’re interested in traveling with me in 2026 (most likely summer!), could you do me a favor and weigh in below?
I asked a similar question on Instagram a week ago, and I was happy to see so many people interested in Northern Italy. If you are, I have a trip for you here. John and Angie are dear friends. John is from the area and is so excited to show everyone the rich beauty and holiness of that part of the world. The numbers of saints you’ll meet (we’ll meet? I hope?) is staggering! You should come.
And those of you who said Rome, well, I’m heading back in December [here] if you’re available. Catch the holy door open while you still can!
Pray for me, and I will pray for you. Please feel free to leave prayer intentions or message me privately!
PS For those you waiting for Joan’s Take on the Chosen, it is coming! We’ll start on Tuesday, August 19 with the first live YouTube gathering and continue Tuesdays at 7pm through the 8 episodes. As always, I’ll be posting the podcast shortly after the YouTube live. Go subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss it!
Joan… Take care of yourself and enjoy Rome!
Joan, I will pray for your health and a great pilgrimage.