The Jubilee asks us to set off and cross some borders, both physical and spiritual. The word comes from the Latin expression  “per ager” which means “through the fields,” or  “per eger”, which means “passing  frontiers.” In the Bible, Abraham is described as a person walking towards the Promised Land. The ministry of Jesus is also identified as a journey, from Galilee to the Holy City: “He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem” (Luke 9,51).

The pilgrimage is an experience of conversion, to orient our existence towards God.  “Pilgrimage is of course a fundamental element of every Jubilee event. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage on foot is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life” (Spes non confundit).