More inspiring pilgrims
Looking for a more intentional, spiritually rich pilgrimage? This post recommends five deeply loved books on sacred travel—from The Art of Pilgrimage and global histories of holy sites to stories of the Camino, Franciscan Italy, and Marian miracles—offering practical insight, context, and inspiration for planning and living your own holy journey. (3 min read)
I have hundreds of books about sacred travel and pilgrimage in my library and many of them are brilliant. But in this post I am sharing five personal favourites which, collectively, will provide inspiration about where the pilgrimage, what to expect and to how to conduct yourself to have an optimal sacred journey. I have read each of these books several times.
THE ART OF PILGRIMAGE
Released in 1988, Phil Cousineau’s beautiful book is for the traveller who longs for something more than diversion and escape, for those searching for a path with heart – a transformative journey to a sacred centre. The book has chapters on the longing, the call, departure, the pilgrim’s way, the labyrinth, arrival, bringing back the boon. Some may prefer the audio-book.
HOLY PLACES – HOW PILGRIMAGE CHANGED THE WORLD
Kathryn Hurlock’s scholarly but readable book, first published in 2025, follows the trail of pilgrimage through nineteen sacred sites revealing the many ways in which this ancient practice has influenced our relgions and our world.
Harlock discusses pilgrimage to Tai Shan (China), The Ganges (India), Delphi (Greece), Jerusalem (Palestine), Mecca (Saudi Arabia), Rome (Italy), Istanbul (Turkey), Iona (Scotland), Karbala (Iraq), Chichen Itza (Mexico), Muxima (Angola), Bear Butte (USA), Amritsar (India), Lourdes (France), Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (France), Ratana Pa (New Zealand), Buenos Aries (Argentina), Shikoku (Japan) and Santiago de Compostela (Spain).
You may enjoy an interview with Kathryn Hurlock on “The Psychology of Pilgrimage” Youtube channel.
THE CAMINO – A JOURNEY OF THE SPIRIT
Shirley MacLaine’s narrative of her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in 1994, at the age of 60, chronicles a quest for spiritual understanding.
In the introduction MacLaine states “It is said that the ‘Camino’ lies directly under the Milky Way and follows ley lines that reflect the energy from those star systems above it… The Camino has been traversed for thousands of years by saints, sinners, generals, misfits, kings, and queens. It is done with the intent to find one’s deepest spiritual meaning, and resolutions regarding conflicts in Self… along the Camino, I felt I was travelling backward in time to a place that began the experiences that made me and the human race what we have become today”.
You may wish to view Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Shirley about her camino experience.
WISDOM FROM FRANCISCAN ITALY – THE PRIMACY OF LOVE
This is the story of a group of secular Franciscans on pilgrimage in Franciscan Italy, lead by the hermit Peter Calvay. It shows how the essence of Christian Spirituality is restored by St Francis and details the implications of the revelation of the Primacy of Love shortly before his death.
The author, David Torkington, specialises in Mystical Theology and Franciscan Spirituality. He has sold over 200,000 books.
THE MIRACLES OF MARY – EVERYDAY ENCOUNTERS OF BEAUTY AND GRACE
Mary has inspired countless generations with her miracles. Often she appears in times of war and devastation, bringing a message of peace and reconciliation. Many of those Mary has touched had no previous connection with her, but on experiencing her presence their lives changed forever.
In this book, Bridget Curran shares over 30 miracles of Mary from 20 countries, including the now famous pilgrimage sites of Lourdes, Fatima, Montserrat, Guadalupe, Walsingham, Akita and Banneux. Bridget introduces the book in this short video.
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