A Pilgrimage to Eternity

by Timothy Egan

An interesting recount of the lesser-known Via Francigena, a pilgrimage from Canterbury walking across France, the Swiss Alps all the way down to Rome hoping to eventually interview Pope Francis. The author describes his journey along three lanes: a tourist guide on geography, architecture, art and great food; a historical recount through centuries focused on Christian abuses, and finally, his journey as a pilgrim.

It is a most entertaining tour across tiny villages, paths, fresh markets, people and recounts of delicious fresh food and meeting a wealth of interesting characters.

The historical perspectives focus on the horrors made in the name of religion by the Catholic Church, from wars, corruption, mistresses, child abuses and some of the questionable dogmas, all of which have eroded trust on the institution, engagement and emptied the churches. He also shares historical musings of great philosophers that spice up the narrative.

What goes through the mind and soul of a pilgrim? The author asks himself throughout. Although raised as Catholic by Jesuits, he admits he is something between an atheist and an agnostic. He comes up with a lot of thought-provoking questions, and he seems to have answers to most. He sees how others he meets in his journey are being impacted by the pilgrimage, including his Jewish wife and daughter who join him at different parts of the walk.

Whether the Jesuit reflection method, the principles of listening by the Benedicts or prayer, he seems to have a full toolbox and does a great job at explaining each. He praises Pope Francis for his humility, strengthening ties with other religions, drive to root out cases of abuse and corruption, but refuses to follow him in his call for forgiveness.

But in having answers to all questions and a rich toolkit, the author did not seem willing to put any of them to work. You do not get the sense that much changed inside him, nor that he emerges as a better human being after his journey. Was this the result of his ideological background or fixation on the organizational aspects of religion rather than the faith is up to the reader to figure out.

The three paths cross each other constantly as the journey progresses making it an entertaining read.