Cologne (Koln)

As I arrive in Cologne, let me share this prayer of my pilgrimage here. The relics of the Three Kings have been in this famous cathedral since 1164 (pic below). The prayer was written by Bernard Henrichs and I have carried with me to this point.

Lord and God!

You created us for a lifelong journey to you.

Each one of us takes a different path, over mountains and through valleys, through joy and sorrow and need.

May the three Holy Kings guide us in our wanderings, as their faith, knowledge and determination guided them through many perils on their way to you.

They saw you, knelt before you, offering up their gifts, and paid homage to you.

They were filled with the joy of finding you.

Lord and God!

We thank you for granting us the freedom to seek and find you, our life's goal.

Grant us the faith, strength and trust we need to follow in the path of the Three Kings.

Give us courage when we are at risk of taking easier but false paths.

Let us experience the joy of being with you at the end of our journey,

so that we may be eternally surrounded by your love.

We ask this, through Jesus Christ our Lord,

the destination of every pilgrimage. Amen

It is a strange thing to share a personal pilgrimage with friends and strangers alike. I hope that my journey so far inspires you to continue to do great things in your life.

This page is dedicated to our seminarians - great men who are on a great journey that requires great faith, strength, trust and courage.