Inner Cities Pilgrimage
City House www.city-house.org and Christos Center for Spiritual Formation www.christoscenter.org led an inner cities pilgrimage last Saturday. 22 pilgrims went open to experiencing God in a halfway house for women coming out of prison, a drop in homeless site, a chemical dependency treatment program, and a permanent sober housing program.
I was privileged to be part of that group. The most powerful part of the day for me was when we were hosted and led by the “poor” persons we had come to spend time with. In one instance, 5 women with criminal records, were dressed up and waiting at the door to greet us. They told us their stories as they gave us tours of their temporary home. They were bursting with pride. We heard powerful and emotional stories about working to gain custody of their children again.
In another instance, we were led on a street tour by a man that had not long ago been homeless. It was eye opening to see and experience the streets the way that he has. Midway through the tour, he stopped us, formed us in a circle, and invited us to a time of silence and prayer, in the middle of a bustling city commercial area. Once again, someone on the margins was my teacher.
October 15th, 2007 at 11:38 am
The two expereinces that touched me the most on the pilgrimage happened at Dorothy Day Shelter. Eating lunch with Juan was a spiritual connection for me. I could look into his eyes and see a person just like me. Someone who works hard, has compassion and hope. Juan shared with me how he came to be a Dorothy Day due to a work related injury ten years ago, and now he can’t work as much due to physical limitations so he can’t afford a home. So he works and can afford some basics, but he eats and sleeps at Dorothy Day. He was a soft spoken and kind person. I think and pray for Juan everyday now because he touched my heart and I beieve he is alot like me - hard working, compationate and hopeful.
Another heart opening experience was when Trindad, another person who uses some of Dorothy Day services, took us on a tour of the streets and then at the end of the tour he stops and has us form a circle and leads us in a time of silence and then a prayer. WOW — I could feel the peace and the Spirit in that moment and that was God flowing through Trindad’s gifts. Walking back to our cars was a time of silence for me and I felt blessed and honored to be lead by a deeply spiritual person who was just being himself.
People on the margins continue to show me who they really are. That is so refreshing and encouraging to me. So my intention is to be who I really am in ALL situations.
October 15th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
As a ‘host site’ on the pilgrimage, I feel compelled to extend my thanks to all of you who participated. Our clientele felt respected and heard by all. They were honored that people took the time to see who they are, how they live and become a part of their journey. I was a special day and a beautiful experience for the clients and staff at ReEntry Metro!
October 16th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Beautifully stated Tamie. And thanks for your magnificent hospitality on the pilgrimage Corey!!! Thanks for taking the time to respond!!!
October 16th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
I thought the pilgrimage was a stretching, sobering, confronting, grateful, God thing. It seemed to touch all of my emotions and probably did for the other pilgrims as well. What struck me the most profoundly, was the spiritual/life maturity of those that spoke to us, e.g. Vivian, Trinidad, Diane, and Donnie (my lunch companion at Dorothy Day). They possess so much wisdom from living life and trusting God one day at a time.
It was indeed a pivotal moment.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Cool Janet!!! Thanks for sharing.