“Among these women, I took a step in trusting God”

At the beginning of May 2020, a women’s pilgrimage to Cotignac, in the Var, was a life booster for me. I was going through difficulties that revived past trials. My backpack was too heavy and I needed to put it down.

Why this walk? At the time, I saw the practical aspect of a short three-day pilgrimage. I was also sensitive to going with women I didn’t know. I didn’t think about the Holy Family or Saint Joseph*, a familiar figure since my childhood.

After a first night under the stars, the walk focused on Saturday and Sunday morning to reach the village at mass time. As we walk, our thoughts become clearer; we move forward and everything within us moves forward. Walking becomes prayer, consolation, healing.

Among these women, I took a step in trusting God. The theme of this pilgrimage was: “You are precious in my eyes and I love you” (Is 43:4). I realized that we all walk with God. With this certainty that I was loved, that I would never be alone again and that the trials that terrified me would now be surmountable.

On the way, a pilgrim told me: “You can ask Saint Joseph for the details of what you need, like in an embroidery. » In Cotignac, we were even invited to drop him a letter. I had an art project that I hoped would help me heal internally.

Besides peace of heart, I dared to ask him for help – and even an article in the press! My requests have been granted: I am at peace. The project that was close to my heart saw the light of day, it was a path of healing and I got the boost from an article.

I needed compassion and I discovered the Holy Family as a family of compassion. Jesus, Mary and Joseph suffered. In Cotignac, you can express your suffering. Today, Saint Joseph is more than ever my father in Heaven: a man on the road who has experienced trials and struggles, who does not compare himself to others, does not put himself forward but who advances in courage and humility. This is the path I try to follow.

* The Notre-Dame-de-Grâces sanctuary, in Cotignac, is built on the site of the apparitions of Mary, Jesus and Joseph.