The Pilgrim’s Rule (Proposed)

The Pilgrim’s Rule

 

1. From the rule of St. Augustine, it is said: Before all else, beloved, love God and then your neighbor, for these are the chief commandments given to us. (cf. Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-34) The Pilgrim will observe it.

 

2. The Pilgrim will commit to observing the obligation of Holy Mass weekly and all Holy Days of Obligation.

 

3. The Pilgrim will observe a regimen of prayer. In our present age, an age where culture at large has been separated from the life of the Church, a Pilgrim should seek to offer daily prayers to God and actively live the liturgical seasons observing the penances and feasts of the Church. A regimen of prayer should be built from a small seed and continued to be watered over time, as St. Teresa of Avila explains in her autobiography. The Pilgrim should strive to build a daily Holy Hour of prayer. The common means for prayer: Daily Mass, Divine Office, Lectio Divina, Rosary, Arrow Prayers, Hymns, Christian meditation, Christian contemplation, and others. It is encouraged for the Pilgrim to incorporate the Divine Office into their daily practice of prayer.

 

4. The Pilgrim will devote himself to the study of Sacred Scripture. A Pilgrim can partake in such a study by incorporating the daily lectionary readings into their prayer life. One can also use various reading plans by various Catholic publishing houses like Ascension Press and Ignatius Press.

 

5. The Pilgrim will seek to build up the Domestic Church by teaching all those in their family the faith. It is encouraged that the Pilgrim become familiar with the Catechism of the Catholic Church or various other Catechisms. It shall be observed that it is the duty of the parent to teach the faith to their children. The Church and its Catechists will supplement these principal teachings from the parents in accord to the Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 1653, 1654, 1655.

 

6. The Pilgrim will commit to observing all fasting and abstinence observed by the Church. The Pilgrim is encouraged to take on more fasting and abstinence. For example, The Ember Days, Wednesday penance, or others. It is encouraged to take on the traditional means of fasting from food. A Pilgrim can supplement this discipline with fasting from entertainment (internet, television, sports, non-essential purchases, warm showers, etc.)

 

7. The Pilgrim is encouraged to celebrate the many feasts of the Church. These feasts include, but are not limited to the Patron Saints of this ministry: Pope St. John Paul II (October 22^nd) St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta (September 5^th). Days that should be celebrations in the life of the Pilgrim: The Baptismal date of each Pilgrim, the feast day of the namesake of their Confirmation, the feast of their patron of the Parish, the feast day of the patron of their local diocese, and any feasts of Particular interests, and others.

 

8. The Pilgrim will commit to tithing to their local Church, Diocese, and to give alms to Charity. It is encouraged to use the 10% model (8% to the local parish, 1% Diocese, 1% to Charity) or what is recommended by the local Bishop. These offerings will build up both the Church’s mission in the community, as well as aid those who are in need in the community.

 

9. The Pilgrim should be proactive with their mission of evangelization and charity. The act of charity depends on an act of the will, so do not be afraid to ask others in leadership roles how one can assist the community. A Pilgrim shall offer or provide help when the Holy Spirit compels one to act.

 

10. Fidelity to the Pope and the local Bishop. Prayer for both their health and most holy intentions