Saints on Pilgrimage

Homes of slaves Bed in homes Jail in which enslaved persons were held in process of being sold in New Orleans Front of the plantation home The back of the plantation home, which our guide noted was the only side of the home that slaves would view Memorial to enslaved persons who died in the state of Louisiana These faces represent those who participated in the 1811 German Coast Uprising, the largest slave revolt in the South. They lost their lives in an effort to liberate enslaved persons in plantations along the Mississippi in Louisiana.  This chapel, though not original to this plantation, was built by freed slaves in Louisiana.  Throughout the plantation, statues bring special attention to the painful reality of enslaved children's experiences. These statues are found in the chapel. 

“The two disciples heard [John proclaim Jesus the Lamb of God]…and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ Jesus said to them, ‘ Come and see .’” (Jn. 1:37-39) “[When Jesus learned that Lazarus died] he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘ Lord, come and see .’ Jesus began to weep. ” (Jn. 11:34-35) Come and see. This is the invitation continuously woven through the gospel of John, which seems to be suggesting that some things can only be known through journey and witness. “Come and see” is a refrain exchanged between Jesus and disciples, the woman at the well and her neighbors, and finally, Lazarus’ friends and Jesus. In this gospel, it is Jesus who first issues the invitation to “come and see” who he is, how he abides, and ultimately, what the very meaning of his life is. Eventually, it is the people Jesus seeks to cure, save, and love who return...

            Many among us are deeply concerned by a political climate of intolerance, racism, and hatred that is threatening to undo so much of the progress accomplished by the Civil Rights movement. Thus, we are embarking on a Spiritual Pilgrimage through the South to teach youth about the sinful history of racial oppression in the South; to study the brave individuals and congregations who furthered the Civil Rights movement as an expression of their Christian faith; and to pursue the work of reconciliation and repentance that God is still calling forth.  To accomplish this, we will combine prayer, education, and conversation around sites of the South which have played a role in the Civil Rights movement. Our goal is to empower youth to be active participants in racial reconciliation efforts in America, and especially, catalysts for this conversation and work in the Church.   The pilgrim's road will ta...