Pilgrimage to Avila
14-20 of September 2025
Why are the spiritualities of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila so relevant in the world today? While the younger generations do not bemoan the loss of religion, there is undoubtedly a huge thirst for spirituality in the modern world.
The spirituality of both mystics continues to have a huge impact on our lives as it speaks directly to our hearts and responds to our real needs. St. John of the Cross is of relevance to us because his spirituality can help us heal our vulnerabilities such as the absence of meaning, fragility, remorse, fear of loneliness and death, guilt, anxiety, and depression among so many existential concerns of modern life. St. Teresa of Avila, on the other hand, can be rightfully called the precursor of what is now called ‘mindfulness’.
A group of 25 pilgrims from St Peter's Acton Green and St Michael's and All Angels, Bedford Park walked the ways of St Teresa and St John visiting the most symbolic and iconic places of the saints: Avila, Alba de Tormes, Segovia, Salamanca, Fontiveros, Arevalo and Medina del Campo.
This pilgrimage also represented a chance for each one of them to rediscover their spiritual path through contemplation, silence and nature, and immerse their minds and hearts into the mystical experience of St. Teresa and St. John.
