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20 questions to make a museum into a pilgrimage


This week, I'm taking almost fifty students to Washington, D.C., which hosts some of the best museums in the world.  Even though I've visited the Smithsonian Museum complex about 25 times now, every year I look forward to exploring a little more deeply. From the Air and Space Museum to the National Gallery of Art to the Museum of Natural History to the Holocaust Memorial Museum, there's so much that sparks big and deep thoughts, even though none of it is directly sacred.


As they break through our usual routines, the treasures of our world's museums have a special way of opening us to the sacred. Connecting us with the riches of our universal Church. Carrying us closer to something higher, deeper, and wider. But it's not always a cathedral or a holy site that carries us to the sacred. Creation itself overflows with wonder, transcendence, and contemplation. Beauty always points to Beauty, to the One who loves us most. 


Whether your next museum visit is dedicated to history, art, science, or memorializing, be intentional about taking the opportunity to ponder, discuss, and pray—and make any place a pilgrimage.

Questions for reflection in a museum

  1. Why do we save things? Why are we the only creatures that do this?

  2. What does it mean to be human?

  3. How has God been revealing himself throughout all of history?

  4. Are we more or less human than previous civilizations?

  5. What are the deepest dreams and desires of your heart?

  6. What do you think God’s dreams for you are?

  7. What prevents you from being wholly yourself as God has made you to be?

  8. What do you think people are most searching for?

  9. How is real joy different from fun, pleasure, entertainment, or comfort?

  10. Where/when have you experienced true joy? 

  11. What do you think are some of the greatest imposters of joy  in our culture? 

  12. Who and what are the foundations of your life?

  13. How do you see God—as a good Father, or something different? 

  14. What or who is the “king” of your life and heart?

  15. How is love connected to sacrifice?

  16. Why do bad things happen?

  17. What do these words mean to you: "Bad stuff in our lives can make us either bitter or better"?

  18. How does God use suffering for our good?

  19. What was the most beautiful thing you saw today? What did it make you think about and feel?

  20. What about you is beautiful?



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Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, and traveler.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

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