For Esther Law, a pilgrimage to Prague was more than a journey across borders – it was a tapestry of prayer, history, and human connection that deepened her relationship with God and her fellow pilgrims.
Finding faith in the City of a Hundred Spires
On October 23 last year, Esther Law embarked on a journey that touched her soul and deepened her faith – a pilgrimage to the very heart of the Czech Republic, the enchanting city of Prague.
Alongside 39 other pilgrims from Malaysia and under the guidance of their spiritual director, Reverend Father Ramon, she set foot on a land rich in Catholic history and profound beauty.
“This pilgrimage was not just a travel experience. It was a spiritual journey, woven with threads of faith, hope and love,” said Law, setting the tone for the story of her journey.
Prague itself breathed history. Dating back over a thousand years, it had served as a political, cultural and economic hub of Central Europe – an eternal crossroads of civilisations.
To her, the city stood as a testament to resilience, having endured the rise and fall of empires and the whispers of revolution.
As she roamed its cobbled streets, she felt like a participant in a grand narrative anchored in Catholicism.
Walking through history and prayer
The pilgrims’ first stop was the majestic Prague Castle, towering over the city, more than a thousand years old.
Founded by the Přemysl princes, the complex encompassed centuries of architecture, from Romanesque to Gothic.
“As we walked through the vast corridors, I could feel the echoes of prayers lifted to heaven by holy men and women. The very walls reverberated with their hopes and struggles,” Law said.
From there, they stepped into the iconic St Vitus Cathedral, the spiritual heart of Prague.
“As we entered this sacred space, my heart swelled with gratitude and reverence.
“The arches that rose like the arms of a loving parent seemed to wrap around us, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus,” Law recalled.
Inside, she was drawn to the intricate stained-glass windows telling stories of saints and Biblical events.
“Each panel was a window into faith, love, and the eternal hope we find in Christ,” she said.
In that moment, she felt a profound connection not only to God but also to her fellow pilgrims.
It reminded her of Galatians 5:22-23, a verse that speaks of the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, and faithfulness.
The childlike faith of the Infant Jesus
Another highlight was the Church of Our Lady Victorious, home to the revered Infant Jesus of Prague.
“The statue, steeped in legend, whispered stories of miracles and answered prayers. In its presence, I felt the weight of hope heavy in the air,” Law explained.
Witnessing the devotion of others awakened her to what it meant to truly have faith – “a childlike trust in God’s infinite love”.
She was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:3: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
That evening, as pilgrims shared their personal intentions, Law felt each prayer lift into a patchwork of faith.
“Our bonds were enriched by our shared faith, our prayers soaring towards the heavens, mingling with centuries of devotion that had filled that sacred space,” she shared.
Bridges of stone, bridges of spirit
After leaving the church, the group strolled along the historic Charles Bridge, its 30 baroque statues watching silently.
For Law, the bridge was more than stone.
“It’s not merely a crossing; it’s a story interwoven with themes of connection – an artery linking the old world with the new,” she said.
Walking its ancient path, she reflected on how life journeys, much like the bridge, connect people in ways seen and unseen.
“It reminded me of how Jesus is the bridge between humanity and God, rooted in love and compassion. Each step echoed with collective prayers as the Vltava River glistened in the sun.
“In that moment, I understood – sometimes the most important connections in life are not those with the grandest narratives but with the simplest acts of kindness and love we exchange among each other,” she pointed out.
The afternoon revealed Prague’s creativity – the Astronomical Clock and the Dancing House – symbols of the city’s innovative spirit.
Later, at the Church of Our Lady of Týn, Mass with Father Ramon left a deep impression.
“His humility truly inspired me,” Law said.
“Despite his profound knowledge and character, during the photo session, he insisted on standing amidst us rather than taking the spotlight.
“This simple act reminded me of the heart of true leadership – a servant’s heart with the desire to uplift others,” she added.
At the Old Town Hall, watching the procession of the Twelve Apostles on the Astronomical Clock struck her deeply.
Law described it as a delightful spectacle, yet one that also reminded her of the fragility and significance of human stories within the tapestry of God’s creation.
For her, the dance of time and history breathed life into liturgical time – a circle connecting past, present, and future in God’s promise.
Community and companionship
During their free hours, a fellow pilgrim, Whilssey, guided Law and Father Ramon to a church under the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
“Surrounded by the spirit of St John Bosco and Mother Mary, Help of Christians, I felt an invitation to embrace compassion and advocacy for young people in need,” she noted.
The evening ended with dinner at a Chinese restaurant, where pilgrims exchanged stories and reflected on the day’s experiences.
Looking back, Law saw every site as a reminder of God’s enduring presence.
“I reflected on the rich Catholic history of the Czech Republic, particularly how the country has been a crossroads for faith,” she said.
From the earliest missionaries to modern witnesses, this land had seen empires rise and fall, yet faith endured – a testament to resilience and hope.
“As I think back on that remarkable day, I cannot help but think of the wonderful people I travelled with.
“Together, we laughed and prayed through the experience. It has deepened our understanding of how faith is not just a personal journey but a shared one,” she said warmly.
Through love and community, she felt God’s boundless grace.
“The words of 1 John 4:19 rang true: ‘We love because he first loved us.’
“This love – reflected in our conversations and moments of sharing – uplifted the journey, making every cobblestone we walked upon a sacred step towards understanding God’s pure, unconditional love,” she explained.
A journey beyond destination
In her eyes, the pilgrimage became more than a destination. To her, a journey to Prague was less about reaching a place and more about the experiences woven into the fabric of life.
Whether exploring the depths of ancient cathedrals, sipping coffee in quaint cafés, or engaging with locals and fellow pilgrims, she found something deeply spiritual in immersing herself in the city’s culture and history.
The city’s rich past, intertwined with the threads of Catholicism, became for her a living testament to the shared journey of faith.
“Through love, hope, and the bonds forged in shared experiences, I returned home not only with memories of a beautiful city but with a renewed spirit – one more attuned to the call of faith in my life and the lives of those I cherish,” she reflected.
Her voice softened when asked what such a pilgrimage offered.
“If you’re looking for a unique pilgrimage that combines adventure, introspection, and a hearty dose of inspiration, pack your bags and set off to the City of a Hundred Spires – you might just find what you didn’t even know you were seeking,” she closed with a smile.
In Prague, Law found more than a city. She found a reminder that every journey of faith is also a journey of the heart.
