How far would you go for what you believe in? For faith? Love? Persistence? These questions guide my analysis and research on a group of Brazilian pilgrims who, for 24 years, have been crossing the state of São Paulo, from the interior, in the city of Itararé, to the coast, walking more than 300 kilometers over eight days. The destination is the city of Iguape, home to the church and image of the Catholic saint Bom Jesus de Iguape. This pilgrimage is an extraordinary demonstration of faith and devotion that transcends the physical and emotional limits of around 20 people each year.

IMAGE 1 – PILGRIMS OF THE YEAR 2024 ON THE ROAD

What explains such dedication, year after year, under such adverse conditions? In an attempt to answer this question, I joined the pilgrims for the second consecutive year, immersing myself in the difficulties and moments of triumph that accompany them with each step. We depart before dawn, around 2 a.m., and walk until dusk, around 3 p.m. The journey is often marked by scorching heat, blisters on our feet, muscle, and joint pain. However, the greatest challenges go beyond the physical: sleep deprivation and mental fatigue are daily obstacles. The constant risk of accidents on the roads also heightens the difficulty of the journey.

Among the pilgrims, Mariano Cavalcanti stands out as a living symbol of this walk. At 64 years old, "Seu Mariano”, as he is known, is one of the founders of the pilgrimage and remains faithful to the route, inspiring other pilgrims with his perseverance and pure demonstration of faith. His example highlights one of the deepest aspects of this tradition: the strength that moves these pilgrims is not just individual but also collective. It’s the spirit of community that transforms the experience. If it were a solitary journey, probably only a few would complete the route. What keeps the pilgrims going, besides faith, is mutual support, care, and solidarity.

IMAGE 2 – MARIANO CAVALCANTI, PHOTO BY DRICA ORTEGA

Along the way, pilgrims recognize themselves in each other. Everyone shares physical and spiritual pains that are acknowledged and shared among them, creating a deep sense of empathy. Walking together is more than just sharing the burden of exhaustion beneath their feet; it is a living manifestation of charity. One becomes capable of tending to the wounds of another, even while suffering their own, offering not only practical help but also the comfort of knowing that no one is alone on this path. This mutual support turns the walk into a transformative experience—not only religious but also human. The group reaches its destination united, not only by faith but by a bond of brotherhood that lasts far beyond the eight days of walking.

This experience transcends religious boundaries. Whether Christian or atheist, Catholic or Presbyterian, Hindu or Muslim, everyone can recognize the power of this journey. Caring for others over 300 kilometers is something that can change any human being for the better. And maybe, in the end, our walk is not about reaching our own blessings but helping our brothers and sisters reach theirs and fulfill their own goals. By doing so, we practice the highest expression of faith and love, becoming simple and humble servants of goodness.

IMAGE 3 – PILGRIMS AT THE FEET OF THE HOLY BOM JESUS ​​OF IGUAPE

300 kilometers over 8 days is more than a test of faith—it’s a tribute to human strength, the power of community, and the capacity for resilience. It is a path of personal transformation, where every step brings the pilgrims not only closer to Bom Jesus de Iguape but also to one another, in a true act of love and devotion.

IMAGE 4 – ALL THE PILGRIMS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE YEAR 2024 AT THE FEET OF THE CHURCH