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Wednesday, 18 June 2008 |
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 Staff photo/Mike Burkholder
“Pilgrim” George Walter walks down Spring Street in St. Marys Tuesday as part of his pilgrimage from Pennsylvania to Indiana.
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — A Pennsylvania man says faith and a devotion to God helps fuel his soul during the pilgrimages he has taken across 41 countries.
“Pilgrim” George Walter, 66, of Butler, Pa., left his home May 5 on a trek that will take him to St. Meinrad, Ind. and back home by September. On Tuesday, he passed through St. Marys while en route to the Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein.
“My first pilgrimage was in 1970 when I walked from Barcelona to Jerusalem,” Walter said as he took a break from his trek. “It took a year and was 4,000 miles.”
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Walter said he prayed and asked God for guidance. Walter said it was during a prayer when God spoke to him and led him to a life as a pilgrim.
“I felt him say I would be a pilgrim for the rest of my life,” Walter said. “I’ve been walking ever since 1970.”
During his pilgrimages, Walter has walked through dozens of countries including India, Pakistan and Russia.
It was in Siberia where Walter said he experienced the most hospitable people.
“One of the main things I encounter on all my trips are gifts and hospitality,” Walter said. “They don’t treat me as a stranger, but as a brother. Siberia was the most hospitable. In most countries, four or five people a day will talk to me, but in Siberia it was 15 to 20.”
As he travels, Walter is easily recognizable by the cross-topped staff he carries and long, white beard he sports. Walter also carries three bags with him that he store food, clothes, camping supplies and maps.
“A lot of times people will offer me food, water or a place to stay,” Walter said. “Some also offer me a prayer or ask for prayers.”
Walter, who averages between 8 and 10 miles a day, said he occasionally gets law enforcement called on him. However he said he does not get angry when police officers question him.
“Mostly they are coming out because they got a call,” Walter said. “Sometimes they see to make sure I am not crazy (but) I’ve never been arrested.”
When Walter returns to Pennsylvania in September, he said he plans to relax by catching up with friends and checking e-mails. Walter also writes a report chronicling his trek for friends to read.
“For eight months I am a hermit,” Walter said. “I find a little place for prayer and catch up on any correspondence.”
Injuries and confrontations also are a part of Walter’s pilgrimages. The 66 year old said he has been punched, kicked and harassed while traveling abroad.
“It’s not easy,” Walter said. “I’ve been stoned in every village near Jerusalem by the Muslim youths. As soon as they saw the cross, they yelled ‘Christian’ and threw rocks. It’s just part of the journey.”
A journey Walter said is part of his devotion to God.
“My main message is God loves you very much,” Walter said. “If you open your heart to him, you’ll have peace, love and joy.”
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Last Updated ( Monday, 23 June 2008 )
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