Book Review
THE GODLY PATHS OF LONG AGO: TWO DECADES OF JOAN OF ARC PILGRIMAGES
by CHRIS SNIDOW

This uniquely enlightening book lovingly composed by Chris Snidow about his experiences leading Joan of Arc pilgrimages in France is a great way to get a sense of what it is like to go on a spiritual pilgrimage in a foreign land. Over the last two decades Chris and his wife Catherine have led fourteen pilgrimages devoted to exploring the parts of France that are forever connected with St. Joan of Arc. They have actually walked in Joan’s own footsteps at times in her hometown of Domremy which was where she was born and first heard the voices from God calling her to save her people from foreign invaders. As Chris explains in this book every pilgrimage is uniquely different in the various places they visit but regardless of where they go the goal is always to try to experience in some way the mystical connection that St. Joan had with God through the places that were so important to her during her life.

While there is no substitute for actually being there the unfortunate reality for many of us is that we are not able to physically go on such a trip ourselves so being able to read about those who did go is the next best thing to being there. The numerous stories Chris shares in this book about different people and how their lives were positively impacted by making this pilgrimage are truly inspiring. The following from a man named Jimmy who made the pilgrimage in 2016 is a good example from the many individual stories that Chris shares from the different people who have gone on the pilgrimage over the years: “The impact of my journey to France is still very much with me today. The incredible things I saw and experienced while in France inspire me today to continue my daily walk with God and my fellow soldiers in Christ.”

While the pilgrimages are dedicated to St. Joan of Arc and learning more about her incredible life it is easy to see from all the stories that Chris relates that the real focus is upon helping people to better know the God that St. Joan loved and served so well. Chris does a great job of integrating different scriptures into his narrative to help us to better understand the biblical basis for going on such a pilgrimage. And as Chris explains so well in the ending of this book: “Joan of Arc remains not only a good ambassador for France, but also for God. During her time, she became the rallying point for the French people, leading to a free France unfettered by English occupation. Today, among other things, she’s a magnet for the Faith. And God’s mighty work accomplished through her, is still as inspirational and powerful as yesteryear.”

So if you want to know more about what it is like to go on a spiritual pilgrimage then this book will not disappoint and will definitely inspire you to want to draw closer to God in the life pilgrimage we are all making.