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Pilgrimage of faith
Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:27 AM EDT Print this story | Email this story
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Those driving throughout the scenic byways, interstate, and state routes of the Ohio River Valley Tuesday and Wednesday may have noticed a tall man with a long hooded patchwork robe, matching handcrafted bags, and a large staff, walking along the side of the road.

Known as "Pilgrim George," the man has spent the summer walking across the central United States as a demonstration of commitment to his faith. George Walter, 67, has spent every summer for the past 38 years walking.

In 1970-71 at age 29, Walter was inspired from prayer to walk from Barcelona to Jerusalem, a trip that took him a year and covered 4,000 miles. It was in Jerusalem during prayer that "God spoke" and he was told to live a life as a pilgrim, he said.

"I wanted to know Jesus in a deeper way," said Walter Wednesday.

The pilgrim has since journeyed throughout 41 countries across the world.

"I walk about 1,000 miles every summer," said Walter. "I pray and I ask the Lord where I should go."


George Walter walks along U.S. 68 Wednesday afternoon on his way through Maysville. Known as "Pilgrim George," Walter has traveled across the country and around the world each summer for several decades as a testimony to his faith. -- Terry Prather/Staff
He began this summer's journey when he departed from his home in Butler, Pa., on May 5. With shoes made from tire pieces and screws that have blown off onto the side of the road, socks of yarn "because they're easier to fix," Walter has traveled to destinations throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana this summer in honor of the Our Lady of Monte Cassino.

The traveler said that normally four to five people speak to him a day.

"Though sometimes in Kentucky it's been 10 to 15 a day," he said.

Walter said many people are encouraged by seeing him after noticing the large cross he wears around his neck or the cross on his walking staff.

"Or they just want to meet a pilgrim; someone that's walking who seems to be at peace. They see I have nothing. I have no money, job, car or family but still happy. Why am I happy? Because I know God loves me and he's my father and I'm his child and he'll take care of me," said Walter.

The man begins his trips with no money or food, carrying only a tent and a change of clothes. He carries a few small bags made from the same similar patchwork denim material of his jacket. He carries extra patches in case repairs are needed along the way.


"God provides everything," said Walter.

Walter has spent much of his summer visiting religious shrines, monasteries and churches along his route. Currently, the pilgrim is making his way to Peebles, Ohio, where he will visit Presentation Ministries this week. From Peebles he will visit the Mont Saint Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. on Aug. 20-Sept. 1. He will return to his home shortly after.

While walking, Walter said he prays for the people in the area he is walking through. Most of his walking is done alone, although sometimes people walk with him for a short time or even a few days.

The pilgrim said he usually walks alone so that his only concern can be pleasing the Lord.

Walter felt called to the seminary at the young age of 13. Born to Catholic parents, he went to Catholic school for 20 years (eight years of grade school and 12 years of seminary).

When he is not traveling, Walter lives in a hermitage and prays.

His favorite thing about traveling is the gifts of hospitality he receives along the way, he said.

"I am a stranger but they see me not as a stranger or an enemy but as a brother and they take me into their heart and into their home," Walter said.

Tuesday night, in Kentucky along U.S. 62, he found kindness and hospitality in a stranger. Jonathan Reed said he noticed Walter walking down the road and offered the man a drink because he looked warm in his robes.

After exchanging a few words, Reed said he gave Walter soup, a shower and offered a area down the road where he could pitch his tent.

"He prayed before he ate, and blessed us before he headed out," said Reed.

While the two spoke, Reed said he told him stories of his travels.

"I'm always eager to start out," said Walter. "And I"m always eager to get back when it's over."

For more information go to http://www.raeshomepage.bravehost.com.

Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 274.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

Victor Martinez wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:49 PM:

" I met George Walter Pilgrim in the summer of 1989 in the Mexican Desert of Sonora Mexico along with my two older brothers and my father in Law, I will never forget that day he appered to us a tall beautiful man who so much resembled our Lord Jesus and all we had imagined him like with those striking blue eye's the story is too long to put into this page but yesterday was the first time I had heard of George Pilgrim in close to 20 years and I just wanted to say my whole family was blessed by meeting you George and we will never forget the blessing it was and the privilage it was to meet and break bread with you may our Lord Jesus Christ be with you for ever and ever for your light has truly shined throut the whole world in his name. Love your brother in Christ
Victor Noel Martinez "

Blessed wrote on Aug 1, 2008 11:54 PM:

" He is truly serving an imaginary being, GOD with his pilgrimage throught our area in the summer heat. Thanks to all those who gave comfort and had the opportunity to understand what he is all about. "

kim fields wrote on Aug 1, 2008 4:21 PM:

" I agree with the other comments this man is truley a man of faith, I seen you along state rt.41 as i was getting off work and wondered about your story then later had a chance to catch up with you further on down 41 and was only able to give you a few dollars in the dollar coins, sorry i could not of given more. your story truley touched my heart and and only wished that more people in this world was more like you. "

Inspired wrote on Aug 1, 2008 3:31 PM:

" This man is truly an inspiration to me and many others. When I read this story a calmness washed over me. Maybe he is our guardian angel. "

My little boy wrote on Aug 1, 2008 10:09 AM:

" My son was deeply touched by the sacrifices this man made to get closer to God. Turned on a brighter light in my childs heart. Its amazing when a young child will notice something different in a person. He watched the video interview over and over. God Bless those striving to make a difference. "

xxxxx wrote on Aug 1, 2008 7:49 AM:

" God Bless this man, I'm sure he has been sent to us in this day and time we never know what tomorrow will bring, it could be a wake-up call to be kind and help one another as our brother. I pray he will not get harmed during his journey............... "

Winter wrote on Jul 31, 2008 5:37 PM:

" We should all strive to be more like this man. Sometimes we get caught up in the world, and don't really realize just how blessed we truly are! "

Love Everyone wrote on Jul 31, 2008 3:13 PM:

" This man should be held as an example of how we should treat others everyday. There are so many drowning in sorrows and in need. The Lord is the only way. May God bless each and everyone. "

Donna wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Pilgrim George...
My husband Bill Graff and friend Angela Dodson met up with you today on state road 62 in Maysville...When Angela came and told me about you I started making a food package for you...I sent them back to you as soon as I could..You were a great blessing to both of them...You showed up just at the perfect time in my husbands life...thank you...next time you come thru here..please look us up you will always have a place to stay in our home on your Journey...Thank you again...God Bless...Donna Graff "

lost hobbit wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:44 PM:

" gandalf! "

wow wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:40 PM:

" this man seems to be very peaceful,he has no material things just his cross and a picture of jesus and mary.i wish i could find peace like he has.i hear so many complaining including myself about not having enough money or a nice car etc.we all need to take a close look at this man.im trying to turn my life around,this has really inspired me. "

Keep up the faith wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Reminds me of that song.....I'm poor as a beggar, but rich as a king. You put God first in your life and he will bless you with all that you need. You cant beg, steal or borrow one more tomorrow, so we better get ready for Jesus today. "

Paul B wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:33 PM:

" The ministry of every Christian on earth is to help & befriend others,He is truly a very good person,Remember what Jesus said:If you give a drink of water in my name to a stranger,you have done it unto me(how blessed) "

I wonder How many stories wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:40 AM:

" I just wonder how many people this man touched as he traveled along the roads. Wonder how many turned him away? When he went into churches wonder how many showed him love and offered him a seat next to them? If this Man id striving to get closer to God, I know God is watching over him each step of the way.Not a nickel to his name, but with God he has everything. Blessings to people who still trust and believe. "

Make Me More like Him wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:35 AM:

" As a christian, we should all strive to be closer to God. We should try to be more like him each day we live. This photo made me realize that the styles of this world and all of the things we all strive to attain isn't what God is all about. God is Love, kindness and meakness; so therefore I see this in this man. How many today would start out on a journey with nothing and fully rely on God?...In this world we came into with nothing and out of this world to find peace and rest; it will take forgiveness and a close walk with God. Lay your treasures up in Heaven and love thy neighbor while here below....Truely I was Glasd to see something good and uplifting in the news today. "

angels unaware wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:28 AM:

" May God Bless anyone who came in contact with the gentleman. The Bible speaks that many entertain angels unaware. What an example for todays world that is occupied with automobiles, to see someone walking to and fro. Life as a christian would be more peaceful if people strived to grow closer to God. God Bless this man on his journey and may he touch someones life along the way. "

Blessed wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:05 AM:

" This story touched my heart. It brings peace to know that there are still some folks who will give up the luxeries of their lives and go out on faith with God. I think God has probably used this man to witness to someone along his journey. What a distance to walk, most folks won't even stand and praise God little lone leave home and go on a journey. God Bless you Sir, and may God be with you. "

humble wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:03 AM:

" I am glad to see that some people in the world still have a heart for others. I think there is too much ME in everyone and not enough THEM. Thank you to George Walter for extending his faith, his heart, and his love to all he passes and meets along the way. I could only wish to have the peace he seems to have. God Bless! "

We never know wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:23 AM:

" We never know who will be knocking at our door, who is thirsty asking for a drink of water or who is just simply testing our faith and ability to truly understand that our Lord comes to us in many different ways. "

touched wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:39 AM:

" this is truley a man of faith ,,we should all be more like him "

chris wrote on Jul 31, 2008 2:12 AM:

" I believe the Lord uses individuals like this to test us. it is nice to see people helping others who they don't know. God bless this man for putting his faith in the Lord. I think we can all learn a little something from him about trusting the Lord to meet our needs. "


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