Pilgrim Tours, Iaşi

As early as the 15th century Romanians living in the province of Moldavia firmly believed that God had placed them "at the gates of Europe" by virtue of their ethnic and religious affiliation. This was the teaching of the illustrious ruling prince St. Stephen the Great, who defended "Christianity", that is Europe. Had it not been for Moldavia's struggle during that century, Europe would have had a different configuration, perhaps a different predominant faith too. Romanians were christened at the same time as the Romans and have preserved the authenticity of the original faith, the apostolic faith in which true sacrifice and genuine hospitality are not only Christian duties but also ethnic features.

The identity of nationhood and faith is objectified in pilgrimage, which is deeply rooted in the Romanian soil. Pilgrimage is a special charisma, a redeeming work, an act of faith, an inspiration for academics and could be all these things at once. About the Lord Jesus Christ we are told, at each feast, that He "travelled" (by foot, by boat, on a donkey) to proclaim the sacred will of God, and Christianity itself spread by way of a colossal pilgrimage initiated by the Apostle Paul. The pilgrim of times past and of today is a Christian who is seeking the Lord, by means specific to each era, in order to tell and learn of "how much the Lord has done" (Mark 5: 19).