What is a pilgrimage? Why is it different to other special journeys?

Pilgrimage

There are different views on pilgrimage in Christianity.

Going on pilgrimage is important to some Christians, whereas others do not believe it is that important.

Christianity and Pilgrimage

The Christians who do go on pilgrimage tend to go to places because they:

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are associated with saints or miracles.

are mentioned in the New Testament in the Bible, especially the Holy Land;

In the Old Testament, this is where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land

Mount Sinai

A stable in Bethlehem is where the Bible says Jesus was born.

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land

Bethlehem (Palestine)

This is where Jesus lived as a young child. As an adult, he was known as Jesus of Nazareth.

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land

Nazareth (Israel)

This is the city where Jesus died.

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land

Jerusalem (Israel/Palestine)

Saint Peter, disciple of Jesus and first Bishop of Rome, was martyred and believed to be buried here. It is now the home of the Pope, who is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land �Related to Saints or Miracles

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome (Italy)

Saint James, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, is believed to be buried in the cathedral.

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land �Related to Saints or Miracles

Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

This is a site where Bernadette Soubirous saw visions of Mary, Jesus’ mother. A spring was found and pilgrims go there as they believe the water is holy and can help cure them.

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land �Related to Saints or Miracles

The Grotto, Lourdes (France)

Think about if you were going on a pilgrimage today, how would you get there? What would you do? How do you think this is different from pilgrimages in the past?

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Would anything be the same?

Undertaking a Pilgrimage

How have the journeys pilgrims take changed over time?