Christianity Practices: Pilgrimage

Question 1

What is Pilgrimage?

Answer 1

• Pilgrimage is a journey by a believer to a holy site for religious reasons
• Pilgrimage in itself is an act of worship and devotion

Question 2

Reasons for Pilgrimage

Answer 2

• Some Christians believe that some pilgrimage sites will help them to heal (physically or spiritually)
• It could be to deepen their faith or concentrate more on their religion
• Some Christians (Catholics) make pilgrimage to shrines where they believe Mary has appeared. For example, Lourdes
• Other Christians (Protestants) may visit places where they can find peace to be able to study the bible and pray. For example, Iona

Question 3

Lourdes

Answer 3

• Lourdes is a town in southwestern France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains
• Catholics believe that at Lourdes in 1850 ta 14 year old girl called Bernadette Soubirous had 18 visions of the Virgin Mary
• A spring of water appeared and miraculous healings are said to have taken place.
• Not all Catholics go to Lourdes to experience healing or miraculous cures. Others go to:
• Be cleansed from sin
• Bathe in the water to symbolise baptism
• Some go to pray at a holy site
• Feel the religious atmosphere
• Praise God
• Have a vision or religious experience

Question 4

Iona

Answer 4

• Iona is a tiny island off the southwest coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides
• In 563 AD Columba arrived in Iona with 12 followers, built his first Celtic church and established a monastic community
• Iona is a symbol of Christian unity. It shows that different Christian groups can live, work and worship together
• There is a time for silence, for reflection or meditation, for reading the Bible or holy books, and for enjoying the areas natural beauty
• Some believe that Iona is a place of Thinness, where we are closest to heaven.