different places of pilgrimage and their significance Flashcards
What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is part of a person’s spiritual journey. It is often a physical journey that’ll take a person to a place of religious significance
Outline three purposes of pilgrimage in Christianity
To visit important historical places within Jesus’s life (1 mark)
psalm 84:5 “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”
To be part of a Christian community and have a sense of togetherness with others (1 mark)
To try to receive physical or spiritual healing (1 mark)
What is the significance of Rome?
Vatican City in Rome is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church
St Peters Church is also there, which is the remains of St Peter, a disciple of Jesus
Why do people go on pilgrimage to Rome?
Pilgrims go because it is the home of the Pope, and pilgrims will visit holy sites & may take part in a mass led by the Pope
Why do people go on pilgrimage to Walsingham?
Pilgrims find the shrine at Walsingham a special place to visit, and there is the statue of Virgin Mary there too
What is the significance of Walsingham?
In the 11th century, it was here that The Lady of the Manor had a vision of the Virgin Mary’s home in Nazareth
What is the significance of Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is where Jesus lived towards the end of his life, was buried and was seen alive after his resurrection.
Why do people go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem?
People go there to see where Jesus was crucified and the things that remain since
These sites provide opportunities for prayer, reflection, and a closer relationship with God. It’s also a chance to celebrate the Eucharist in a holy place, strengthening one’s connection to the Church.
What is the significance of Lourdes?
go there praying for healing, as it is a place known for physical and spiritual healing. Some miracles have even been recorded.
Why do people go on pilgrimage to Lourdes
people go there praying for healing, as it is a place known for physical and spiritual healing. Some miracles have even been recorded
why are pilgrimages important
Spiritual Growth and Closer Relationship with God
Pilgrimages allow Catholics to deepen their faith and grow closer to God through prayer, reflection, and devotion. Visiting holy sites helps strengthen one’s personal connection with God.
📖 Psalm 84:5 –
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” highlights idea that pilgrimage is a spiritual journey that renews faith and trust in God, bringing blessings.
-Seeking Forgiveness and Healing
Pilgrimages provide an opportunity to seek healing, both physically and spiritually, and to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Catholics believe these sacred places can help with personal struggles and prayer for healing.
john 20:23
“If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven.”
why might pilgrimages not be important
-They believe that the internal spiritual journey is more important than any external visit to a holy place - Some Christians believe that emphasising special, holy places is wrong as God can be encountered anywhere.The Protestant reformers were against pilgrimage. John 4:21-24 –
“…………….. you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. … God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (NIV)
-some Christians also believe that It breaks the commandment not to worship idols
They may believe that worshipping and praying to the Virgin Mary is idol worship
Mediaeval pilgrimage sites often had relics, like the physical remains of Jesus’ cross or shroud or the saints which were believed to be holy and were worshipped, but only God should be worshipped
1 John 5:21 –
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
