Pilgrimage Flashcards
Places of pilgrimage
Jerusalem
Walsingham
Rome
Lourdes
Jerusalem
important because Jesus taught, died, and rose here. Christians go to walk where he walked – Jesus himself also went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Walsingham
important because a vision of Mary was seen here and there are shrines to her (one Catholic, one Anglican and one Orthodox) – Christians can pay homage with others.
Rome
important because Peter and Paul preached here. People may go to visit important Christian buildings, or see the Pope. As the Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church, visiting Rome and the Vatican may be more important for Catholics.
Lourdes
important because a vision of Mary was seen here, and people go in the hope of being healed. Catholics place particular importance on visions of Mary.
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage involves going on a physical journey, in order to assist a spiritual journey. It helps
Christians to focus on, and develop, their faith.
Impact on individuals and communities
- Christians may feel that their faith has been
strengthened by visiting a special place. - Some Christians feel better able to worship God with others who are also seeking him at pilgrimage sites.
- Some communities are able to go on pilgrimage together and can deepen their faith as a group.
- Some religious communities are able to spend more time focused on God because of money they receive from being visited by pilgrims.
Catholics attitude to pilgrimage
more likely to deem pilgrimages
important because of the places visited, e.g. somewhere Jesus or the apostles lived, or where a vision has been seen.
Protestants attitude to pilgrimage
more likely to view pilgrimage as important if it is a means to spend time worshipping privately or with other Christians.
Quote
you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship. - John
