Pilgrimage Flashcards
What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place, usually taken in a group, but it can be taken alone.
What type of journey is a pilgrimage?
Although it is a physical journey, it is also a spiritual one – the closer you get to your destination, the closer you feel to God.
How has the nature of pilgrimage travel changed over time?
In the past, the travelling time (usually on foot) was as much a part of the pilgrimage as the destination. Nowadays most pilgrims fly or drive, focusing more on living in a Christian community or meditating in a holy place.
What are some reasons for going on a pilgrimage?
Reasons include asking for forgiveness, seeking guidance for decisions, seeking a cure for illness, needing time out for mental health, and spending time with other Christians.
What is Iona known for?
Iona is a tiny island off the west coast of Scotland, known as a ‘holy island’ since the 6th century when Saint Columba set up a monastery there.
What is the Iona Community?
The Iona Community is an ecumenical group first set up in 1938, representing different churches, which runs the island.
What activities do pilgrims participate in on Iona?
Pilgrims participate in everyday life, daily services in the abbey, meditation, workshops on Christian themes, and a seven-mile hike to holy sites.
What is a ‘thin place’?
Iona is sometimes called a ‘thin place’ because the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds seems ‘thin’.
What is Lourdes known for?
Lourdes is situated in the Pyrenees in South West France, where Bernadette had a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1858.
What do pilgrims do at Lourdes?
Thousands of pilgrims visit Lourdes to pray, recite a rosary, and either bathe in or drink the water from the well.
What is the main reason for pilgrimage to Lourdes?
The main reason for pilgrimage to Lourdes is to cure the sick, with 69 healings declared miracles after inspection.
What do many pilgrims claim after visiting Lourdes?
Many pilgrims claim ‘spiritual healing’, feeling more able to accept their disease or disability and achieving ‘peace of mind’.
What role do volunteers play in Lourdes pilgrimages?
Many pilgrims are volunteers travelling alongside sick patients, assisting them during the pilgrimage.
What do pilgrims often take home from Lourdes?
Many pilgrims take home a bottle of water from the well and purchase religious artefacts like statues of Mary or rosaries.
