Some Places of Pilgrimage |
| Why Pilgrimage? Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Christians. Christians see life itself as a journey, coming from God and returning to God. The pilgrim seeks to separate himself from the everyday concerns of the world, and to spend time in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning. A pilgrimage is a symbol that is acted out. Back in the Middle Ages pilgrimages were very popular. Pilgrimage was long and very dangerous - not at all like a holiday! It may have taken many years. The pilgrims would usually travel in groups, and stay in monasteries or inns overnight. People went on pilgrimage for many reasons - perhaps to say sorry to God for something they had done wrong (penance), or because they were ill and wanted God to heal them. How do people decide where to go on pilgrimage? Over the years, places have become special for different reasons, and Christians decide to visit them to become closer to God in these special places. Here are some of the best-known places Christians visit on pilgrimage: |
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Holy Lands (Israel / Palestine) Many visit the places where Jesus lived, especially during the Christian festivals (Bethlehem at Christmas, Jerusalem at Easter). |
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St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy
St. Peter, disciple of Jesus, was martyred and believed to be buried here. It is the centre of the Roman Catholic church, and home of the Pope. |
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Lourdes, France In 1858, a young girl called Bernadette Soubivous had a vision of Jesus' mother, Mary. The spring waters that flow from the fountains are believed to bring miraculous healing from God. | |
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Visit the Lourdes website | |
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This lady has come on pilgrimage to Lourdes. |
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This is a torch-light procession at Lourdes. |
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Santiago de Compostela, Spain Saint James, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, is believed to be buried here. | |
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Canterbury Thomas Becket , Archbishop of Canterbury, was martyred here. | |
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Go to a virtual tour of Canterbury Cathedral | |
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Visit the Canterbury website | |
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Walsingham, England In 1061 Richeldis de Faverches had a vision of Jesus' mother Mary, and built a replica of the humble house where Jesus was born. An Augustine Priory was built there, and today there are Roman Catholic and Anglican shrines. | |
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Visit the Walsingham website | |
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Iona, Scotland In 530 AD St. Columba travelled from Ireland and landed at Iona to convert the people to Christianity. He started a monastery here. (Photograph © Iona Community) | |
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Go to 'Iona as a Place of Pilgrimage' | |
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Visit the Iona website | |
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Knock, Ireland
On 21st August 1879 a group of people standing outside the church saw a heavenly vision there. (Photo: © 2001-2002 www.fantasyjackpalance.com) | |
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St. David's, Wales Dewi Sant (St. David) lived here and helped spread the Christian faith in Wales. | |
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Go to a virtual tour of St. David's Cathedral | |
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Visit the St. David website | |
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Pilgrimage Extension Work |
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Go back to 'Do What - Pilgrimage' |