What is involved in pilgrimage? Illustrate the differing approaches by referring to two or more places of pilgrimage.

AO2

Explain the part of pilgrimage plays in the religious life of Christians. In your answer include reference to the pilgrimages you have mentioned above. (14 marks)

        Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage in the south of France. A teenage girl named Bernadette seen several images of Mary and found a spring which was found to have healing powers. Millions have visited Lourdes through curiosity and hoping for a miracle. Many have disabilities which doctors cannot cure and believe the water can cure them. It is a symbol of healing and cleansing. Pilgrims can take it home for others who are too ill to visit Lourdes or to use for themselves. Pilgrims also visit the Grotto where Bernadette seen the vision of Mary. There is now a statue there with candles all around, pilgrims light them hoping God will answer there prayers. Many also say the rosary either together as a group or as individuals. Pilgrims can prayer at on of many of the sites in Lourdes. It is very peaceful even though there are many people there. Thousands come for healing both spiritual and physical. Sick people come but a lot of people go to help others.

        Holy Land includes Jerusalem which is a very important place for pilgrims. The pilgrims retrace the steps of Jesus to his death. Jerusalem is the main centre of pilgrimage for Christians especially at Easter. The final week of Jesus’ life on earth took place in Jerusalem. Many people re-enact the events in Jesus’ life. They recite the Stations of the Cross stopping at what they believed to be the actual site of events. Pilgrims also visit the sites of Goltha and other churches in and around Jerusalem that are connected with the events in Jesus’ life. Bethlehem is another important place of pilgrimage, as this was where Jesus was born. There is a site of the nativity and so the incarnation. Pilgrims enter the small “cave” marked by a silver star on the floor. They may kiss it as a sign of respect. Millions of pilgrims visit Bethlehem at Christmas period. It is a very special place for Christians as Jesus is the whole meaning of Christmas. People come to the Holy Land to strengthen their faith and get abetter image of it in their heads as they see things differently. People get a deeper appreciation of the Gospel stories. People believe they should go on pilgrimage because Christ’s sufferings make sense of all human pains. Through his wounds we become free of sin, through his resurrection he led the way for us. People want to live the way God wanted and feel pilgrimage is a good guide.

AO3

“Places of pilgrimage tend to be very commercialised these days. This is bound to reduce the value of the pilgrimage for a Christian.”

Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer showing you have considered more than one point of view. (10 Marks)

        Some Christians would agree because there are now many shops in Lourdes and the Holy Land. For example in Lourdes you can buy Holy water, this gives people a sense of healing and purity. Many bring the water home for others who cannot go on a pilgrimage to Lourdes for whatever reason.