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

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view all our essays on Hajj that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

Question One

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

(16 marks 400-600 words)

The Hutchinson Encyclopaedia definition of a pilgrimage is as follows:

"Pilgrimage - a journey to a sacred place or shrine inspired by religious devotion"

It then goes on to mention few places of pilgrimage, for example that Hindus go to the sacred river Ganges and that Muslims go to the shrine at Mecca. However, it fails to mention Christian places of pilgrimage. People forget that as Christians, pilgrimage can play a major role in a person's life.

Pilgrims of Christianity go on pilgrimages to help them to feel closer to God. They visit special sites of religious importance, for example many people travel to Lourdes as a symbol of their faith.

During their time at Lourdes the pilgrims pray, sing and go to mass many times in order to strengthen their faith. Lourdes is a site devoted to Our Lady, as she appeared in a vision to a young girl named Bernadette on the site of Lourdes. The story tells us that Our Lady told Bernadette