There in no obligation on a Christian to go on pilgrimage. However, Hindu’s and Muslim’s are obliged to take part in a pilgrimage.
Many Christians over the years have taken part in pilgrimage to holy places. Pilgrimage is of interest to Roman Catholics and pilgrimage is largely not a part of the protestant tradition.
Why people go to pilgrimage?
It is clearly shown in the life of Jesus how important pilgrimage is. Jesus made pilgrimage when he was growing up and the climax of salvation happened whilst on pilgrimage. The Holy Spirit came with great power on the apostles whilst people from many nations were gathered in Jerusalem for the pilgrimage at Pentecost.
And pilgrimage make people seek themselves from god,
In the fourth century Christians rediscovered pilgrimage as part of their heritage. Prior to this there was a move away from Jewish practices. Basilicas were built in Jerusalem on key places associated with Jesus. These quickly became centres of pilgrimage. Martyrs’ tombs also became places which Christians would make a prayerful journey to.
There are some reasons why people go pilgrimage:
- Some to seek out or thank God for physical and spiritual healing
- Some to visit a site where Jesus or Mary appeared to people in the past
- Some are seeking inspiration.
- Some desire a new perspective, a change of mind.
- Some are studying various spiritual paths (and foot paths!)
- Some are seeking ways to reverse the destruction of life on the planet.
- Some are learning methods of meditation.
- Some are deeply questioning their life's purpose.
- Some are committed to the idea and practice of pilgrimage.
- Some are purifying their hearts; confusion giving way to clarity.
- Some don't know why they are making a pilgrimage, but are following and intuition.
- Some want the time and setting to concentrate on a particular subject.
- Some are doing penance.
- Some are helpers, cooks, drivers, etc., or are accompanying another on her/his pilgrimage.
- Some want to be in harmony with the natural world.
- Some want the exercise of walking on the hills.
- Some are curious or wish to observe.
- Some need to get away for a day.
- Some are spiritual adventurers, or just like to be on the road.
- Some want to calm their minds and find peace.
- Some are singers and writers looking for something to sing or write about.
- Some are following the "Good Beer Guide”.
What affects that pilgrimage might have to them?
Pilgrimage is bread and wine for the journey. It is hints about where to find guides and friendly spirits and how to survive the encounter with demons and monsters of the deep. Sometimes it's blood-rich meat, sometimes honey, sometimes C rations with a tossed salad on the side. It definitely belongs in the rucksack of pilgrims, adventurers, and those contemplating a heroic journey beyond the outskirts of the Average.
Pilgrimage sees life as a journey, as an adventure of discovery; our wide range of articles are united by a fascination with the wonder of the human journey, and a strong desire to more fully understand and celebrate that journey.
It is only through letting our heart break that we discover something unexpected: the heart cannot actually break, it can only break open. When we feel both our love for this world and the pain of this world - together, at the same time - the heart breaks out of its shell. To live with an open heart is to experience life full-strength.5
Pilgrimage place: Lourdes
Lourdes, in the south of France is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Europe. It was in Lourdes, in the year of 1858, when a fourteen year old girl, Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have has a series of visions where the Virgin Mary appeared in the grotto of Massbielle. She predicted that a spring of water would rise from the grotto floor, soon enough a spring appeared, and due to its connection with the Virgin Mary it was considered and reported to have healing properties. Both the church and the predicted spring from then on became international pilgrimage sites. Around 2,000,000 people visit Lourdes every year, mostly they are Roman Catholic, this is because the Roman Catholic church encourages Christians to go on pilgrimage, also the sites have a strong connection with the Virgin Mary, who is looked upon as a Saint, for she gave birth to Jesus Christ. However the protestant’s don’t look upon the subject of pilgrimage as it being very important, they believe it is instead better to help people who are in need.
Lourdes is a beautiful place. Many go for inner healing and some for physical healing. Many people go in search of hope, understanding, and often they go searching for something without quite knowing what exactly. Many people go for some kind of consolation after the death of a loved one. The place is extremely peaceful even though it is extremely commercially developed. Its location in the south of France make it ideal for people to take it in as a holiday too as it is beside the Pyrenees National Park and only an hour from beautiful coastal resorts like Biarritz. There is also camping in the area. Many people also go and give their free time to help the sick pilgrims who are there.
The Lourdes story begins in 1858, when a poor 14-year-old French girl saw a ghostly woman in white, in a shallow cave near the town. Over a month, Bernadette Soubirous saw the woman eight times. The vision said she was the Virgin Mary, she said she wanted a chapel built on the site and for people to come in procession, and she revealed that spring.
From the very early days, the spring water showed miraculous qualities. First, a woman with a paralyzed hand was healed. More cures followed and the crowds haven't stopped since.
Today they come by train, as well as plane and coach, on pilgrimage to Bernadette's grotto. So many are ill they've had to build several hospitals to help care for them while they're here. Lourdes is a strange place. The narrow, windy streets leading to the grotto area are packed with gift shops full of religious rubbish: plastic water bottles in the shape of Mary, pictures of Christ being crucified with eyes that blink, and religious alarm clocks.
And he's right, there is a need. Pilgrims crowd 'round the shelves buying the stuff. Maybe the miracle at it sells. But once you get near the grotto, the shops end. The area feels and is sacred. There are now three chapels here and a huge underground basilica where up to 25,000 people can take mass.
Afterwards, processions are led from the basilica to the grotto at night by candlelight. It's an impressive sight. The spring water has been put on tap so people can drink and bottle it. They also queue to bathe in it. Seventeen special baths have been built near the grotto. Volunteers lead you in, help you undress, throw a cold wet towel over you to hide your modesty, and then it's a quick chilly dunk.