To me, there are two main views here to be looked at. There is the view of the people, who are affected, and the people who aren’t affected. So firstly lets talk about those of whom are affected. The main reason that people go on pilgrimage is so that they can be closer to God. If we were to take Fatima as an example, then I would most definitely assure you that on the way, the streets are very very congested. So, many people decide that instead of driving the rest of the way, that they will walk there instead. Doing as such is fine, but the local merchants (a lot) can see this, and take advantage. They set up their stalls across the street and stuff goods in your face literally. I mean even if they don’t speak the same language as you, they’ll still persist and figure out some way of selling you their goods. And most of the time their goods are quite, well… rubbish. To some Christians this can get in the way of the real focus of actually visiting the places of pilgrimage and taking the time to reflect. This view shows that there is a problem with the commercialised side of Pilgrimages.
Now onto the second point of view, of the people who aren’t really affected by all the commercialised parts in Pilgrimage. People who share such views still go on Pilgrimage but are not concerned with all the merchandise. I mean, there are people who do purposely want to buy some of this merchandise, but the important thing is that they don’t let it spoil their main reason for being there in the first place. So, they simply go to their choice of Pilgrimage, and if someone was to offer them some goods they might buy or they might not. It’s as simple as that. Lets say that we chose Lourdes as our place of pilgrimage. Lourdes don’t allow such commodities to be sold in the grounds apart from candles, costing whatever you can afford; of which you are under no obligation to buy. This view shows that there aren’t any problems with the commercial side to pilgrimage.
In conclusion, I agree with the first view as commercialisation can get in the way of your main purpose of visit, reflection. However, I do feel that personally, the commercial side to Pilgrimage would not affect myself whilst on Pilgrimage, as I myself would probably want to buy a gift or something like that, and I feel that I could easily ignore them if need be.