Pilgrimage appears to be a new trend post-pandemic; even non-religious people seek to find inner peace. It is obvious that people flock to religious places even for non-spiritual reasons. Pilgrimage is eternally attractive. What, then, are ten reasons why Christians go on a pilgrimage?
1. Walk in the footsteps of Christ.
Christian pilgrimage is a faith journey – to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Pilgrimage reminds followers about Jesus’ earthly journey to Calvary, the Cross and Resurrection.
2. Be in a Sacred Place
The place is important – it is a reminder of sacredness. A shrine or a relic is venerated as a symbol of grace – an active source of God’s presence. Pilgrims have strong confidence to be in a sacred place to harvest a blessing.
3. Ask a Favour.
Pilgrims seek to ask a special favour – ask something to make themselves better or escape an impending disaster. It can be to ask for a gift of a child to heal from an incurable disease. Some go on a pilgrimage to return a favour as part of an oath.
4. Seek Forgiveness.
Pilgrims want to be free from sin and its punishment. Pilgrims undertake penance as reparation for sinful living. Confession is made an integral part of a pilgrimage – often to receive an indulgence.
5. Escape the everyday monotony.
Sometimes, people go on a pilgrimage to escape life situations. It is the destination – moving out of their comfort zone. It can provide an opportunity for spiritual growth and integrate the insight to be a better person.
6. Attending a Healing Service.
Modern-day pilgrims want healing, more than absolution. Pilgrims renew their hope by listening to miraculous testimonies and witnessing miracles. Pilgrims are ready to embark on arduous journeys to experience a miracle.
7. To do penance, silently.
Pilgrims can have unspoken reasons for a pilgrimage – the first among indulging in penance – and self-restraining practices to get rid of the guilt and regret for past actions. Pilgrims are willing to bear the pain, seek humility and do charity.
8. Time to re-evaluate.
Pilgrimage offers a new perspective on one’s spiritual journey. It connects with the communion of saints, giving pilgrims a chance to learn from their exemplary lives and spiritual practices. Pilgrimage can lead to an unexpected turn in a dark tunnel.
9. Time to be authentic.
Pilgrims do dump their fake selves in a worship place. They decide to be authentic. Pilgrimage spots provide an opportunity to be true to oneself. It’s a time to avoid being fake.
10. Learn new cultural faith expressions.
It is a time to learn new faith expressions in different cultures. Pilgrims have to shed cultural expectations and be open to being connected to one Universal Church. It is an experience that we are one, despite our language, ethnicity and race.
The driving force of a pilgrimage, some analysts will profess, is the pilgrim’s inner desire to change and be a better human. A Christian pilgrim is seeking to meet God on the journey. Without God, there is no pilgrim – it’s a divine road trip.
Walking the pilgrims’ walk
A NEW collection of Catholic walking pilgrimages has been launched online, encouraging people of all faiths and none to explore some of the holiest sites within Catholic dioceses in England and Wales.
“Hearts in Search of God” is a three-year project mapping out 22 pilgrimages, with each route starting at one of the 22 Catholic cathedrals in England and Wales, before going on to at least one of the local shrines.
A website listing the new routes can be found walking at pilgrimways.org.uk. The site provides walking guides, GPX files, prayers and other resources, including a downloadable “pilgrim passport” and a certificate for the end of the walk.
(This write-up was first published in CONTACT magazine of Goan Chaplaincy UK, June 2023)
About the Author
Feroz Fernandes, a Catholic Missionary, identifies himself as an Uncommon Priest. Father Feroz loves adventure in the apostolate. Check out his debut book The Uncommon Priest: Incredible Stories You Never Read on Amazon. And also, the YouTube Channel: Feroz Fernandes promotes a better understanding of scripture.
Great stuff Father and a lot of good reasons. How many more are there? Well done 👏