Pilgrimage

Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.3.25

Some Christians travel to special holy places. This is called a pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage reminds Christians they are on a spiritual journey that will end with God in heaven.
Some Christians think pilgrimages are not needed.
They believe the important journey is inside a person’s heart.

Lourdes is a town in southern France where Jesus’ mother Mary is said to have appeared.
Catholics often visit Lourdes because they have a special devotion to Mary.
In Lourdes, there are processions, special masses, and prayers.
Some sick people go to Lourdes because they believe the water there is miraculous and can heal them.

Iona is an island off the west coast of Scotland.
It is liiked to early Christianity in Britain, especially St Columba and his followers.
These men built a monastery there in the 6th century and travelled to spread Christianity in Scotland and the north of England.
Today, there is a monastic community in Iona that welcomes pilgrims and offers spiritual guidance.
Christians of all denominations visit Iona to follow the steps of early Christian Saints.
Christians believe they gain spiritual rewards by doing this pilgrimage.

Other religions also have pilgrimages.
Muslims travel to Mecca and other places linked to the Prophet Muhammad.
This journey is called Hajj.
Many Hindus go on pilgrimage to the River Ganges, which they believe has the power to purify them spiritually.

Test yourself on Pilgrimage

Pilgrimages to Lourdes are particularly popular for members of which Christian Church?
What is the name of the island off the west coast of Scotland that is associated with the earliest days of Christianity in Britain?
What do we call the journey a Christian takes to a holy land to witness their faith?