Pilgrimages in order to touch a holy relic which can bring good fortune. Then burn the list – on the journey you are about to undertake, you need to be open to all possible ways of transformation. Each gift is an outpouring of His love, never something you earn. This can bring a wonderful sense of “togetherness” and belonging. Her website Spiritual Travels features holy sites around the world. 8. It can make you realise how we are all equal and no-one is superior or inferior to one another. Although many modern religions no longer promote suffering as a means of repentance, some religions still abide by these ancient customs, seeing the suffering of a person as they go on a gruelling journey as a form of penance for their sins. or more religions. In everyday life people are often preoccupied by their relationships, work, leaky roofs and other niggling troubles. What places beckon to you? depression, anxiety, unresolved conflicts, etc.) Muslims are required, if at all possible, to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, Muhammed’s birthplace. To experience the joyous feeling of spiritual connection and being close to God. 5. Pilgrimage as an act of penance for sins. Lori Erickson is one of America’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys. My book Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God is a memoir told through trips to a dozen holy sites around the world. The motivation is usually different for each person, but there are some basic common underlying themes behind why people go on pilgrimages: 1.) (Jn. You think a pilgrimage sounds better than therapy. The journey may have changed you in ways that those at home will find hard to understand. One source for example, notes that the Catholic Church recognizes 65 miracles to have taken place at the pilgrimage hotspot, Lourdes. Reflect honestly on what it is that is making you undertake this journey. Religious fulfillment. Going on pilgrimage is not merely a visit to a holy place to ask God for a particular favour in that place or to recharge spiritual batteries. What task does your soul seem to have in store for you? God doesn’t trade for gifts, nor does He barter. It is also one of the three most important sacred sites in the Sunni Islamic tradition. This website is also an affiliate with Zazzle, AllPosters.com and Cafepress, and runs adverts from Google Adsense. Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God, Near the Exit: Travels With the Not-So-Grim Reaper, The Surprising Spiritual Mecca of Crestone, Colorado, Thomas Merton's Mystical Vision in Louisville, Spiritual travels are more than ordinary trips, Mexico City's Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Spiritual Sites in Iceland: With the Norse Gods. People go on pilgrimages to Jerusalem because it is an extremely important location for Christians, Jews and Muslims. However, pilgrimage is far from exclusively for the religious. Join the saywhydoi facebook fanpage to be the first to know when a new article is up! The excitement has tapered, and it’s easy to overlook. 4.) – Dan . And you really need it from time to time. but what I know is that pilgrimage is a chance to create space for your spirit to stretch. The others are Mecca and Medina. To retrace St. Patrick's steps, you can either retreat to the island of … Here are ten reasons to go on a pilgrimage: 9. By presenting a break from such worries, a pilgrimage gives a person a much needed chance to clear their head, focus positively and gain a renewed perspective on life. You’ve probably already been on a pilgrimage once or twice in your life—perhaps when you visited the town where you grew up and you walked its streets with a full heart, seeing everything through the lens of memory. Some believed that coming in close proximity to artefacts touched by holy people could rub some luck off on them, especially if the artefact belonged to someone with traits that are desired, such as being famous for great courage or for healing abilities. In short: there are many reasons to go on a pilgrimage. You’re pretty sure there is no God, but there’s a tiny sliver of doubt. You tell yourself you’re foolish for listening to that inner urging, and yet you pack your bags and set out. A pilgrimage is a unique travel experience and the reasons why people take one are varied. Many of the religious sites … People who are truly sorry for something they’ve done may demonstrate how rependant they are by dedicating time and effort to go on a long pilgrimage which usually includes many hours walking on foot. In the Middle Ages the Church encouraged people to make pilgrimages to special holy places called shrines. Spontaneously. Listen deeply to the small whisper inside of you, the one that will guide you where you need to go. Published August 15, 2013 • Written by Cristóbal Almanza Filed Under: Blog. Or when you took a trip with a friend facing something big and scary, like a serious cancer diagnosis, and along with the fun was the knowledge of a powerful undertow just beneath the surface, making every stop for ice cream and view of a sunset bittersweet. People that are interested in culture, history, and nature or people looking for a personal challenge or self-discovery go on pilgrimages too. Pilgrims took a lengthy break from their daily routines. 3.) We had a lot of talk and excitement with one year preparation, and now we’re almost a year into it. Describe similarities and differences that they have encountered in pilgrimages in two Describe what would inspire them to take an important action. Answer: A pilgrimage is a journey made to a place considered sacred as an act of religious devotion. Why do people go on pilgrimages? If you have any ideas for "Why do I"s, or if you'd like to write a guest post, or if you just want to say "hi! By taking the time to go on pilgrimage, people can leave behind everyday concerns from back home and spend time in the presence of God as they travel to a place with special meaning. Here’s a really interesting guide of pilgrimage… A more modern, non-religious reason for pilgrimages is because it can be seen as a fun adventure. You’ve had a divorce, finished chemotherapy, or are grieving a loss. Devout pilgrims would consider any new insights and solutions gained on a pilgrimage to be God-given. List five reasons on a piece of paper. What dream do you want to fulfill? Pleasure can be felt as you observe yourself, your environment and the people around you, feeling how everything is connected by being one creation of God. We mentioned above that over two million people visit Saudi Arabia on a yearly … There are many non-religious reasons to go on a pilgrimage. Travelers made the trips for many reasons: to ask for divine aid, to fulfill a religious obligation, or to venerate an important place or object. Historically, the journey has been as important as the destination. “To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art or history. People go on pilgrimage for as many reasons as there are pilgrims. Seek transformation in your faith. To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where his grace has shone with particular splendour and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe. Those on pilgrimage enter a liminal state, their identities becoming fluid amid myriad possibilities. People make pilgrimages for many reasons, but perhaps some go for the wrong reasons. Well, pilgrimages are some people’s way of “doing anything” for the sake of forgiveness. Some people go on pilgrimages simply because it is an opportunity for them to enjoy the feeling of connection with God and all His creations. In short: there are many reasons to go on a pilgrimage. While you’re traveling, intertwine your steps with prayer. That's one reason. 5.) There are many reasons why I go on pilgrimage—to learn, to give thanks, to petition, to remember, to honor. As a result many find little time to take a step back and reflect on the most important things in their life. The reason given for the pilgrimage in the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales is to visit the shrine of St. Thomas Becket. Pilgrimage will definitely not deal with serious illness or a nervous breakdown (i.e. Other possible pilgrimage sites include places where miracles are said to have occurred. Part of … Faith is filled with ups and downs, periods of high spiritual energy, … Most of us have heard of people who have made religious pilgrimages but for those who are not particularly religious or those who know little about the details of a pilgrimage, the idea of what drives a person to walk for days to get to a holy site can be quite mysterious when in our day and age they could get there through modern transportation. Our friends over at the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Philadelphia … saywhydoi.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com & amazon.co.uk. The number of people going to pilgrimage is increasing from year to year, and the odds to be sort-listed to go to Mecca is becoming difficult, but in all cases if you have sincere intention to go there, Allah may consider you having accomplished pilgrimage. The sacred enters our lives through the tiniest of openings. A pilgrimage is not a conquest, it is a surrender. 2.) Pilgrimage is very important in some religious traditions. I suspect it’s part of what first drew our ancestors out of the trees on the savannas of Africa and eventually to every corner of the earth. On a pilgrimage, there is a feeling that all are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of their status in the everyday world. One of the most important reasons for going on pilgrimage tours and seeing the places of spiritual importance is to meet other saintly people who follow a spiritual path and see how they live. Or it may be that pilgrimage marks a special birthday, retirement or other occasion for giving thanks. People make pilgrimages today for all kinds of reasons. Pilgrimages in order to touch a holy relic which can bring good fortune. Culture . There’s nothing wrong with an ordinary vacation, for sometimes what we most need to do is chill out on a beach with a mystery novel and a gin and tonic. But there are other times—which tend to come after losses and at transition points like graduations, decade birthdays, and retirements—when the road calls to us in a different way. Look for the grace that can shine through in even the most seemingly mundane of circumstances. But a pilgrim is not going for any of these purposes. And you don’t have to be religious to go on pilgrimage! In fact, it probably won’t. Those who seek something that seems very difficult or almost impossible to achieve, like receiving a healing from a long-term incurable problem like illness or infertility, or finding success in a field of their life which up until now has evaded them, be it work, romance or anything else, may all look for a miracle from God. It was believed that if you prayed at these shrines you might be forgiven for your sins and have more chance of going to heaven. Now come up with 3 reasons why you think that people go on a pilgrimage and write them down on three separate lines in your exercise book. It provides an opportunity to meet people of your faith, have an enjoyable time stretching your legs, exercising those muscles and being out in the great outdoors. Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Christians. All this awareness and appreciation can be tremendously exhilarating and fill you with a delicious feeling of bliss. These places could be the grave of a saint, somewhere Jesus visited or that was written about in the Bible. Many of the religious sites sought out by pilgrims were made were popular because they housed some religious relic, such as a cloth soaked in the blood of a saint, or a piece of a saint’s skeleton, or a part of Jesus’s cross. You’re old and want to reflect on your life. Some Christians may disagree with pilgrimage for reasons that include expense. Tweet, facebook, pin, instagram, reddit and everything else! Practice the discipline of gratitude. God’s forgiveness is sought in the hope of improving their chances of going to heaven. Because I will be leading a pilgrimage in March 2016 together with Teresa Tomeo, I thought this was a timely topic to share again for those of you who may not have read it and who may wonder the same. A person who makes such a journey is a pilgrim. Top 10 Reasons to Go On Pilgrimage January 26, 2016 Lori Erickson Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! This pilgrimage is part of their religious duty as Muslims and … So please note that clickable pictures and links on this site may contain affiliate links that help the website owner keep this website running. Your call to pilgrimage may come disguised as a door that’s shut in your face: the job ends, the lover leaves, the friendship dissolves into bitterness. Be mindful of each moment. You’ve probably already been on a pilgrimage once or twice in your life—perhaps when you visited the town where you grew up and you walked its streets with a full heart, seeing everything through the lens of memory. 1 The Mayan calendar says the world will end in 2012. Start: One reason why people go on a pilgrimage is… Powerpoint Lesson Plan: Aimed at Students studying across KS3 or equivalent; Premium resource; Use as you wish in the classroom or home environment Sometimes, the purpose isn't clear until reflection upon completion of the journey! If you enjoyed this site or a particular article, be sure to share the joy! Jerusalem is the location of the ancient Jewish Temple and the setting of many important biblical events. It’s also a great adventure with the chance to meet new people and se… Christians believe pilgrimage can help them develop spiritually and bring them closer to God. You know how some people say “I’d do anything for you to forgive me!”? Even if we think we’re not religious, even if we’re skeptical of any kind of spirituality, there seems to be something in our DNA that draws us to wayfaring. The word "pilgrimage" itself does imply religious context. Pilgrimages to shrines and other holy places recall that our entire lives on earth are a pilgrimage to reach heaven. A journey to a holy place is called a pilgrimage. Show an understanding of the diverse reasons for people going on pilgrimage and the potential impact on a pilgrim’s life. When you return, your re-entry may not be easy. The idea is that God will see this action as a clear sign that they are sincerely sorry and can then be forgiven. The Christian New Testament does not specifically enjoin believers to go on pilgrimage, but sacred texts in other religious faiths do. Henry VIII is said to have made such a pilgrimage (to Walsingham) when he implored God to give him a male heir. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is generally believed that without the distractions of the mundane it is easier to hear Divine guidance. Abraham’s journey to the Promised Land was perhaps the first pilgrimage. Interested in a spiritual journey? This will not resolve any of your problems but it might create time and spaceyou need t… It is an exceptional and deeply personal effort made by the individual Christian. Early Christians made valiant treks to the Holy Land to visit the places of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Others went to shrines … Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

. In exchange for the miracle, they demonstrate their devotion to God by going on a pilgrimage. Nevertheless, pilgrims are meant to share their new-found wisdom and insights with others. 6. They left their families and work environments, entering into a new community of people. Many stories of miracles occurring to pilgrims during or after a pilgrimage exist. Or the call may come through the comment of a stranger at a bus stop or in a headline you happen to read at a checkout counter. The purpose can be many things, from self-discovery, to personal achievement. Having made the trip to the Holy Land recently, I recommend it wholeheartedly! The joy of waking up to a fresh day, delighting in the observation of your life-giving breath, experiencing all the wonders around you – the trees, flowers, sky, mountains, the unique aromas in your surroundings, the sounds, the sensation of the soft breeze on your skin.. Reasons to Go on a Pilgrimage and Suggested Destinations. Each such pilgrimage is a window or sign of what this transitory life is “all about,” and helps focus, elevate, and perfect what prayers and intentions we bring along; but more of that in a moment. That threshold between worlds is sacred ground. ", you can contact me at, Nando’s Chicken and the Portuguese Rooster. Pilgrimages as a form of escapism from distractions to give an opportunity to reflect and to receive God-given guidance. Such trips are pilgrimages because they touch the heart and soul. By taking a pilgrimage, we choose … They feel the money could be spent on charity to help needy people or to help a local church. Many people of all faiths make pilgrimages, often to a shrine or place of significance, to experience spiritual enlightenment and deeper understanding of their beliefs. Christians go on pilgrimages to visit places that are important to their faith and beliefs. 2 A US preacher, (forgot his name,) promises that the world will end this May 21st. If you do not budge, it … I have compiled a list of reasons for why you should go on pilgrimage St. Patrick’s Footsteps, Ireland. Are your reasons powerful enough to keep you going through the difficult parts? And perhaps more than anything, they are meant to realize that our entire life is meant to be a pilgrimage, a seeking after the divine in moments both ordinary and extraordinary. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common non-religious reasons for going on a pilgrimage. Author’s Note: A few years ago, a reader wrote us and asked about why shrines and pilgrimages are important. Read and reflect before you set out on your trip, preparing your mind and soul for the journey ahead. A pilgrimage is an opportunity to have some quiet time away from the demands of daily life, to reflect. This is especially the case with saints and sages who can help us by giving their association and sharing their spiritual knowledge and realizations. Nature and importance Roman Catholics undertake the pilgrimage to Rome in order to be close to the centre of their faith. Think about your reasons for pilgrimage. She’s the author of the Near the Exit: Travels With the Not-So-Grim Reaper and Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God. Joy can be experienced in every little thing that is usually taken for granted. Religious faiths do is no God, but there ’ s Chicken and the Portuguese.... As many reasons as there are pilgrims a spiritual journey pretty sure there is no God but. To Jerusalem because it can make you realise how we are all equal and no-one is or... Non-Religious reasons to go on pilgrimages to visit a place considered sacred as an Amazon Associate I from... For as many reasons as there are pilgrims ( i.e are all equal and is., Jews and Muslims in short: there are many non-religious reasons go. Divorce, finished chemotherapy, or are grieving a loss in order to touch a relic. 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