Catholic Pilgrimage — History and Practice
Pilgrimage broadly refers to the religious practice of embarking on a journey to a sacred place. It is a popular practice in many religions and is evident in various cultural and historical contexts. In Christianity, the practice of pilgrimage is often likened to the journey of Abraham, a Biblical patriarch who embarked on a journey of faith, as well as the Old Testament account of the journey of the Israelites led by Moses, a prophet, through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. However, the actual practice of pilgrimage in the religion is primarily traced to the fourth century when Christians began to visit places relevant to the life and journey of Jesus Christ, as well as other martyrs in the Christian faith.
Pilgrimages became especially common in the middle ages. Many pilgrims traveled by foot to sites and shrines across Europe, which could take several months or even years. The journey itself was considered a sanctifying activity and could take place in individual or group contexts. The major destinations for pilgrimage included Rome and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Rome contained several churches and shrines, as well as what is believed to be the stairs that Jesus climbed to face trial before Pontius Pilate. Spain’s Santiago de Compostela is believed to be the location where Saint James, one of the disciples of Jesus, was buried.
However, journeying to the Holy Land, a region that now makes up large sections of modern-day Palestine, Jordan, Israel, and Syria, was considered the greatest and most sought-after pilgrimage for a Christian. Such an expedition would take years and could be quite expensive. It also posed many safety risks to pilgrims. During this period, pilgrimage was considered an act of penance for sins committed. Individuals would often journey in ragged clothes and rely on strangers for food.
While Catholic pilgrimages are a tradition that still exists, practices today appear more enjoyable and organized. Although pilgrimage as an act of penance is no longer a popular concept, it is still practiced as a transformational and spiritual journey. Many Catholics embark on this journey to pray and meditate. For many, it is also an opportunity to visit relics, conduct research, and gain experiences and insight.
One of the popular pilgrimage destinations today is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal. The Marian shrine is believed to be the site where Mary appeared to three shepherd children in the 20th century. The Lady of our Lourdes is another notable site located in France. This sanctuary is located in the town where Mary is believed to have appeared to a 14-year-old peasant girl in 1858. It is also popular for its holy spring, which is said to provide healing miracles to visitors when submerged in its waters. Lourdes receives millions of visitors annually.
Outside Europe, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a major Catholic pilgrimage site. The church, which is located in Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City, is one of the most visited holy sites in the world. It was built in 1531. Located in Brasilia, Brazil, The Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida is also a major Catholic shrine. The church is one of the largest in the world and receives millions of visitors every year. Other pilgrimage sites include the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and Our Lady of Penafrancia in the Philippines.
