6. Pilgrimage

What is pilgrimage?

A journey a believer takes to a holy site for religious reasons. Christians see life ultimately as a journey towards God and it represents the journey that all Christians make from Earth to Heaven.

Why is pilgrimage important?

• an act of penance to make up for things done wrong

• renew peoples faith and spiritual energy

• being in a community and learn about your beliefs (Taize)

• to have a miracle performed (Lourdes)

• a way t connect with God and deepen

• Following in the footsteps of Jesus (Holy Land/Via Delarosa)

Walsingham Key Facts: (Where, Who, How Long)

• Where: Uk

• Who goes there?: individuals or groups, often accompanied by their Parish Priest, mainly Catholics and Anglicans but all are welcome

• How Long: day/weekend/week- varies

What do people do in Walsingham?

There is a programme of worship, daily Mass, processions of our lady (with statue of Mary), Sprinkling of the Well (receive water from the Holy Well believed to have miraculous healing powers), acts of penance, laying on of hands

Why do people go to Walsingham?

• Sight of a miraculous appearance

• The widow of the Lord of the Manor of Walsingham Pava had a dream where the Virgin Mary asked her to build a replica of the house in Nazareth where the announcement of the birth of Jesus took place (DIVINE REVELATION?!) She did this and build a replica. A priory (small monastic church) was built on the site.

Why do people do the specific activites done at Walsingham?

• It is an important place of pilgrimage because our journey begins at birth and this special place marks where the announcement of Jesus birth took place.

• During the Protestant Reformation it was destroyed but it is likely that many people visited it in secret showing their dedication and faith- this can link to the history of the place of pilgrimage (not to the origination of it).

• The site is dedicated to Mary so they want to show devotion to her for being a role model as she is a symbol of faith, humility and obedience. Many also believe she can pray for them and brings their needs to Jesus.

• Walsingham also provides a chance for spiritual renewal- feeling closer to God. Potential for spiritual or physical healing.

Taize Key Facts: (Where, Who, How Long)

• Where: France

• Who: mainly young people, Christians from all denominations, specific focus on youth

• How long: Usuallly a week, but some stay longer and volunteer

What do people do in Taize?

• Join the 3 daily prayers (with songs, Bible readings and silence)

• reading and reflection on the Bible in small groups

• faith discussions with others from different countries/denominations

• community tasks e.g. cooking and cleaning

• singing Taize chants (short, repetitive prayers to music helping focus on God)

• building friendships in other denominations

• celebrating the Eucharist

Why do people go to Taize?

Unique spiritual experience of international community, shows different Christian traditions living together and praying peacefully, helps faith growth and continues Brother Roger’s vision of it being a place of reconciliation, unity and hope (his vision inspired this place of pilgrimage)

Why do people do the specific activites done at Taize?

• Prayer and closeness to God is developed despite the epistemic distance, unity and reconciliation are important beliefs in Christianity (links to atonement), peace and healing gives young people direction in life.

• Community life can teach humility and service, as well as Christian agape love.

• Learning opportunities- reading the Bible.