test 2 - pilgrimage

Definition of a religious practice

• broad range of experiences that relate to many aspects of religious life.

• For example, praying, worship, festivals, public service, sacraments, rituals, feasts etc

Define the 5 Characteristics of Religion Practice

• movement

• place

• meaning

• transformation

• embodiment

movement

• Physical movement pilgrims travel to a certain place

• Journey if the most important part

place

• The sites and routes

• Pilgrimage is inherently spatial

• There are stations of prayer and ritual

• Specific places are considered holy due to some supernatural event such as the presence of a holy figure

meaning

• Motivation + understanding

• Involves the belief in something

• the search for an authentic, meaningful experience

• Pilgrims are motivated by desire to encounter the divine, to do penance or to gain a spiritual favour

transformation

• Pilgrimage is a significant experience and pilgrims return spiritually renewed and ultimately a new person has been transformed through their experience

• People travel to encounter something outside of their ordinary lives

embodiment

• the physical and experiential aspects of the journey

• Long journeys and complex rituals

• They do certain things such as diet 

What is the religious practice we have studied 

pilgrimage

Define pilgrimage 

A journey of moral significance a pilgrim makes to a sacred place undertaken for religious reasons and to promote an inner spiritual journey

Describe reasons why people go on pilgrimage 

• Tourist destination

• To say sorry to god for something they have done wrong (penance)

• They were ill and wanted God to heal them: Some pilgrims hope to receive healing or blessings from a sacred place or figure. 

• test of endurance

• Personal reflection: The journey can provide time for reflection, introspection, and self-discovery. 

• Historical / cultural: Pilgrimages can be a way to connect with history and culture and can expose individuals to different cultures, customs, and ways of life. 

• Finding Meaning and Purpose: Pilgrimages can help individuals find meaning, purpose, and direction in their lives. 

• Visiting Holy Sites: Pilgrims travel to places considered sacred or holy, such as shrines, churches, or other locations associated with religious figures or events. 

• Seeking Divine Presence: Pilgrimages are often seen as a way to connect with a higher power or deity, to experience the sacred, and to deepen one's faith. 

Name and describe symbols of pilgrimage. 

• scallop shell

• prominent symbol of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage

• associated with the miracles of St James

• represents that the journey to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela is more important than the destination

Why do pilgrims use symbols?

symbols are a powerful means to:

• conveys abstract spiritual truths

• provides identity

• offers moral guidance

• fosters a sense of sacredness.

• connect with God

• strengthen bonds with the faith community

Name and describe Muslim pilgrimage

• The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is one of Islams 5 pillars of faith

• Must be done at least once in their life for those who are physically + financially capable + support family in absence

• Hajj is a demonstration of solidarity  of Muslim people and their submission to god (Allah). 

Name and describe Indigenous Australians pilgrimage

• Walkabout

• Journey around tribal territory

• Retelling stories in song 

• Visits to sacred places

• Elders pass on their culture and beliefs to other members

• Highlights significance to land + their relationship to it and to one another

Define a Place of Catholic Pilgrimage in WA

Camino Salvado

Why is this a pilgrimage 

In 1846 Dom Salvador, a Spanish monk, made this journey as his companions set out to establish the New Norcia mission with his primary concern for the care of Aborigines.

Challenges faced on pilgrimage

• Physical: sore feet, blisters, bad weather, lack of personal space, thirsty, hungry

• Mental: connecting with people who wouldn’t normally meet, difficulty remaining focused, struggle internally to keep going

Impact on meaning and purpose

• Build deep friendships with pilgrims you wouldn’t normally connect with

• Positive experience deepening / developing your relationship with God

• Find clear direction for your life through the quietness of pilgrimage

What important sites are there 

• New Norcia

• Australias only monastic town

• Founded by Spanish Benedictine monks in 1847