Religion Test 2 - Pilgrimage

Religious practice definition

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

Characteristics of Religious Practice

1. Movement

2. Place

3. Meaning

4. Transformation

5. Embodiment

Characteristic - Movement

Pilgrimage is essentially about the physical movement of pilgrims to a certain place. With the journey being considered the most important part.

Characteristic - Place

There is a particular place that is the destination, and there are certain routes one must follow, with stations of prayer and rituals.

Characteristic - Meaning

There is a deep motivation and understanding at the core of all pilgrims, this involves the belief in something and the serch for an authentic meaningful experience.

Characteristic - Transformation

A transformative or otherwise significant experience is part of pilgrimage. Upon return, the pilgrim is supposed to be spitiually renewed.

Characteristic - Embodiment

Pilgrimages are very physical and corporeal things, They centre on bodies. Therefore pilgrims must fully embody the role, as they walk long distances, pray certain ways, fast/eat certin things etc.

Reasons for going on a pilgrimage?

• Physical

  • Some people will go as a test towards their own physical health/to lose weight

• Spiritual

  • Some people go as a journey to a place of personal reflection

• Personal reflection

  • Reflect on their own personal lives

Why use symbols?

Symbols are a powerful means for conveying abstract spiritual truths, providing identity, offering moral guidance, fostering a sense of sacredness. Helps believers connect with the divine (god) and strengthens bonds within the communtiy.

Symbols studied

• Scallop shell

  • The scallop shell is a symbol of St. James and pilgrimage, especially on the Camino de Santiago. It represents the journey, faith, and different paths leading to the same spiritual goal.

Hajj journey

• Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for capable Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime

• They follow a series of religious rituals over 5 or 6 days , in and around mecca.

• They do this ritual to be cleansed of all their sins for a fresh start in life

What is the Camino salvado

The Camino Salvado is a pilgrimage route in Western Australia, following the journey of Dom Rosendo Salvado, a Spanish Benedictine monk. He was a missionary who founded New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, in 1847. The walk retraces the path he took from St. Joseph’s Church in Subiaco (Perth) to New Norcia, covering about 200 km.

Challenges faced along the Camino Salvado

• Physical

  • Sore feet, blisters, bad weather, lack of personal space, hunger and thirst

• Mental

  • Connecting with people you wouldn’t normally meet

  • Difficulty remaining focused / struggle internally to keep going.

Camino impact on meaning and purpose

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

• Positive experience deepening/developing your relationship with God

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