Pilgrimage

• What is a pilgrimage

  A journey that has religious or spiritual significance
• Why do Christians choose to do a pilgrimage

  to be healed or deepen their connection with God, several of the sites vistsed are mentioned in the bible.
• What is the Lourdes site

  Famous pilgrimage site in France where the waters are believed to have healing powers. often Pilgrims will take the water home.
• What is the famous story about the Lourdes pilgrim site?

  1858, Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary at Lourdes and her friend was healed in the waters. Bernadette was made a saint by pope Pius XI 1993
• What is Iona pilgrimage site?

  quiet island in Scotland where a monastery was built (monks live). Christians go there to study the bible and pray, may lead to spiritual growth. People often feel they learn something about themselves in Iona and can look at life back at home differently
• What are some criticisms of pilgrims?

  some christians believe:

  • money could be spent help those in need rather than for travel
  • Lourdes is often crowded by visitors and the site has become to commercialised, with shops + souvenirs
  • the same benefits of a pilgrimage can be felt at home praying