5.1: Pilgrimage and the Stations of the Cross

• Catholics believe that life is a pilgrimage towards heaven. This means that:

  • Life is a journey towards God; Catholics will complete this journey and meet God when they die
  • During their lifetime, a Catholic's actions should reflect the idea of making progress on the journey towards God
  • Everything they do should contribute to this purpose of getting closer to God
• Moving between the Stations of the Cross:

  • Is a way to accompany Jesus on his last journey
  • Is a way to share in Jesus' sufferings as a sign of gratitude and thanks
  • Helps the person to stay focused on their prayers
• "Christians, on pilgrimage toward the heavenly city, should seek and think of these things which are above" (Gaudium et Spes 57) - shows that Christians view their lives as a pilgrimage towards heaven, and believe they should strive for this destination in their daily activities