5.2: Pilgrimage to sacred places

• Why is the pilgrimage at Jerusalem important

  • The city in Israel where Jesus died
  • Catholics might visit Jesus' tomb, the Via Dolorosa (the street through which Jesus carried his cross), and other nearby places connected with Jesus' life
• Why do Catholics visit Jerusalem

  • To share in Jesus' life and suffering
  • To renew their faith and commitment to Jesus
• Why is the pilgrimage at Rome important

  • The centre of Catholic faith
  • Where St Peter died, and where the current Pope lives
  • Catholics might visit the Vatican (home of the Pope), the tomb of St Peter in St Peter's Basilica, and the cathedral of St John Lateran (the most important Catholic Church)
• Why do Catholics visit Rome

  To show their commitment to the Catholic Church, and their unity with the Pope and all Catholics
• Why is the pilgrimage at Lourdes important

  • A town in France where a young girl called Bernadette saw visions of Mary
  • Mary told Bernadette to dig in the ground, and when she did a spring appeared
  • The waters of this spring are believed to have healing powers, and Catholics visit Lourdes to bathe in its waters
• Why do Catholics visit Lourdes

  • To be healed physically or spiritually by the waters
  • To feel stronger and more at peace in the body and mind
• Why is the pilgrimage and Walsingham important

  • A village in Norfolk which contains the Catholic national shrine for England
  • In 1061m a noblewoman had visions of the house where Mary lived in Nazareth. She built a copy of this house in Walsingham, which is now called the Holy House
  • Catholics often walk in procession between the Slipper Chapel and the Holy House. They might also attend Mass
• Why do Catholics visit Lourdes

  • To go on a pilgrimage without having to travel abroad
  • To spend time in prayer with other Catholics
  • To make themselves more aware of their place in the Church, the community of believers