Pilgrimage

• Pilgrimage- a journey to a place of religious significance. It’s both a spiritual and physical journey.
• judaism - western walls
• Hinduism - River Ganges
• Buddhism- Bodh Gaya
• Knock - Mayo

  • Wet night in August 1879, fifteen people saw a vision outside the parish church.
  • The three people of the vision were Mary, St. Joseph and St. John. Beside them was an altar with a cross and a lamb surrounded by angels.
  • The group stood for two hours in the rain looking at the vision and praying the Rosary together
  • Pray in front of the shrine
  • Visit the blessed sacrament chapel
  • Go to confession
  • Attend Mass
  • Pray the stations of the Cross
  • Walk around the church, pray the Rosary.
• Co. Mayo

  Croagh Patrick holds importance For the Catholic community because this place of pilgrimage was where our patron saint Saint Patrick climbed,fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights. Communities of faith climb this mountain on pilgrimage Sunday to follow the footsteps of Saint Patrick. On this day they also go to confession and attend Mass on the mountain top. During this pilgrimage pilgrims say seven our fathers,seven hail Mary’s and Creed. Our patron saint plays a huge role as to why this place of pilgrimage is important.
• Lough Derg - it is an important place of pilgrimage because this island was visited by our patron saint, Saint Patrick. Pilgrims that visit here cross to the island by boat and stay there for three days fasting and praying. They participate in prayers around Large circles (penitential beds) barefooted. Many pilgrims complete 9 stations on their stay on the island. Many pilgrims attend mass and receive the Eucharist. Pilgrims also receive the sacrament of reconciliation here. Pilgrims centre their attention of praying the rosary.
• Why to people go in pilgrimages

  • To pray for themselves, family and friends.
  • To thank God for a particular blessing.
  • To seek God’s forgiveness for a sin.
  • To strengthen their faith in God.
  • To celebrate a religious festival.
  • To ask God for help making a decision. 
• Mecca - The pilgrimage to Mecca is the fifth pillar of Islam. When Muslims arrive in Mecca they wash themselves and wear white robes to show that everyone is equal before God. They also walk around the ka’ba Seven times. Muslims believe that a stone from heaven is kept here. Pilgrims walk seven times between two hills of Safa and Marwa. They then travel outside Mecca to the plain of Arafat to atone from their sins. Muhammad gave his last sermon here. Lastly they throw stones at the 3 pillars in Mina like when Abraham threw stones at the devil when he was sacrificing Ishmael.