What is the Catholic theology behind making holy pilgrimages?
A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred shrine, holy site, or cathedral (such as Jerusalem, Rome, Lourdes, Fatima, or local shrines) undertaken with prayerful and penitential purpose. In Catholic spirituality, a pilgrimage is a vivid physical reminder that the Christian's entire earthly existence is a pilgrimage toward our heavenly homeland. Stepping out of daily routine, enduring physical exertion, and seeking sacramental renewal at shrines disposes the pilgrim to receive special healing, conversion, and graces of renewal.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1674
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2691
- Psalm 84:5-7
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.