Pilgrimages

• History behind Lourdes

  • On 11th February 1858, St Bernadette saw a vision of Virgin Mary in a cave
  • She was told to drink from the water to cure her respiratory problems and she was miraculously cured
  • She was interviewed many times and it was concluded that her experience was genuine
  • She was visited by Virgin Mary eighteen times
• How is Lourdes remembered

  • It is visited by six million people each year
  • Many people drink the holy water and some people bathe in it
  • Services and Masses are held there
  • The water is believed to have healing abilities
• History behind Iona

  • St Columba, and Irish monk, built the first monastery off the west coast of Scotland in 563 CE
  • The monks from is monastery went out and converted pagans to Christianity
  • The Book of Kells, and illuminated book of the gospels, was produced there
• How is Iona remembered

  • Church and school groups go and complete activity weeks and workshops
  • They walk around the island, singing hymns
• Catholic views on pilgramges

  • Enables time to be taken out from secular everyday life
  • Offers opportunity for spiritual growth
  • Gives inspiration to live lives that reflect the ways of Jesus
• Protestant views on pilgramges

  • Costly and shows poor stewardship
  • Unnecessary as spiritual growth can be achieved through regular attendance at church
  • Any spiritual motivation may wear off when everyday life kicks in