Admin Why do Christians go on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral?
Soon after the death of Thomas Becket, Pope Alexander canonised him and the murdered priest was elevated to sainthood. Becket’s shrine at Canterbury now became the most important place in the country for pilgrims to visit. The monks were afraid that Becket’s body might be stolen. …
What was the purpose of a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a sacred journey, undertaken for a spiritual purpose. Pilgrims are different from tourists: they travel for spiritual reasons, not just to relax or for fun. Pilgrimage is a search for meaning, purpose, values or truth (and in this sense, like life).
What is the importance of pilgrimage for Christians?
Purposes of pilgrimage feel connected to the worldwide community of Christians, and to meet Christians from different denominations. learn more about and feel connected to the history of Christianity. see sites where miracles happened and receive special blessings.
Why is St Davids Cathedral a place of pilgrimage?
When St David died, his remains were kept at St Davids Cathedral. In the 12th century, Pope Calixtus II declared it a place of pilgrimage. Christians believed the closer they could get to a saint, the closer they would be to God. It became a popular place of pilgrimage.
How did these cathedrals encourage pilgrimage?
Romanesque churches also introduced side chapels for pilgrims, which gave the churches new, elaborate layouts. To attract pilgrims, churches tried to obtain sacred artifacts or relics, and displayed them in elaborate reliquaries.
Why Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage for some Christians?
Nature and importance. Lourdes is considered a special place to visit because prayers and services are believed to bring real blessings to the pilgrim. Pilgrims may visit to be cleansed of their sins and to be cured of their illnesses. It is believed that spring water from the grotto can heal people if they are sick.
What are the benefits of a pilgrimage?
Through worship, celebrations, and rituals, pilgrimage provides believers with a spiritual experience, satisfying their need for physical health, mindfulness, spiritual experience, socialization, and connectedness to nature, and thus may be regarded as a form of spiritual well-being tourism.
What happened at Canterbury Cathedral?
Archbishop Thomas Becket is brutally murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights of King Henry II of England, apparently on orders of the king.