Pielgrzymowanie drogą nawrócenia

Abstract

Development of the pilgrimage movement in the Roman-Catholic Church is connected, among others, with John Paul II’s numerous apostolic journeys. It is estimated that a total of over 220 million people a year take part in pilgrimages; and about 150 million of them (nearly 70%) are Christians. It is thought that in Europe alone about 30 million Christians, most of them Catholics, devote their vacations to making pilgrimages. Pilgrimages are a living image of the Church going on a pilgrimage to God the Father's home, and a particular expression of searching for God's presence. The target of pilgrimages are places, in which God grants his grace to people, and people experience the sacrum. It is just this aim that distinguishes pilgrims from travelers and tourists. Pilgrimage is also the image of the way of conversion and often it actually becomes such a way for the pilgrim. Going to a sanctuary a pilgrim covers the way from realizing his own sin and the bonds imposed on him by illusive and useless things, to achieving inner freedom and a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. The pilgrimage movement that is dynamically developing at present, is a certain opportunity of enlivening the Church’s salutary activities. However, it sets requirements to both the very pilgrims and priests who organize pilgrimages and offer service in the sanctuaries. A pilgrimage achieves its aim when it helps a man to experience God's presence, helps him to be converted and to live according to the requirements of evangelic love.