by Raphy Mendoza

Created on: March 25, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

A Christian Pilgrimage is often an individual journey ending on a certain special place where events have happened. Such events may be the burial of a saint who is significant to that pilgrim, visions of Christian saints, and events of miracles. The meaning and purpose of each journey or perhaps destination varies from every pilgrim, some may share similar feelings about it, but often, each is different from the other; pilgrimage is often a very personal thing.

There are many Pilgrimages marked my Christians all over the world, all of which have their own unique remembrances of Jesus Christ and other things related to Him. Some of the most famous destinations include the Grotto in Lourdes, France, the journey to The Holy Land (Israel) which also visits Bethlehem, Jerusalem and other places where such events have occurred. One of the most renowned and oldest of these pilgrimages is St. James' Cathedral in Spain, also recognised by its Spanish name "El Camino de Santiago Compostela". Santiago is marked as a major pilgrimage because it's been known that the remains of St. James (one of Jesus Christ's apostles) were buried in the Santiago Cathedral.
Like most pilgrimages, Santiago has its very own properties which are often the specific reason people go there. For example, Lourdes is renowned for its stream's healing properties and Bernadette's visions of "The Lady" there. Many pilgrims visit Lourdes for this reason, to receive healing from Mary. Santiago is considered to be one of the three major pilgrimages known for its power to forgive the pilgrim's sins. Jerusalem and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome are also marked by pilgrims for similar properties.

A pilgrim is expected to walk atleast 100 km (about 60 miles or so), or to cycle at least 200 km before they receive their "Compostela". This is a certificate stating that the pilgrim has completed his or her mileage. Before the pilgrims begin their walk, they carry with them what is known as a "Pilgrim's Passport" which record's the pilgrim's path; this document is stamped by a church or any other stop that is significant to the pilgrim's journey to mark that event and record his path. The pass also distinguishes a pilgrim from a mere tourist which gives the pilgrim an easier and much cheaper access to basic accommodation throughout his or her journey.
Throughout the pilgrim's journey, he makes his way towards Santiago and through several remarkable stops such as The Gothic Cathedral, located in Pamplona where most

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