Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken for religious purposes to a sacred place — such as Rome, the Holy Land, or a Marian shrine — as an act of devotion, penance, or thanksgiving.
A Physical Act of Faith
Unlike an ordinary trip, a pilgrimage treats the journey itself as spiritually significant — the effort, prayer, and reflection along the way are part of the point, not just the destination.
Major Catholic Pilgrimage Sites
Popular destinations include Rome, the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, and countless smaller local shrines connected to particular saints or apparitions.
Related Saints
Related Prayers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Catholics have to go on a pilgrimage?
No — it isn't an obligation for most Catholics, though it's a long-encouraged devotional practice, and Jubilee Years often highlight pilgrimage in particular.
Can a pilgrimage be local?
Yes — a pilgrimage to a nearby shrine or cathedral, undertaken with the right spirit of prayer and intention, counts just as meaningfully as a journey overseas.