1.4.3 Christianity - Festivals & Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage in Christianity

Notable Christian Pilgrimage Sites:

• Lourdes: Located in France, Lourdes is renowned for its healing waters. In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous reported visions of the Virgin Mary and subsequent healings in the waters. Bernadette was canonised as a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1933. Pilgrims often take Lourdes water home, and many claim to have experienced healings.
• Iona: A tranquil island in Scotland, Iona is famous for its monastery established by the monk Columba. Pilgrims visit Iona to study the Bible and pray, often finding spiritual growth and personal insight. This reflection can help them face life's challenges more effectively upon returning home.

Criticisms of Pilgrimage:

• Some Christians argue that money spent on pilgrimages could be better used to help those in need.
• Lourdes is often overcrowded and commercialised, with numerous souvenir shops selling items like Virgin Mary statues.
• Some believe that the spiritual benefits of pilgrimage, such as those experienced at Iona, can also be achieved through prayer at home.

Key Christian Festivals

Christmas:

• Celebration: Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It does not correspond to Jesus' actual birth date, with different denominations celebrating on different dates. Protestants and Catholics observe Christmas on 25th December, while Orthodox Christians celebrate on 6th January.

• UK Celebrations: Christmas is both a religious and secular holiday in the UK. Church services with carols are held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The holiday is marked by parties, food, and gifts, celebrated by Christians, non-religious people, and those of other faiths.
  • Charitable Activities: Churches often run events to support those in need during Christmas, such as providing food and temporary shelter, reflecting the season's message of love and peace.

Easter:

Holy Week: The week before Easter Sunday, known as Holy Week, includes several significant observances:

Celebration

• Palm Sunday: Celebrates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where people welcomed him with palm branches. Palm crosses are distributed in churches to symbolise this event.
• Maundy Thursday: Marks the Last Supper and Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. It begins a period of reflection for Christians.
• Good Friday: Commemorates Jesus' crucifixion and death. Traditionally, some Christians fast or end their Lent fast with hot cross buns. Many churches hold afternoon services at 3pm, the time Jesus is believed to have died. Some Catholics participate in the Stations of the Cross, re-enacting Jesus' final journey.
• Easter Sunday: Celebrates Jesus' resurrection. Churches may hold vigils on Saturday evening followed by services on Sunday. It is a day of joy for Christians, who exchange cards and, in the UK, chocolate Easter eggs symbolising new life. These eggs also remind some Christians of the boulder that rolled away from Jesus' tomb. People of other faiths and non-religious individuals also enjoy giving and receiving chocolate eggs.

Exam Practise:

"Christmas is the most important Christian celebration"