- Define Terms; Pilgrim, Pilgrimage, Shrine, Pilgrim Church
Pilgrim- Latin peregrinus, meaning ‘foreigner’ refers to a person who undertakes a pilgrimage or journey to a shrine or holy place. Holy separate for God.
Pilgrimage- Refers to that journey undertaken by a pilgrim for spiritual reasons to a holy place or shrine;pilgrimages are often motivated by the desire to fulfill a vow or promise, to express gratitude for a favor received, or to seek a particular grace or favor.
Shrine- Latin scrinium meaning a container for book or paper, refers to a place of worship, which is usually associated with a miraculous event (such as the apparition of a saint), a sacred object (such as relics of a saint), or a holy person (such as where a saint lived and worked. Shrines are often places of pilgrimage.
Shrines in the USA- there are approximately 121 (as of this printing) shrines and places of pilgrimage that reflect the requirements of the Code of Canon law: “The term shrine signifies a Church or other sacred place to which the faithful make pilgrimages for a particular pious reason, with the approval of the ordinary” (c1230)[1]
Pilgrim Church- This expression came into common use with Vatican II as a way of expressing the idea that all Christians are on pilgrimage toward the eschaton (heaven), just as the Chosen People were on a pilgrimage to the Promised Land (if homebound, refer to this idea)[2]
Church conscientious way of consecrating holy ground given to Church Militant, physical locations, more than a church a shrine, fulfill obligations or seek greater assistance from the church.
Long been known to travel to shrines.
Hylomorphic spirit & body, physical tangible, essential feature of her. Not just a collection of ideas.
People who cant travel, there is a loss, sacramental people outwards sign inward grace. To not move body to worship, psychology transition is important and is a loss if not able. Offer up as sacrifice, supply grace that not being able to move.
It helps us to displace body to change an interior recollection. Change of venue change of mental health. Church always recognize, body & spirit.
[1] Rev Msgr Anthony Czarnecki, Catholic Shrines and Places of Pilgrimage in the United States (USCC: Washington D.C. 1994) 2
[2] John T. Ford, CSC Glossary of Theological Terms, Essentials of Catholic Theology Series (St. Mary’s Press: Catholic University of America 2006) 144 & 173