What is a Pilgrimage - 206 Tours Catholic Pilgrimages

What is a Pilgrimage?

A Catholic Pilgrimage differs from a tour or a vacation in many significant ways. It is a personal invitation from God to encounter Him more deeply by visiting holy sites connected to Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and sacred tradition. A pilgrimage is an invitation from God to embark on a spiritual journey in order to draw close to Him.

In previous centuries, embarking on a Pilgrimage meant undergoing many discomforts and trials. In today’s world, modern pilgrims have an abundance of affordable and comfortable travel options, yet the purpose remains unchanged. It is a journey to a holy place to usher the pilgrim into the presence of God.

The pilgrim must embark on this faith-based journey with joyful anticipation, being willing to temporarily separate themselves from the world and devote themselves entirely to the Lord. A successful Pilgrimage involves a commitment to set aside one’s worldly cares and focus on growing in holiness. By quieting our hearts, we can cultivate a desire for all the graces God wants to give us and then return home transformed and renewed by the abundant blessings received.

Ask God to bless you with a heart that will be receptive to the treasure chest of graces He desires to shower upon your Pilgrimage. The success of your spiritual journey will depend on your openness to grace, faith, flexibility, and charity towards all those God brings into your path.

History of Pilgrimages

Since the beginning of humanity, God has spoken to His saints and prophets through visions, dreams, and promptings of the heart. Miraculous events are common occurrences in the Old and New Testaments, as well as the lives of the saints. There are many examples, both biblically and historically, of God calling the faithful to embark on spiritual journeys. God’s request that His servants travel on Pilgrimages is first mentioned in Genesis when Abraham left for Canaan. Jacob also received a similar request from God, and so did the Jewish people when they were called out of Egypt. After Solomon, the Israelites were required to make a journey to the Temple in Jerusalem at least once a year. Fulfilling the law, even the Holy Family made this annual journey as recalled in Luke 2:41-47. In each of these examples, God called these men and women to set out on a journey in faith to grow in holiness and draw closer to Him.

Pilgrimages are as old as civilization. Since ancient times, such journeys have been undertaken as acts of devotion, penance, or thanksgiving in search of blessings or miracles. The concept of a Pilgrimage crosses all ideological and religious boundaries. For example, Muslim law prescribes a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the site of Muhammad’s birth, for all those who are faithful and able. Hindus are obliged to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Christian pilgrims travel great distances to venerate places in the Holy Land which have been sanctified by the presence of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Apostles.

Pilgrimages gained popularity in the 4th century after Emperor Constantine I converted to Christianity. He legalized the Catholic faith throughout the Roman Empire and made it a priority to recover important sacred Christian relics and artifacts. He and his mother, St. Helena, became the most influential pilgrims due to their efforts in locating Christ’s tomb, the Holy Sepulchre, and the True Cross, among other relics. Word spread of their findings, and by the end of the 4th century, even though travel was often perilous, Pilgrimages to the Holy Land became common.

As Rome became the center of the Christian faith, it became a popular Pilgrimage destination, alongside Greece and Egypt, where Pilgrims could follow in the footsteps of the Apostles. By the Middle Ages, Churches and Cathedrals throughout Europe housed relics of the Holy Family, the Apostles, and early Saints. These local holy sites made the practice of Pilgrimages even more popular as they became a significant part of Christian devotional life.

The practice of Pilgrimages continues to this day as the faithful seek to escape the hectic pace of daily life and pursue God more intentionally. In our modern world today, miracles continue to take place. In the past century alone, there have been numerous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Lord, such as in Medjugorje. Our Blessed Mother has continued to call humanity back to prayer, repentance, conversion, peace, and a renewed devotion to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. Our Lady’s messages implore a return to her Son as she lovingly reminds us of the endless mercy and love which God makes available to all.

The Connection Between Relics and Pilgrimages

Relics play a very important role in Catholic Pilgrimages, as people travel great distances to venerate them. There are several types of relics. First-class relics are items that played a role in the life of Jesus Christ and are the most holy relics in the world. The remains of a saint, also referred to as corporeal relics, are also first-class relics and are often entombed in a shrine. Second-class relics are typically a personal belonging of a saint or holy person, usually clothing.

Examples of Relics of the Holy Family:

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris enshrines part of the Crown of Thorns, wood from the cross on which Jesus died, and a nail from the Crucifixion.
The Sanctum Sanctorum Chapel in Rome houses relics of the True Cross, Christ’s sandals, and a portrait of Christ that was “not painted by mortal hand”.
In Aachen, Germany, you can find the swaddling clothes of the Infant Jesus and a cloak which belonged to the Virgin Mary.
The Shroud of Turin, Christ’s burial cloth, is housed in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy.

Examples of Corporeal Relics:

Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain is the burial place of the remains of St. James the Apostle. This Pilgrimage is commonly called walking “the Way of St. James” or “El Camino”.
The heart of St. Vincent de Paul resides in a reliquary in the altar of his Shrine in Paris, which is the mother house of the Sisters of Charity.

Shrines Dedicated to Our Lady

Shrines dedicated to Our Lady are visited by millions of Catholics each year. Many of the Shrines have been built to venerate approved Marian apparitions. A few of the most famous Marian Shrines are Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland (also known as the Black Madonna), the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of La Salette in France, Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal, Our Lady of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Our Lady of Knock in Ireland.

Why Should You Travel on a Pilgrimage?

Here are just a few of the many reasons why people decide to travel on a Pilgrimage:

in thanksgiving for the blessings in their life
to pray for a special intention
to increase faith
to practice prayer
to practice fasting
to learn to let go and give their problems to God
to pray for healing
to hear what the Holy Spirit may say
to visit Holy places
experience diverse cultures
to escort a loved one
to travel with a specific leader, prayer group, church, or youth group
to get to know and travel with like-minded people

A pilgrim goes because he feels called to deepen his faith and connection to God. Each of us is seeking peace, but we can only find peace once we have God in our hearts. Many pilgrims find that by separating themselves from their daily lives and embarking on a Pilgrimage, they find God and find peace. They return home with renewed faith and are transformed forever.

By traveling on a Pilgrimage, you will feel better equipped to handle the crosses and blessings God gives you. Everything is put into perspective when you have God at the center of your life, and Pilgrimages are the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Why Travel with 206 Tours?

206 Tours is the most respected Catholic Pilgrimage tour operator, providing faith-based travel to the world’s holiest sites. Since 1985, we have served hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

What sets us apart is that every 206 Tours Pilgrimage is accompanied by a dedicated Spiritual Director who is available for daily Mass, Rosary, and Confession. Our local, professional guides are the best in the business as they share the spiritual and historical significance of every site. We are blessed to have Pilgrimages led by renowned spiritual leaders, including Dr. Scott Hahn, Matthew Leonard, Fr. Donald Calloway, and more. We also operate regularly scheduled Pilgrimages throughout the year with over 300 unique itineraries.

Here is a map showing the many locations where we travel:

206 Tours’ Commitment to Excellence

When you travel with 206 Tours, you are choosing the best in the business. Since 1985, 206 Tours has been the leader in Catholic Pilgrimages, serving hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. We are committed to doing all we can to ensure that your Pilgrimage will be comfortable, safe, seamless, and deeply spiritual. Our professional team will be available to help you every step of the way and handle every detail so that you can fully enjoy your experience. We have received thousands of client letters from our pilgrims and group leaders sharing why they love 206 Tours. Travel with 206 Tours and see why our clients continue to book with us again and again!

Considering a Family Pilgrimage?

We welcome pilgrims of all ages to join our Pilgrimages. A Catholic Pilgrimage is a powerful and memorable experience for everyone, including children. They will be able to experience new cultures, deepen their faith, become inspired by the lives of the saints, and grow as individuals. Create meaningful memories for your children and watch their faith come alive as they witness the universal Church, all while becoming closer as a family.

Why Should You Invest in a Pilgrimage?

Each of us only has one opportunity to live the life that God has given us. Travel is such an essential part of that experience. St. Augustine once said, “Life is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” How many of us have taken the time and resources to invest in our spiritual life? If Heaven is our goal, the most important thing we can invest in is our relationship with God. A Pilgrimage is one of the best ways you can grow in faith and love for the Lord, so the experience is truly priceless. 206 Tours offers hundreds of departures with varying travel dates and price points, so you can choose the tour that best suits your needs. We also offer several sales and discounts throughout the year so that you can save on your next Pilgrimage.

Travel for Free, Become a Group Leader!

Do you love traveling on Pilgrimages? Become a Group Leader with 206 Tours and enjoy faith-based travel for free!

When you organize a Pilgrimage, the more pilgrims you bring with you, the more incentives you will receive. You will also have the opportunity to earn commission on your tours, all while helping others grow in their faith.

206 Tours will assist you with all the necessary promotions, including a custom webpage, flyers, and social media promotions. Learn more about how you can become a Group Leader by emailing: groups@206tours.com

You can choose an itinerary from our Pilgrimage Directory or work with our team to create your own custom itinerary. A group pilgrimage is the perfect opportunity for a parish, prayer group, university, or any group looking to deepen their spiritual life together.

What Popes Have Said Regarding Pilgrimages:

“The places of Pilgrimage have marked a kind of geography of faith in our country, that is, they make visible, almost tangible, how our forefathers encountered the living God, how He did not withdraw after creation or after the time of Jesus Christ, but is always present and works in them so that they were able to experience Him, follow in his footsteps, and see him in the works He performed. Yes, He is there, and He is still there today. It is from this inner encounter with the Lord that there originated the places and images of Pilgrimage in which we, so to speak, can participate in what they saw, in what their faith provided for them.” – Pope Benedict XVI

“A Pilgrimage is not the same as a Vacation… Making a Pilgrimage to shrines is one of the most eloquent expressions of the faith of God’s people…It would be a mistake to think that those who go on a pilgrimage live a spirituality that is not personal but rather of the masses. The reality is that the pilgrim carries within him his history and faith and the lights and shadows of his own life. Each person carries within his or her heart a special wish and a particular prayer. Those who enter the shrine immediately feel they are at home, welcomed, understood, and supported” – Pope Francis

“Pilgrimages are vital for a Christian’s life of faith.” – Pope Leo XIV