What is the difference between a pilgrimage and just visiting?

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victrolatim

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What constitutes a pilgrimage as opposed to just visiting a sacred site?

I often will go out of my way to visit a church I have never been before, with the intent of staying for Mass, praying and praying my rosary along the way. Technically am I making a “pilgrimage” to said church or does the site have to be a special dedicated shrine?
 
If you visit a place of pilgrimage then you ARE a pilgrim.

Further if you are praying and reflecting on the mystery of GOD as you stated in your post you ARE fulfilling the requirement of pilgrimage.
We do not as tourists the primary focus of the trip is to visit a place that has some impact on our Catholic faith.
But a pilgrimage can also be an opportunity to expand our horizon, taste new food, meet new people and forge new friendships and most important grow our spiritual life.

…
 
Pilgrimage != tourism, but the two are easily combined.

If your objectives are “spiritual” in nature, that would make your journey a pilgrimage, even if in a place not normally associated with pilgrims. Conversely, it is fully possible to visit a pilgrimage point (especially a world-class one) solely as part of a tourist itinerary.

But it is fully possible to do both!

ICXC NIKA
 
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