Z teologii pielgrzymowania i pielgrzymki

Popular forms of piety play an important role among religious Christian practices, taking many forms depending on the time, place, culture and faith of a given community described in the „Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy”. Pilgrimages constituting an essential part of these forms of piety, were already described in the Old Testament and have been often practiced in Christianity. The Christian pilgrimage is expressed in a personal or group visit, usually on foot, to a sanctuary or other holy place to participate in the liturgy and practices of piety there, asking for God’s protection, giving thanks for the received graces and living one’s faith in the community of the Church. A spiritual pilgrimage is also possible, i.e. by connecting spiritually, e.g. through the media, with pilgrimage places and groups. The article discusses the types of pilgrimages, their spiritual nature, emphasizing the importance of pilgrimage in the practice of the Christian life. The Church appreciates the significance of pilgrimages,  because they reflect her nature as pilgrim people, and pastoral theology indicates the need for the solid preparation of pilgrimages, celebrating the Holy Mass during the pilgrimage enabling a common and personal prayer.