Nabożeństwa rozpoczęcia i zakończenia pielgrzymki w agendach liturgicznych

Services opening and closing pilgrimages on liturgical agendas

Summary: This article presents the theological and liturgical aspects of religious services held at the beginning and at the end of pilgrimages, which are most frequently used by parish priests as part of liturgical practices. The purpose of a pilgrimage is reflected in the service liturgy. Prayerful petitions to God's help are voiced during and after the pilgrimage to remind the faithful that they should incessantly be in a state of thanksgiving prayer to God. A service at the beginning of the pilgrimage reminds the faithful that they have embarked on a journey. The aim of this journey is to obtain graces that strengthen their faith, bring about spiritual renewal and zealous acts of mercy. Prayers encourage the pilgrims to entrust their own personal concerns, as well as affairs of their communities, families, parishes, the Church and the world, with the Most Holy Trinity. Effort put into the pilgrimage in the course of which the faithful journey to places chosen by God, is an expression of their love for God Almighty and the Church. The blessing given at the beginning of a service shows the pilgrim's attitude towards those who permanently reside close to the sanctuaries. The faithful can give a testimony of their faith, hope and love. Throughout their journey to various shrines and spending time there in prayer, pilgrims are an image of the People of God, travelling to His house. God's help is certainly needed to fulfil these goals. The services show how God always leads His people to salvation. Biblical readings chosen for these services present the Son of God always following the Will of God and thus fulfilling His mission of salvation. Christians should follow Christ's footsteps, which will protect them from deviating from the right path. During the pilgrimage everyone shows their gratitude to God for His greatness. Therefore pilgrims learn to see His goodness every day and to thank Him for every moment of their lives. The pilgrims also learn to live according to the Truth. Graces they obtain from the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, oblige them to fulfil their duties as Christians with greater zeal. The article presents services held during the pilgrimage which are attended in order to make the pilgrims understand that their journey to meet God and their meeting with Him is not only a religious practice and an experience of a union with the Holy Trinity. It is the very essence of their daily life.

Peregrinus Cracoviensis, 2008, z. 19, s. 21-33.

Instytut Geografii i Gospodarki Przestrzennej UJ

ISSN 1425-1922

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