ABSTRACT
Pilgrimage is a phenomenon common to many faiths and found throughout history in many regions of the world (Coleman and Elsner, 1995). It may be defined as a journey to a sacred place that is intended to evoke a deep spiritual experience and enrich the person who undertakes it (Morinis, 1992; Turner and Turner, 1978). In numerous religious traditions, pilgrimages often concern the fulfillment of personal vows of penance and the search for hope in changing life circumstances. Although pilgrimage can be about individual spiritual needs, the majority of such journeys are undertaken collectively and occur within larger cultural frameworks, be they religious or political. In this respect, pilgrimages can simultaneously impact both individuals and communities.
