This notice shows that a place of pilgrimage is sacred; also how we should behave and act in such a place.
In the face of one's daily needs, responsibilities, and challenges those who are faced with difficulties, make a pilgrimage seeking for spiritual renewal and consolation. These journeys remind us of our pilgrimage to eternity. Also for those who wish for a renewal of life, this is an unique occasion through prayer.
The purpose of pilgrimages
To worship the one, true living God, as a family.
To offer thanks for graces received from God.
To place our spiritual and material needs before the Lord.
To visit places of pilgrimage.
To experience the mighty deeds of our Father in heaven.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu
During the persecution of the Church by the Dutch, the Catholics of Mannar had to face many difficulties. In the year 1670 A.D. about 20 devoted Catholic families left all their property and went to the Kandyan region which was under the Dutch authorities. They took with them on their journey a miraculous statue of our Lady which was kept in a Church in “Maanthai”. Arriving at a village known as ' Maradha Madhu' they spent their time there in faith and prayer. Among about 700 people who had fled to Jaffna was a young lady known as Helena. She worked in the Kandyan king's office and got married to the Chief Officer there. With his help she built a Church consecrated to our Lady of Madhu in the Marada Madhu village.
Later, with the aid of the Oratorian Bishops and Rev. Fathers of the Congregation of St. Joseph Vaz the Madhu Shrine which we see today was built.
The Shrine of St. Anne at Talawila
During the latter half of the 18th century, a ship belonging to the European merchants, sank off the shores of Talawila. A statue of St. Anne had been in that ship. The people in that ship had prayed to St. Anne to save their lives. When they arrived on shore, deprived of all their belongings, they had no shelter except a Nuga tree. The merchant installed the statue in a hollow of the tree. Before leaving the place, the merchant made a vow to St. Anne. That is, if his trade was a success he would return nd build a shrine dedicated to St. Anne. Then he arrived in Galle and his business was successful. He returned to the place and built a Church there. The Church has developed into what we see today because of the miracles that have been worked through her intercession.
The Basilica of our Lady of Lanka
During World War 11, bombs were dropped in Colombo and Trincomalee by the Japanese. Archbishop John Mary Masson OMI who was the then Archbishop of Colombo made a vow at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes beside the small Church at Tewatte. He would erect a Basilica at Tewatte if our Lady saved our country from this dangerous situation. As the country was saved from the ravages of war, this vow was fulfilled by Archbishop Thomas Cardinal Cooray, in his name after obtaining permission from the Holy See a Basilica consecrated to Our Lady of Lanka was built at Tewatte.
The Church of Our Lady of Victory at Matara
Some fishermen at Weligama found a statue made of ashwood. It was the statue of “Our Lady of Victory of Matara.” It was 26 inches long. The staue was like Our Lady Queen of Heaven. They handed it over to the parish priest of Matara Church. It was found out that the statue was more than 400 years old. In 2004 this statue was washed away by the Tsunami. But it was recovered. Many miracles took place because of this statue. The feast is celebrated on the birthday of our Lady- September 8th. It is mentioned that the present Church was erected by Rev. Fr. A. Closet SJ in 1907.
The Holy Land
The country where Jesus was born, where he carried out His mission, where He suffered and died is referred to as the Holy Land. It is a place of pilgrimage for the Christians.
Padua
The relics of St. Antony of the Franciscans are interred in the Basilica at Padua in Italy. The Saint's tongue is found intact due to the fact that he always spoke the truth when he was sharing the Word of God.
The relic of the tongue which has not decayed is placed in a casket and kept on the altar. His chin, lower jaw,the clothes that he used, his coffin are all preserved and kept for seeing and venerating by the people. Many devotees visit the shrine of St. Antony at Padua with faith and for favours.
Goa
St. Francis Xavier's undecayed body is preserved in the “Bomb Jesus” basilica in Goa, Many go there to see and also for a spiritual renewal. Another reason why it is popular is because it is the birth place of St. Joseph vaz. We can see that there are many places of pilgrimage in other countries. When we visit these places we must do so with awe and reverence in order to receive graces and blessings. It is also our responsiblity.
