priest

Blessing of Pilgrims 590 Whether in a traditional or a modern form, a pilgrimage to a holy place, to the tomb of a saint, or to a shrine should be regarded as having pastoral value. Pilgrimages are occasions for conversion, spiritual growth, and the advance of the apostolate. 591 The proper, that is, spiritual, character of the Christian pilgrimage must be carefully explained and inculcated ahead of time, so that the pilgrims will truly be "traveling heralds of Christ" (see endnote 24) and will experience fully the good effects of their pilgrimage. 592 For such pastoral purposes it will often be useful to arrange a special celebration for the blessing of the pilgrims at their departure or on their return. 593 When, instead, the celebration of Mass, the liturgy of the hours, or some other liturgical service is preferred as the beginning or end of a pilgrimage, the celebration may be concluded with a blessing of the pilgrims taken from the orders in this chapter. 594 T...