Reducing the Value of Pilgrimage for a Christian through Commercialization

Reducing the Value of Pilgrimage for a Christian through Commercialization

Places of pilgrimage tend to be very commercialized these days. This

is bound to reduce the value of pilgrimage for a Christian. In

Christians view they believe that doing business in the places of

pilgrimage is wrong because it creates the wrong atmosphere and gives

the wrong impression to the pilgrims. As we know, pilgrimage is not

about spending money on souvenirs. Many people go on pilgrimage to

show that they love God and also to show the loyalty they have for

God. But, there are some people who reduce the value of pilgrimage for

a Christian. They do this by doing business in places of pilgrimage.

Some people might think it is alright to do so. Once Jesus threw the

money lenders out of the temple (Jn 2:13-17) for turning a place of

God into a ‘market place’. Even Jesus at that time showed that he

hates people doing business in a holy place because it takes away the

true meaning of being there.

Other people do not think that the places of pilgrimage have become

too commercialized or that this takes away the true meaning of being

there. Because some souvenirs are appropriate reminders of the

pilgrimage for example rosary, souvenirs may improve someone’s

experience of pilgrimage. In most places, tourism is kept separate

from Holy areas. For example in Lourdes there is no trading inside the

domain. There are people who do business over there which are good for

the pilgrims because it attracts more people to spend time at the

site. This may lead them to understand the religious meaning of the

place as the time goes on. Some people might think it is good to have

souvenirs on particular things such as candles, rosaries, Bibles and

etc. this type of souvenir is an advantage to have for some Christians

and it does not take away the true meaning of being in places of

pilgrimage.

However, my recommendation after looking at both sides is that I do