What do Mormons do on a pilgrimage?

Answer 1

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) do not do pilgrimages as some other religions do. Some practices of Mormons may be compared to a pilgrimage, but Mormons do not see them as the same thing.

For example, members of the Church are encouraged to visit a Temple at least once in their lifetime (Temples are different than churches and provide only special ceremonies rather than weekly worship). For most, a trip to the temple is not a major sacrifice, but for those living in areas where there are very few Mormons, they may have to travel very far distances to attend, perhaps taking years to save enough money to go. On a temple trip, Mormons participate in special religious ceremonies that are only available in temples.

Also, many Mormons who can afford to travel to Salt Lake City (the headquarters of the Church) choose to do so. This is certainly not a requirement or even something that is suggested, but many want to see the historic sites of the church and to see the top church leaders preach in person.

Historically (prior to World War I) Mormon converts were encouraged to 'gather with the saints' - that is, to move to wherever church headquarters was located. This was to strengthen the church and was almost necessary at that time when long-distance communication was difficult and Mormons were few and far between. Now that communication is simple and there are strong congregations of Mormons all around the world, Mormons are encouraged to build up the church wherever they are rather than gathering to any one place.