What are the difference between going Lourdes as a tourist or going as a pilgrim?

Answer 1

A pilgrim is a dedicated follower of a religion, who has set out on a religiously motivated journey, or pilgrimage, usually traveling to a sacred monument or place within their religion. A tourist is someone who travels to an area to, for example, view the landmarks and sights, and possibly sample the lifestyle of the people of the country he has traveled to. In short, Pilgrim - Religion, Tourist - Recreation.

Answer 2

3rd June 2009 The essential difference between going to Lourdes as a tourist or as pilgrim is intention. When one visits a place as a tourist it is for the purpose of looking at buildings, enjoying good weather and having a good time; the focus is on the tourist having fun. A person who goes to Lourdes (or indeed any sacred place) does so for a variety of spiritual reasons: seek guidance from God, draw closer to God, give thanks for a blessing, spend an extended time in prayer, seek forgiveness for sins, visit place considered sacred for some reason, be with people who share the same faith. Lourdes has an added dimension in that people also go there to help the sick or to seek healing from some (not necessarily physical) illness. Lourdes is a place where those who are ill are treated with great honour and respect; they are supposed to always have priority on the street and in cafes. Unlike a holiday, the focus of a pilgrim is the journey to draw closer to God in some way. (Please see related links)

Answer 3

I guess one way of defining the difference is to say that a tourist would be somebody who goes on holiday and stays in one place however a traveller may go from country to country. Dunno how to go in depth really though

Answer 4

Going to Lourdes as a tourist typically involves visiting the religious sites and exploring the town for leisure or educational purposes. Going as a pilgrim involves participating in religious rituals and activities, such as attending mass, receiving blessings, and praying for healing or spiritual guidance. The experience as a pilgrim is usually more focused on faith, reflection, and connecting with the spiritual aspects of Lourdes.

Answer 5

a pilgrim goes somewhere to focus their time on God however a tourist goes some where as a holiday or to look around and find things out.