Pilgrimages: as early as the 4th century, faithful Christians began to make visits to the holy places, especially those sites connected with events in the life of Jesus.
Jerusalem was an important destination. Later, pilgrims began to visit Rome, to visit the shrines of Peter and Paul, and to view the many relics of the saints and martyrs that had been collected there. The pilgrims would venerate the remains of a saint, believing that spiritual or physical healing could result from such devotion. |