Pilgrimages, Sanctuaries, Icons, Apparitions: An Historical and Scriptural Account

by René Laurentin

Certain aspects of the Christian faith go back far beyond the coming of the Messiah and are, in fact, evident inn the books of the Old Testament. Such is the case with pilgrimages, sanctuaries, icons, and apparitions. They can be found in the earliest civilizations as foundations of mankind's search for God. Fr. Rene Laurentin, noted theologian and author of over 100 books, provides some interesting facts and insights concerning these four pillars of the faith. More importantly, he is able to link pilgrimages, sanctuaries, icons and apparitions to specific passages in the Bible. The Old and New Testaments are thus further linked together through these tangible components and signs used by Christians over so many centuries. What importance do these four phenomena play in our faith, and what meaning do they convey? Is there too much emphasis placed on these beliefs? Is there anything of idolatry connected with them? If so, it would appear Jesus and Mary were guilty. Pilgrimage was a major part of their lives, as were temples. Icons were part of their religious identities, and both were the recipient of apparitions and visions. We believe this book, in addition to being an excellent educational tool, gives evidence to the fact that we can all use as much help as we can muster up on our own pilgrimage - the lifelong one that ultimately leads us to our Creator.

103 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

About the author

Father René Laurentin was a French theologian. He is widely recognized as an expert in the field of Mariology and is the author of numerous books and scholarly articles on topics including Marian apparitions such as Lourdes and Medjugorje; visionaries and mystics including Bernadette Soubirous, Thérèse de Lisieux, Catherine Labouré, and Yvonne Aimée de Malestroit; as well as biblical exegesis, theology, and Vatican II.